Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County

To better acquaint our members and the greater community with our grantees, we are highlighting some of the nonprofit organizations that have received WGC grant funds. This quarter, we reached out to Lara Stine, Director of Operations for the Boys and GIrls Club of Frederick County. This organization is a repeat WGC grantee and we are happy to support reliable childcare options for working women in our community.

Please introduce yourself. What is your role at your organization and how long have you been with the organization.

Hi, my name is Lara Stine, Director of Operations for Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County. I have been with the organization for almost 3 years.

What is the mission of the organization, and what personally moves you about that mission?

The mission of Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County is to enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as responsible, productive, caring citizens. The mission for myself means so much more. It also means reaching as many children in the community as possible, helping with emotional and social well-being. Giving them the opportunities that might not arise for them every day and expanding their experiences. As well as being an ear to listen to, a hand to hold and a voice for the members.

What are the most significant challenges that the organization is facing right now? What are the most significant challenges faced by the clients/populations that you serve?

As an organization right now, our toughest challenge is staffing. Due to the pandemic, we had to reduce the number of children in the building we could serve. Which then decreased the number of staff. Now that we are back up and running, hiring the number of staff needed has been a challenge.

The members' biggest challenge has been coming out of Covid and having a tough time socially and emotionally. Socializing more with their peers and using conflict resolution. Many parents and guardians have lost jobs, which affects their mental health and then affects the children.

What is the nature of the Giving Circle grant that you received in 2021, and what impact will it have on women and their dependents in Frederick?

The Women's Giving Circle grant helps serve many single mothers. Helping pay toward their child’s after care fees. The grant goes towards meals, staffing, transportation, and program supplies. Staffing also helps the members with their homework, as well as BGCFC’s programming. Giving their child the aftercare, they need, then gives the mother time for their own schooling to help them further their career, and job requirements they currently hold.

Do you have any specific “stories” that you can share with us that illustrate what you are doing in the community?

There are many stories to share that help show how Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County impacts the community. One that I can certainly share is a member who comes from a single-family home, lives in housing and has nowhere to go after school. His mother was looking for a job, along with having some mental health issues of her own. Having BGCFC as a place for her child to attend was beneficial not only for her child but for the mother to be able to work and take care of herself. The child’s academics improved, social skills and all-around behavior. Every day he looked forward to coming to the Club and being involved with the STEM program.

Is there anything further that members of the Giving Circle can do to help, in terms of volunteering, in-kind donations, etc?

BGCFC is always looking for energetic volunteers and mentors who would like to come in for programming with the children, or to just play a game and have conversation. Along with volunteers who may want to help at events or work in our gardens. If there is any interest in a job opportunity or volunteering please reach out.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you!