United Way of Porter County’s Power of Youth Council recently awarded Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County $2,500 to expand its photography and digital arts programs. The funds were used to purchase digital cameras and equipment which will be utilized to expand the ImageMakers photography program and Club Tech program at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County-South Haven Club. The equipment will also be used to launch these programs at clubs in Valparaiso, Portage and Duneland. The grant was made possible through the Power of Youth’s partnership with Best Buy of Valparaiso.
Members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County-South Haven Club have garnered Regional and National Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) awards from entering their photography and video projects in BGCA Digital Arts Festivals and ImageMakers Photography contests. Club Tech and ImageMakers programs are staff and volunteer guided and offered to members ages 10-18. The grant from the Power of Youth Council will allow more Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County members to have the opportunity to learn about self-expression and build self-esteem by developing their talent and interest in photography and digital arts.
“The Power of Youth members debated long and hard about what programs they would fund this year, but their contribution to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County was unanimous,” said Mackenna Dickt, Volunteer Coordinator for United Way of Porter County. “They especially enjoyed meeting the kids in the ImageMakers and Club Tech programs and knowing that this support will keep members engaged and help build self-esteem in our youth.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County has been serving youth for 40 years. The Clubs provide programs for nearly 5,000 boys and girls in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, the arts and sports, fitness and recreation.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County offers a wide variety of summer camps and programs. For more information on membership, volunteer opportunities or to make a tax deductible donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County, please contact your local Club, call (219) 464-7282 or visit www.bgcpoco.org. Great Futures Start HERE.
