Rep. Byron Donalds learns about mission, expansion plans in tour of Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County
The Floridant/10179377

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Floridant -- U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds toured several Boys & Girls Clubs locations in Fort Myers to learn about the nonprofit's mission and expansion plans in Lee County.

Congressman Donalds (R–Naples) said he wanted to an opportunity to learn more about how the Boys & Girls Club is changing lives for area children and teenagers. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County's mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Programs focus on five core areas: education and career, service and leadership, health and wellness, the arts, and sports and recreation.

"Obviously, being there for kids who need after-school services, like I did when I was growing up, is essential to their development," Donalds said during his April 22 tour. "I'm really excited to see everything that is happening here and looking forward to coming back to see when things are built. Without a doubt, you're really going to impact the lives of so many young people and help them grow and matriculate to be the adults that they have been called to be."

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In Lee County, the Boys & Girls Clubs operate four school-based clubs, two neighborhood clubs for residents of specific areas and one community club that serves members across the region. The Boys & Girls Clubs will soon be adding a signature community club in Fort Myers that will provide after-school and summer programs for youth ages six through 18.

"We're focused on location expansion and program enhancements so that we can help our youth and assist them in reaching their full potential," said Denise Gergley, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County. "It is important that the community continues to invest in our youth today so that they can help build a better tomorrow for Lee County."

Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs receive homework assistance, tutoring and academic instruction, as well as opportunities to complete service-learning projects, participate in sports and learn new skills.

"For our kids, we're focused on a great experience that's positive, safe and inclusive," Gergley said. "We want our kids to feel like this is home away from home while they're out of school."

For more information, please visit https://bgclee.org/ or call 239-334-1886.