Special Initiatives
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County provides programs for all youth, especially those most in need of our services. For some this might involve individual counseling, for others it might be specific assistance to get back into school, to find a job, or for the homeless youth to find an independent living program. The Boys & Girls Club has specific programs to address all of these needs and more.
We recognize that some elementary and middle school students need individualized programs to help them improve their behavior whether it’s at home, in school or in social/recreational settings. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County has provided a counseling program focusing on positive reinforcement in both Clubs since 1984.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Hudson County’s Gang Prevention Program is designed to help young people between the ages of 13 through 18 stay away from gang behavior and join positive Club activities. The Club provides structure and support that might otherwise be sought out in the streets. Youth have the opportunity to develop and enhance their skills and experiences by participating in groups which promote leadership, life skills, and career pathways. In addition to having fun, learning and building relationships, individuals who successfully complete the program may be given the opportunity to use their newly-acquired skills in paid internships at the Club.
Research shows that a child who can't read on grade level by 3rd grade is four times less likely to graduate by age 19 than a child who does read proficiently by that time. So the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County created a program to address this issue. Outstanding high school members are engaged in providing one-on-one reading time (adding up to an hour and a half each week) for every Club kid between kindergarten and 3rd grade. It's a win-win for both the youngest children who have fun practicing their reading with a high school role model, but teens are improving their self-esteem, earning a stipend, and gaining self-confidence.