There is an old adage that says “the only constant in life is change.” This has certainly been the case for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg in 2013, as we have responded to the need to grow. The most significant of these changes was moving our administrative office from our long-standing location on Main Street to the third floor of 61 Juno Street. The culmination of an almost six year process, our new office gives us much more space and an enhanced capacity to facilitate meetings and training opportunities.

One of the immediate impacts of our move to Juno Street was partnering with the Rogers Youth Fund to build a second Tech Centre in support of our Rogers Raising the Grade Program. This compliments the first Rogers site at our Freight House Club, and has increased the numbers of youth we engage with through our after-school education programs. During the day we are able to also use the Tech Centre to facilitate the Personal Employment Program, supporting inner-city residents ages 18-29 to find employment. This new space has been a very positive development for both programs.

Our largest program also saw changes in 2013. A new site was added to the CSI Summer Program at Lord Selkirk School, bringing the total up to 16 schools in two school divisions. Over 1,000 elementary school students enrolled in the five week program, engaging in educational activities they otherwise would not have had access to.

Another positive change for our organization in 2013 was the addition of Capital One Race for Kids to the roster of fundraisers we host. This unique event is in partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and is held on the same day across Canada. Race for Kids had a great debut in Winnipeg and looks like it will be even stronger in 2014.

Even though things are consistently changing at Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg there is one constant that allows us to do the work we do. That is the support we receive on an ongoing basis. We are able to grow thanks to our funders, corporate partners, donors, volunteers and staff. It is because of you that we can continue to do what is most important – improve the lives of Winnipeg children, youth and their families.