Boys and Girls Club says 'thanks' to Congressman

The members of the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin had an extra lesson to learn recently. Members learned about the U.S. Congress and who their Congressman is. Then on Sept. 18, they got to meet Congressman Bill Foster in person.

The club had invited the congressman to visit so the staff, board and the members could thank him in person for supporting stimulus funding that the club will receive this year. Foster, along with state Sen. Michael Noland and Elgin City Councilman John Steffen, were given a tour of the club, including a quick foosball game with his club member tour guides.

At the end of his visit, the children presented Foster with a thank-you present - signed by them.

"As we grow future leaders here, we strive to teach the children skills to support good character and citizenship. This experience taught them about their elected officials and how Congress works," said Rose Reinert, executive director. "But, maybe more importantly, they learned to remember to always say thank you."

The Boys & Girls Club of America received funding from stimulus funding and Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the country applied for a portion of these funds. This funding was made possible by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, for which Foster voted.

From this funding, the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin received $42,500 from a job preservation/creation grant. These funds will allow the organization to retain some of its program assistants, the people who work directly with the children each day.

In addition, the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin also received $95,000 in federal funding through the FY 2009 appropriations bill, which Foster requested. The funds will support the after-school program assisting low-income middle school students focusing on reading and homework assistance, financial literacy, and drug and alcohol abuse prevention.

"The Boys & Girls Club of Elgin is a vital resource for area families and their children, promoting academic success, healthy lifestyles and building character," said Foster. "I am pleased that the stimulus funding will help some of the club's employees keep their jobs so that the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin can continue to be a pillar of our community."

The Boys & Girls Club of Elgin was established in 1993 to provide alternative prevention services for the area's at-risk youth. Now operating out of the new Education & Enrichment Center at 355 Dundee Ave., the club supports over 1,300 members with life-changing programs.

The center is open from noon to 6 p.m. during the summer, Monday through Friday. To learn more about the programs or to make a donation, visit www.boysandgirlsclubofelgin.org.