Grant will help youth group promote substance abuse prevention
A group of teens at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County-Valparaiso Unit, working to educate kids about the dangers of substance abuse, will be able to expand their efforts thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Geminus Corporation. The “Youth as Change Agents and Peer LEADers Grant” was offered to organizations who participate in the Geminus Corporation’s L.E.A.D. program. L.E.A.D., which stands for Leading and Educating Across Domains, is a program which supports teens who organize efforts throughout the summer and school year to educate the community about the dangers of tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
L.E.A.D. will use the funds to host two community events. The first event is a Summer Barbecue on Friday, August 9, 2013 from 7:00-10:00 PM. Food and refreshments will be offered to the public free of charge. The members of L.E.A.D. will debut commercials they have made promoting their prevention and awareness message, followed by a feature length family movie with popcorn. The second event is a Carnival which will be held during Valparaiso’s Popcorn Festival on September 7, 2013. Kids and adults will enjoy playing a variety of fun and educational carnival games. The club will also have a bounce house set up for children to enjoy. Both events will take place on the front lawn at the Valparaiso Club located at 354 W. Jefferson Street and open to the public.
For more information about L.E.A.D. and their upcoming events, please contact Tommy John, Valparaiso Unit Program Director at 219-462-2182 or tjohn@bgcpoco.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County has been serving youth since 1971. The Clubs provide high quality 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.