To the parents, families and friends of The Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon members
3/30/2020:
Kids thrive on emotional connections and predictable routines, so while some kids may be enjoying the time away from school, many may be confused and struggling to understand what has happened to the world as they know it. Remember, in times of uncertainty, it is very important to reassure the young people in your life and thoughtfully talk to them about what is going on. Click the link below for some tips to help your children manage the anxiety & stress around COVID-19
How to talk to your child about COVID-19
Additional guidance from CDC on managing stress & anxiety
3/26/2020:
We have gathered some resources in efforts to support our club members in this major adjustment. Our staff is working on creative ways to enhance digital school learning and there are numerous ways to keep Club members virtually engaged. We plan to roll out a platform to engage members virtually. Some of the creative works would be story time, journal writing, mentoring, and physical activity. We do need the support of Parents/Guardians and members in order for this to be successful. Please see documents below for full details.
Consent letter to Parents Virtual Programming
3/22/2020:
We have decided to close our club to align ourselves with the containment efforts of Coronavirus (COVID-19) within the state of NY. Given the increased severity of the virus, we are working on ways to engage our club members virtually. We are also constantly monitoring for any updates on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to ensure the safety of our members, staff, and volunteers. Be advised that if you are a first responder or work in the healthcare industry and are in need of childcare, NYS, Westchester County government, and the Westchester school districts have opened their doors to provide childcare for children ages 5-12. Mount Vernon residents who fall in these categories can access childcare at Holmes Elementary School, Macedonian Baptist Church, Mount Vernon Heights Congregational Church, and the Church of God in Christ. Please visit this page regularly for further updates. Additional information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found in the links below.
COVID Update 4/16/2020
Many thanks to participating BGCMVNY Board of Directors for contributions that support the Club and our members during this trying time.
Our members are encouraged to access educational support coordinated by Ms Young and BGCMVNY staff and volunteers. Remote support is available and encouraged. A variety of guided meditations by board member Dr Michele Maidenberg also available on our website.
Boredom Buster kits were made for our members to use at home to draw, write poetry and be creative. Origami papers and materials were made available with a suggestion to use you tube for tutorials to make heart and roses projects as shown in picture. The most intricate kits enable members the opportunity to create a decoupage box project for personal items or to use as a bank.
Project contributors were
Larchmont’s Village Paint, Bob and Bonnie Cotnoir for prepping the boxes, art magazines from Silvermine School of Art and Larchmont’s Dominic’s Fine Cigars for donating the boxes for our Boredom Buster Decoupage kits. Additional materials were anonymously donated.
Puzzles, knitting and LEGO kits were also contributed. Many thanks to our thoughtful partners and contributors.Remote support- BGCMVNY board members and Westchester neighbors in Larchmont, Rye and Mamaroneck contributed to BGCMVNY effort to collect and distribute some unused computer devices to put to use in helping support remote learning and work. Many thanks to Jonathan Gould for cleaning devices for use by our members and Lighthouse Main Street Solutions |Computer SuperCenter of Greenwich for their efforts and partnership during this period.
Our BGCMVNY members and families continue to be in the thoughts of our staff and Board of Directors. We look forward to gathering again in our vibrant Club. Be well and continue to follow Westchester guidelines.
