Boys and Girls Clubs in Indian Country

Transition Leads to Valuable Partnership between Native American Unit and Traditional Organization

In 2000, the Boys & Girls Club of Warm Springs, was chartered under the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon. It operated as one of six rural Clubs under the Central Oregon organization until 2008. With the financial downturn, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon found it difficult to sustain all of their rural units and asked Clubs to assist in seeking other areas of funding in order to keep their doors open. After exploring several options, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Indian Reservation (CTWS) agreed to support the Club financially. Although youth development programs were still being offered, the organization was no longer affiliated with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon and therefore did not have a charter with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). The Club’s Advisory Council felt it was important to remain affiliated with BGCA for the resources and opportunities available related to positive youth development. This began discussions between the Advisory Council and BGCA as to how to renew their charter as a Native American Boys & Girls Club. The discussion ultimately led to a connection with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area.

Through this partnership and with the leadership of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area, the Warm Springs Branch has been able to keep their doors open as a chartered Boys & Girls Club, providing a safe place for the youth in the community. In 2009, through the support of federal grants, the Warm Springs Branch received new equipment for their Club building, including new games room equipment, sports equipment, tables, chairs and computer equipment.

The benefits of this partnership have already been made apparent for both organizations. The Warm Springs Tribe is able to offer positive youth development programs and rely on the support and resources of BGCA. Being under a larger Club organization, they have access to additional funding and resources that may not have been available to them otherwise. The partnership has also provided extended opportunities for staff from the Warm Springs Branch to participate in trainings and staff development opportunities with the larger Club organization.

For the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area, this opportunity has expanded the Club’s diversity as an organization and among the youth being served. The partnership has also enabled staff from the Portland Club to expand their experience and expertise in helping to mentor and provide leadership to a younger organization. These opportunities have provided valuable leadership development and learning possibilities for the Portland Club staff as well as the staff at Warm Springs.

This mutually beneficial partnership has helped to maintain a Native American Boys & Girls Club that was in danger of closing its doors. Through their relationship, opportunities abound to strengthen both organizations.