PORTLAND—Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine (BGCSM) will reopen their five Clubhouses in partnership with local school districts. BGCSM has signed a contract agreement with the Portland and South Portland school districts. Similar agreements are being discussed with the Auburn and Lewiston school systems.

“We are thrilled to be getting back to what we do best, supporting and engaging the kids in our community who need us most.” Says Brian Elowe, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine. BGCSM runs afterschool programs for area youth focused on academics, leadership, and healthy living. Historically, Clubs are open from 2:30 in the afternoon through the early evening and provide high quality programming, a safe place for kids to go, and a healthy snack and evening meal.

BGCSM will adjust their operating hours to align with the schools’ hybrid model. Clubhouses will re-open to serve as remote learning hubs offering academic support, technology resources, and safe spaces for members to complete schoolwork.

Each day, BGCSM will implement a schedule of youth development programs and activities to support the learning and social-emotional development of children Kindergarten through grade 5. Daily activities will include power hour-homework help, art, music, fitness, STEM, recreation, and wellness activities. Breakfast and lunches will be provided by the schools, and BGCSM will continue to provide evening “grab and go” meals. 

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine is our deeply valued partner, providing steadfast support to Portland Public Schools students, particularly those who need it most,” said Portland Public Schools Superintendent Xavier Botana. “This school year, BGC is providing multiple supports for PPS students and staff to assist in our return to school during the pandemic. BGC is not only providing after-school programming for some students but also full-day programming – with a curriculum developed to support student learning – for days when cohorts of students are learning remotely. BGC’s programming will ensure students get the academic support they need and free parents to return to work. Thank you, BGC, for all you do for our students!”

Maximum capacity at the Clubs will be limited to approximately 50% of normal attendance. The Clubs will mirror the schools’ cohort model. Members will attend the Clubs in two cohorts, two-three days each week, on their scheduled remote days from school. The South Portland Club will serve 100 students per week. The three Portland Club locations (Cumberland Avenue, Sagamore Village, and Riverton Park) will serve 140 students per week. The Auburn/Lewiston Club could serve an additional 80 members each week. Students will be grouped in pods of 10 and will remain with their pod throughout the program. BGCSM implemented COVID-19 safety procedures, facility, and policy updates including: handwashing and sanitizing stations, plexiglass dividers, signage, social distancing instructions, personal protective equipment resources, staff trainings, and daily check-in procedures. Enrollment is currently limited to youth in grades K-5.  Engaging and supporting Middle School and High School students is a top priority for BGCSM. Plans are underway to expand capacity and programming to include these age groups as soon as possible. 

 “We are proud to be able to offer this remote learning opportunity to the families in our community. These partnerships with the schools allow us to be here for the kids who needs us most, and also support the great work that the schools and teachers are doing around navigating this unprecedented pandemic.” says Brian Elowe.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine has provided more than 16,000 meals to Club members and their families since the Clubs’ closure on March 16 due to the health crisis. In addition to continuing meal service this summer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine ran a virtual interactive summer Clubhouse with 13 core programs utilizing a variety of on-line platforms. Classes included music, STEM, and summer reading. BGCSM anticipates a continuation of the Virtual Clubhouse in the coming weeks.