Flint, MI — A new federal grant awarded to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint will go toward supporting the safe and healthy development of young people in mid-Michigan.
The $209,884 grant will sponsor 29 new AmeriCorps VISTA service members, according to an Aug. 14, 2023, press release from the office of Congressman Dan Kildee, who helped secure the funding.
AmeriCorps VISTA program participants work to alleviate poverty by serving community organizations across the country, the release states.
More specifically for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint, AmeriCorps members “help engage youth in educational and healthy lifestyles activities,” explained Emily Leonard, the organization’s director of grants and public relations. “These focus on STEM, physical fitness, nutrition and wellness, and workforce development.”
Leonard added, “As an AmeriCorps alum, I value my experience as a service member that has been instrumental to my personal and professional growth.”
For Congressman Kildee, he said he was proud to announce the new funding that will “lead to better outcomes for the young people” in the Flint area.
“The continued partnership between AmeriCorps and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint will help mid-Michigan youth have a safe, supportive environment to grow to their full potential,” Kildee said.
Tauzzari Robinson, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint, said the organization was “extremely grateful” to Kildee for his role in securing the funds, and called the AmeriCorps program “instrumental” to the Boys & Girls Club’s growth over the last two decades.
“Congressman Kildee’s dedication to our community and his understanding of the importance of investing in our youth is truly inspiring,” Robison said. “This support will allow us and the other organizations the ability to make more of an impact in our community.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint serves young people ages 7 to 17. Leonard said the organization currently has a registered membership of more than 700 youth and teens.