Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie
Community Partner Spotlight
This month's 50th anniversary partner feature is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie (BGCM). Since opening its doors in 1933, BCGM has provided a safe, structured, and positive environment for generations of local children and youth. Today, they serve more than 600 young people in after-school and summer programs across three locations. Their targeted programs and activities give members the tools, guidance, and opportunities to achieve academic success, develop good character and citizenship, and maintain healthy lifestyles.
The partnership between Open Door and the Boys & Girls Clubs began while participating in Habitat for Humanity’s neighborhood revitalization efforts, which eventually became the 8twelve Coalition. Open Door became a BGCM financial supporter and a regular presence at Club events like the “High Five Greeting” welcoming students back at the beginning of the school year.
“Both organizations believe that safety, stability, physical health, and mental health are essential building blocks for thriving kids and community,” said Jason Newman, BGCM Chief Executive Officer.
“I’ve learned from Open Door that to improve a child’s wellbeing, we must pay attention to things beyond the clubs like home life, neighborhood culture, and housing and food access. No one organization can address it all. We must link arms, align efforts, and take big swings together.”
The mutual benefit of the partnership was on full display during the COVID pandemic. BGCM relied on regular updates from Open Door about the severity of local outbreaks, impending surges, and preventive measures to help them stay open for emergency childcare. In turn, BGCM’s childcare services allowed first responders and essential staff, including healthcare employees, to respond to the community’s significant healthcare needs.
Collaboration continues today through the Open Door Connections initiative. An Open Door community health worker works at the Club on a regular basis to help BGCM staff, members, and their families enroll in health insurance, make healthcare appointments, and connect with other community support services. BGCM’s willingness to host Open Door gives Connections staff increased visibility and credibility with BGCM families.
“Open Door is invested in building trust, providing help when and where people need it, and trying creative solutions to best serve the community. The Connections program is an excellent example,” said Newman. “I am proud of our partnership and congratulate Open Door on 50 years of service and community leadership.”
2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Open Door Health Services operating in East Central Indiana! While caring for community members under different names during that time, the organization has seen a rich history of patient-focused care and intentional relationship-building with community partners.
To help celebrate this history, each month we're featuring the story of Open Door's partnership with an area organization. Thank you to our partners for helping us celebrate the impact we make TOGETHER on quality of life.