Update March 24, 2020:
Knowing all the essential roles we may serve in the lives of our kids, we are implementing creative solutions to fulfill our mission of empowering youth to reach their full potential. We will continue to monitor and manage this fluid situation. The safety of our kids, staff, volunteers, and supporters is our highest priority.
Some of the ways that GSGBC is continuing our work:
- Meals -GSGBC will serve meals to our kids from 8am – 12pm, Monday-Friday. As a reminder, many of the youth served by GSGBC depend on their schools and GSGBC for three meals a day.
- Web-based Youth Development/Learning Packets – Through our social media platforms, our Youth Development Specialists, Learning Specialists, and the rest of our team are creating engaging content that will provide parents and kids with activities that support their academic and social growth. We are in the process of creating hard copy learning packets for our children who have no access to internet and computers in their homes. This will allow children to participate in the academic lesson plans set by St. Louis Public Schools.
- Check-in Calls – Our program team have developed a check-in call schedule to minimize the isolation that our kids experience as well as to see what additional needs our kids may have. Our professional and trained staff are ready to provide any referrals and appropriate interventions. We’re reminding everyone that isolation does not mean solitude.
- Summer Learning Loss – Every summer, our program empowers the youth we serve to avoid the Summer Learning Loss. Summer Learning Loss is responsible for more than 50% of the the Achievement Gap experienced by low-income individuals. This summer, that need will be even greater to make up for the turmoil effecting this academic year. Our team are working extremely hard to design a comprehensive and dynamic Summer Program, during this period of quarantine.
UPDATED: MARCH 16
Dear GSGBC parents,
The safety of each of you and your children is our utmost concern and responsibility. Based on the health guidelines pertaining to Coronavirus (COVID-19) set forth by the City of Louis, we have decided to close the Club beginning Monday, March 16. We will remain closed until further notice. Based on the nature of our programs, GSGBC cannot guarantee the social distancing requirement to facilitate safety and minimize transmission. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
-Robert Puricelli, Executive Director
Original post from March 12:
The mission of Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club is to empower girls and boys in the St. Louis metropolitan area, especially those who need us most, to realize their physical, intellectual, and emotional potential. We are acutely aware of the community concerns as it relates to the spread of Coronavirus/ COVID-19. Proactively we have implemented internal protocols for cleaning and sanitation throughout our building. At this time, we are not aware of any exposure of any of our children, staff, volunteers or families. Please be assured that should our situation change, we will inform you immediately via text message and/or phone calls.
As a Management team we have chosen to limit possible exposure and outside influences on our members by modifying our programs and engagement. We are implementing an internal protocol to respond to any known reports. Following the lead of St. Louis Public Schools, only Program staff will be providing services and we have suspended contracted services and community partners at this time.
Additionally, fieldtrips are postponed until further notice. We are still an active registered drop- off for SLPS. We have encouraged staff to stay home if they are sick, and we are requesting that if a child is ill, that you follow the appropriate health measures and not bring them to the Club. We will be following the recommendations of The City of St. Louis Dept. of Health (314) 612-5100.
The safety and care of children and community is our priority.
The Management Team of Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club.
