PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT: Martha's Vineyard Boys & Girls Club received a $100,000 Emergency Grant to help make critical capital improvements and major repairs to their aging Edgartown facility. The proposed list of needed improvements includes: new security doors and an upgraded security system; adding a foam sealant fire barrier to the gym ceiling; replacing decayed windows and flooring; converting the old locker room into a classroom; removing and remediating mold from the building; essential electrical and plumbing repairs; upgrading the front desk check-in area to improve supervision and attendance practices; and buying 20 computers for the after-school homework program. MVYouth’s grant will only allow B&GC to address some of these items. B&GC is actively pursuing community support and additional funding to address all of the items on this list and begin strategic planning and fundraising to build a new facility that can effectively meet the needs of the youth community.

For over 80 years, The Martha's Vineyard Boys & Girls Club, located behind the Edgartown School, has served the Vineyard community by “providing quality programs and services to Island children of all ages that will prepare them for healthy and productive lives.” The organization offers affordable after-school care (and busing from schools); affordable summer camps; and collaborates with a number of Island organizations by sharing its facility and coordinating support services for kids and families. The Club serves children from all Island towns. 130 children participate daily in the after-school program - Monday through Friday 3:00-6:00 pm; and 120 children participate daily in their summer camp. In 2018, B&GC served 1802 members ages 5-20.