The critical support offered through the MVYouth COVID-19 Emergency Grant enabled Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club to successfully re-open and respond to the health and safety guidelines enacted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the Club’s access to essential resources helped drive preparedness measures. The procurement of on-site porta-potties, hand washing stations, custom-built divider walls to accommodate member pods, hand sanitizer and pump stations, personal protective equipment (PPE), and cleaning supplies allowed the Club to maintain a sanitary, safe environment for members and staff during remote learning, after school, and summer camp programs.

The use of grant funds also supported MVBGC program operations and infrastructure. For example, the purchase of pop-up canopies provided members and staff refuge from the sun during outdoor activities, particularly in the summer months. Semi-permanent tents served as summer camp and pod meeting spaces, with a dedicated medical tent used to isolate individuals experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms in real-time. In addition, access to individual desks, tables, and chairs helped maintain socially distanced learning spaces for members to engage in remote learning and after school programming, providing parents and caregivers with peace of mind during their working hours.

The investment of MVYouth in MVBGC COVID-19 readiness efforts was crucial to the Club’s ability to implement responsible mitigation practices and maintain compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines enacted in response to COVID-19 transmission and exposure risks.