First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan Announces Expansion Of Teen Reach Program To Boys And Girls Clubs Statewide

SPRINGFIELD -- First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan today announced the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) will provide $5 million to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Illinois Alliance for after-school programs serving youth in low-income communities.

Mrs. Ryan, whose Futures For Kids initiative coordinates the state's prevention programs, joined DHS Secretary Howard A. Peters III at visits to Boys and Girls Clubs in Champaign and Chicago for the announcement.

"Too many young people get into trouble because they don't have a safe place to go after school," said Mrs. Ryan. "The Boys and Girls Clubs are the ideal place for the Teen REACH program which provides alternatives to drugs and gangs and gives young people the opportunity to succeed in school and as adults."

Teen REACH stands for Responsibility, Education, Achievement, Caring and Hope. The program is aimed at preventing teen pregnancy, alcohol and other drug use and teen violence. The program began in July 1998 and has a current an annual budget of $18.5 million.

"Teen REACH is effective in helping youth stay on track," Peters said. "I am very pleased to welcome the Boys and Girls Clubs as partners in this program that can make such an important difference for so many young people."

"The Teen REACH program fits well into the Boys and Girls Clubs strategic plan of serving more youth," said Joe Lehr, Vice President Midwest of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. "This is an excellent example of collaboration between organization to secure more funds to provide a positive place for children."

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America is the nation's fastest growing national youth organization serving more than 3 million boys and girls in 2300 locations.

The Boys and Girls Clubs program will target children and youth ages 6 to 18, with special emphasis on children ages 6 to 12, girls and those living in disadvantaged circumstances. The Teen REACH objectives are to provide character and leadership development, academic achievement and career development, health and life skills, arts, sports, fitness and recreation for all participants and to involve them in the Boys and Girls Clubs youth development programs.

Each of the 25 organizations in the Boys and Girls Clubs of Illinois Alliance is participating in the Teen REACH program. Following is a list of the program sites along with their fund and the number of youth served by each program.