OUR CASE FOR SUPPORT!
We are building greater futures for kids and teens in Kingsport and Sullivan County
The Need for Support is Real
Case for support
Our youth and teens need us to be there for them now more than ever.
Sullivan county’s biggest challenge is the crime rate among youth age 10 to 17, where it ranks 92nd. There are opportunities for improvement in child care cost burden as well.
CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM
77th
Sullivan County ranks 77th out of 95 counties in Chronic Absenteeism in school. 21% of students, or 1 out of 5, miss 18 or more days of school. Source: Department of Education (2023-24)
CHILD CARE COST BURDEN
83rd
Sullivan County ranks 83rd out of 95 counties in Child Care Cost Burden. For a typical Sullivan County family, the estimated cost of full-time child care for two young children eats up 36 cents of every dollar of household income — well above the state average of 30 cents. Source: Determining Child Care Market Rates in the State of Tennessee (FY2023-24)
YOUTH CRIME RATE (PER 1,000)
92nd
Sullivan county ranks 92nd out of 95 counties in Youth Crime Rate ages 10-17 (per 1,000). That means, about 1 in 15 kids in Sullivan County between the ages of 10 and 17 were alleged to have committed a crime last year — compared to about 1 in 23 kids statewide. Source: Tennessee Department of Children Services (FY2023-24)
Addressing The Problem In Sullivan County
Founded in 1950 by community leaders who believed in the vision of providing the youth and teens of this community with a safe, supportive environment where they could thrive, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport has evolved through the years because of strong leadership, strategic growth and dedication to it's mission to become a long standing organization in Kingsport.
Today, over 75 years later, the Club serves more than 1,000 youth annually in Sullivan and Scott Counties through high impact programs, community events, and youth sports. The Club is a trusted partner to families, providing safe spaces, caring mentors, and new experiences and opportunities to kids and teens that provide consistent support and meaningful relationships.
The Club's mission goes beyond its daily programming. The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport is a voice for youth- advocating for equity, access and resources to ensure every kid has the opportunity to succeed. We are supported by strong financial stewardship, passionate staff and volunteers and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. We continue to grow our impact and remain a safe place for the kids who need us most.
Combating Chronic Absenteeism
Academic Support: Our Club offers homework help, tutoring, and learning programs that bridge achievement gaps.
Engagement & Motivation: By fostering a sense of belonging and building academic confidence, programs make students more eager to attend school and less likely to drop.
Wraparound Mentorship: Trusted staff members identify underlying stressors—such as social anxiety or academic frustration—and encourage consistent daily attendance.
Reducing Youth Crime
Supervision During High-Risk Hours: Law enforcement and juvenile justice data show that youth crime and violence spike significantly between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM on school days. Our Club keeps children occupied during these critical out-of-school windows.
Positive relationships: We foster a sense of belonging and encourage supportive relationships that deepen respect and understanding for others.
Empowering experiences: Our programs provide access to experiences and opportunities for young people to develop their confidence, skills and sense of self-worth.
Keeping Child Care Costs Low
Affordable Fees: Our Club charges a one-time $50 annual fee per kid for an entire school year of after school care making it more affordable for families in our community.
Indirect Savings: By providing safe environments, homework help, meals and snacks during typical working hours, we help save families money on private tutors, food, and separate enrichment activities.
We ensure every kid has access to life-changing opportunities.
Our leadership is focused on a strong commitment of delivering a quality Club experience for any kid or teen that walks through our doors. This experience is made possible by caring and trained staff who know what it takes to advocate for the youth and teens in our communities, and help them discover their full potential.
Want to Build Great Futures?
Jonathan Albarado: Director of Development Phone: (423)-671-7150 Email: jonathana@kbgc.org
Jessica Poore: CEO | Phone: (423)-534-9513 | Email: jessicap@kbgc.org