An open letter from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver
June 19, 2005

It is with pleasure I write this letter in support of Smart Girls. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver has partnered with this group to provide their curriculum for middle school girls to the youth we serve in the Clubs. Smart Girl has not only provided us with an outstanding curriculum, but training for our teen guides and staff, outstanding support, and ongoing assistance to make this program a success.

Since 1961, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver (BGCMD) has been a leader in youth development. We fulfill our mission, to help kids from high-risk neighborhoods make the most of their lives, by providing youth from Denver and Aurora's toughest neighborhoods with guidance and instruction from fulltime professional staff and trained volunteers. A $2 per year membership fee allows 6-18 year olds to participate in year-round, educational and recreational programs offered at our six urban facilities and residential mountain camp. BGCMD's unique youth development strategy uses activities – such as those found in the Smart Girl – to promote a sense of belonging, influence, usefulness and competence in our young people. Through partnerships with families, schools and other community groups like Smart Girl, BGCMD helps to build developmental assets (e.g., concrete, positive experiences and qualities), which have been proven to positively impact the health and well-being of young people. In doing so, the BGCMD is helping to influence young people's lives and choices, contributing to a brighter and safer future for us all.

Our work with Smart Girl is well aligned with our mission and goals of helping young people to make the most of their lives. We have seen the participants benefit from this program as they develop new skills, a sense of belonging, and a network of support. One young lady in this program at our Broncos Branch started the group with many behavior issues and was often disruptive. However, after being involved in this and several other BGCMD programs that reinforce the lessons taught in Smart Girl, the staff has reported seeing a change for the better in this young lady's behavior. In fact, it is her peers that now let her know when she is acting inappropriately, referring to the guidelines that have been set by the group.

The staff at Smart Girl is knowledgeable, professional, and always helpful. It has been easy to work with Smart Girl. The staff, Clubs and participants have all benefited from this partnership and we look forward to continuing our work with them in the next year. Please call me with any questions at (303) 892-9200 ext. 122.

Sincerely,

Tina Martinez
Director of Programs
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver