Children's Services
"If I had to list Mrs. Musgrave's concerns in order of priority, the first would be youth. She wanted to see the under-privileged child given an opportunity." [Charles Fuller - Grant Committee Chairman]
The Musgrave Foundation continues to honor this priority by providing funding for numerous children's organizations. A long-time beneficiary of the Musgrave Foundation's grants is Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield, whose mission is to provide programs that guide and direct youth from all backgrounds, with a special concern for the disadvantaged, through a series of social, physical, and educational development activities that teach values of life, strengthen self-esteem, and develop productive citizens.
The Club had 3,145 registered members in 2007. Another 15,918 youth were served through sports programs. You'll see some of its members in action in the slideshow at left. To learn more about the Club and its programs, fundraising and volunteer opportunities, visit its web site.
Recent Grant Recipients - Children's Services
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My Story
Three years ago the Musgrave Foundation helped our Boy Scout Council start a program called SCOUTREACH. This is a program that reaches out to inner city youth who live in housing projects, attend title one schools,come from single parent homes, and for the most part are at or below the poverty level. The grant helped us provide for uniforms, books, equipment, and campership funds to help send these kids to summer camp. Most important was the funding of 8 para-professionals who are Eagle Scout college students that we hired to work part time to become the stable adult leadership needed to maintain and grow the program. They become the role models and guides that help to pull these children away from gangs, drugs, alcohol, and other evils that are vying for our children's time.
We started with 4 Scout units and 44 kids. In the last three years with Musgrave support we have grown to 17 units and 625 youth members. This program provides a fun-filled, outdoor educational experience that builds character and self esteem in a healthy environment while teaching these children the social and leadership skills they will need to reach their full life's potential.
A special thank you to the Musgrave Foundation and its Board of Directors for making this program a reality.
Sincerely,
Dean Ertel
Scout Executive
Ozark Trails Council,BSA
www.ozarktrailsbsa.org
(Submitted by Ozark Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America )