Responding to community needs, the services provided
at the Lucile Palmaro Clubhouse and ten outreach locations
are based on the principles of behavioral guidance
and are intended to promote the general health, educational
advancement, character development and leadership potential
of its members. Our responsibility is to provide these
6 to 18 year old boys and girls with the programs and
activities that instill a sense of competence, a sense
of belonging, and a sense of power and influence.
The mission of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club is to
improve and enhance the quality of life for all young
people, with special emphasis on those who need us
most between ages 6-18. Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club
exists to assist as many young people as possible to
realize and achieve their potential for growth and
development and to attain the skills necessary to live
and succeed in a complex world.
Major Milestones:
• 1969 - the club moves from mid-Manhattan to the present Clubhouse site
in the Southeast Bronx, an area of dire need.
• 1976 - a much needed swimming pool and two classrooms are added to facilities
to help accommodate a membership of 2,000 boys.
• 1984 - a second major facilities expansion occurs with additions including
a 9,000 square foot auditorium and outdoor recreation area.
• 1988 - The Board changes the Club's name to Kips Bay Boys & Girls
Club, reflecting what is already a reality.
• 1994 - Through Outreach 91-94, the Club's operation extends to 6 days,
satellite clubs are established at 3 public schools and participation of handicapped
children increases.
• 1996 - Daniel Quintero is selected as Executive Director after a national
search. A Bronx native, he is the first Kips Bay alumnus to lead the organization.
• 1997 - The club completes a comprehensive 2-year renovation program.
Results include a new dance studio, lighted outdoor basketball courts and a
refurbished educational center.
• 1998 - In partnership with HELP (Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged),
we initiate services at two HELP shelters for the homeless in the South Bronx.
The next year additional funding will be provided by Community School District
#8 to provide service in three additional homeless shelters.
• 2001 - Ground is broken for the new Sports Complex to include the area's
only ice skating rink.
• 2002 - Sports Complex (Ice Rink & Dome) is completed.
• 2005 - New direct service sites established
at New York City Housing Authority Community Centers
at Castle Hill Houses and Throggs Neck
Houses
• 2006 - Long term lease secured for Camp Sebago
in Harriman State Park. Day camping initiated
in Summer 2006
• 2007 - Residential camping initiated at Camp
Sebago
Kips Bay addresses many critical needs of children, adolescents and young adults.
These needs include:
• a safe place where they can "belong"
• a place to play and grow socially with peers
• adult mentoring
• a place to challenge oneself physically and intellectually and be recognized
for
accomplishments, and opportunities to give back something to others.
A Statistical Glance at our Members:
• 51% of our members are living under the poverty level.
• 50% of the kids we serve live in single-parent households.
• 98% of our members are from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
• School dropout rates in the neighborhoods we serve are more than 25
percent and the on-time graduation rate is only 33%.
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