Your Impact at Four on the 4th!

From left to right: Rebekah Meadows, CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia; Bradley Grose, Mayor of the Town of Vinton; and Christina Ballard, Chief Development Officer of Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia.

Four on the 4th: A Celebration of Community, Wellness & Great Futures

Here are some photos from the event. Follow us on social media to see more!

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of our 14th annual Four on the 4th Race! A heartfelt thank you goes out to our runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, and partners, including the Town of Vinton and Fleet Feet Roanoke. Your support, enthusiasm, and ongoing dedication to the cause make a significant impact.

Our presenting sponsor, the Vinton Moose Lodge #1121, has been a steadfast supporter of Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia, and we are truly thankful for their commitment to serving the community.

Your energy, generosity, and spirit helped us raise essential funds to support the youth of Southwest Virginia, reminding us that America truly needs Club kids, and Club kids need you.

We can’t wait to see you at next year’s race!

Our Kids Deserve Better

We Need Your Help Now.

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program is a vital source of funding that allows us to provide after-school support, academic enrichment, and safe spaces for hundreds of children across Southwest Virginia. As you have heard from us previously, the President’s proposed FY26 budget does not include these funds. This impact would likely begin in the summer 2026. Our team has been busy advocating for the funds to be returned to the budget and preparing in case our efforts are unsuccessful. This need was already urgent.

On July 1, we learned that the federal Office of Management and Budget is withholding the FY25 funds that were to be distributed on July 1 to the states. These are the funds for the 2025 -2026 school year. These funds were approved by Congress in the March continuing resolution. This news demands immediate action. This delay jeopardizes the critical programming that helps our children stay on track academically and thrive socially and emotionally, while providing safe after-school, summer, and, in some cases, before-school care.

If this funding remains frozen, 10,000 21st Century Community Learning Centers, including over 900 Boys & Girls Clubs, across the country may be forced to reduce services and many will even have to close their doors.

Contact Govenor Youngkin

Contact Your Members of Congress

A Leader for Great Futures: Meet Mike Cherry

We’re excited to introduce Mike Cherry as the new Director of Operations at Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia! With extensive experience in both nonprofit and corporate leadership, and a heart rooted in service and community, Mike brings a dynamic energy and deep commitment to our mission.

A Roanoke community leader and two-term Roanoke City School Board member, Mike has dedicated his life to youth development, family empowerment, and operational excellence. "My first week at BGCSWVA has been eye opening energizing and affirming. I know I am exactly where I'm supposed to be," said Mike. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the BGCSWVA team and look forward to the positive impact he’ll make across our Club sites and beyond!

America Needs Club Kids Campaign Underway

This national campaign, launched by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, underscores the pivotal role today's youth play in shaping our nation's future. It emphasizes the necessity of providing them with safe environments, supportive mentors, and transformative opportunities.

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia (BGCSWVA), we witness firsthand how our "Club Kids" evolve into leaders, innovators, and community catalysts. This initiative serves as a compelling call to action, urging all of us to invest in their potential. By supporting Club Kids, we are, in essence, investing in a more robust and promising future for all.

Donate Today

Mike Cherry

We wished our new Director of Operations a Happy Birthday in June!

Email: Mcherry@bgcswva.org

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QUOTE OF THE MONTH

"Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful. And believe that anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you."

- Misty Copeland, BGC Alumna