“Since 1938, the Boys and Girls Club of Newark has been providing affordable after-school, weekend and summer programs to thousands of children in Newark and the surrounding communities. At BCGN, we take an integrated approach to youth development, offering services that nurture the whole child—emotionally, physically and socially, taking into account the full spectrum of a young person’s life.”

With the closing of the Boys and Girls Clubhouses on 422 Broadway, 500 Broad St. and 161 Littleton Ave., the purpose of BCGN cannot be fully carried out. There are youth in the city of Newark who are in desperate need of the leadership and self-esteem building activities and resources provided by BCGN, but do not have access to them. Because of this, many of them are left to wander the streets during their free time thus causing them to get into trouble or worse.

We believe that with the reopening of the clubhouses, more youth will be beneficiaries of the program’s life-changing purpose and we can make Newark safer for its entire community. Our youth need this strong alternative to keep them away from the streets, crime and drugs. Also, the reopening of the clubhouses will create more jobs for the unemployed and/or the workers struggling to get by; some who would much rather give back to their community and help develop future leaders. In turn, we’ll be able to create more success stories like the ones of Shaquille O’Neal, Shavar D. Jeffries, DeQuan Foster, and Kalia Murray.

Once reopened, No More Rounds would like to come in one day and hold a program in each of the Boys & Girls Clubs to inform them on the rising gun violence that has taken a toll on our community. We also want to encourage them to live a peaceful, positive life and strive for success everyday. We know that this is a steep step, but the youth of today need positive resources, so they can have a promising tomorrow.  

For more information about NMR:

www.nomorerounds.com | @nomorerounds | nomorerounds@gmail.com