Recently, much has been said regarding our Tracy community. Far-away media initially reported only the sad news. However, their message now conveys that Tracy is a very special place. Our community experienced horrific events, but this community would not just stand by. It came together to support, to be supported, and to build a better sense of place.
Thinking about it, I realize this isn’t something new for Tracy. More than 20 years ago, this community recognized that our young people had a need, a vital need, for a place of their own. They needed a safe and secure place — especially after school each day — where they could get help with homework and join their friends in games and sports. They needed programs that would enhance their lives and help them to become responsible citizens who would not only respect others but would also respect themselves. They needed role models and mentors. The Tracy community needed a Boys & Girls Club.
This vision became a reality, but not without trials and tribulations. Dick Hastie headed a tenacious group of people who would not take no for an answer. Finally, our first collaboration with the school district took place, the community donated and volunteered, and a special group became generous lenders. This tenacity paid off. In May 1989, the doors of the Boys & Girls Club of Tracy opened on the Monte Vista Middle School site.
In the first year at this first clubhouse, a daily average of 150 members came through the doors. Today, an average of 600 members attends five different clubhouses (and there is a waiting list at some sites) each day.
Membership is available for young people from ages 6 to 18. The cost remains low at $35 per year. No one is turned away, as scholarships are also available. You can see what a valuable investment this is when you compare it to the cost of incarcerating a youth who is headed in the wrong direction — usually $50,000 or more. The Boys & Girls Club gives a good return on investment.
On Sunday, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tracy will celebrate these 20 years. You, our community, also will be celebrated. Each of you should be proud of the role you played in making this happen. Tracy is a very special place. Thank you for making it so.
The club will also celebrate the future. What you have just read was then. Carla Carroll, this year’s board president continues this piece to tell you about now:
The Boys & Girls Clubs will continue to follow our mission statement: “To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”
With high school dropout rates at between 30 and 50 percent in some U.S. cities, along with economic challenges for young people and childhood obesity, the Boys & Girls Clubs’ vision for our members is to provide the programs to lead them in a much more positive direction, including programs that teach them to be leaders. The board of directors and the staff will aggressively continue to follow the national organization’s direction to implement the following goals: Increased academic success, promotion of good character, practice of citizenship and healthy lifestyles.
I have recently visited other clubs gaining knowledge for what can be obtainable. Some of these clubs have fully functioning tech centers, innovative programs and awe-inspiring facilities to fit the needs and interests of almost any child who chooses to enter.
The future is bright! We can and will take our clubs to the next level. Let’s celebrate our success while also realizing what a difference this community can and will make in the next 20 years.
On Sunday, celebrate the then, the now and the future.
• Dorlane Thrasher has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs board since its beginning, and Carla Carroll is this year’s president of the board. At a glance
• WHAT: Boys & Girls Clubs of Tracy’s 20th Anniversary Celebration
• WHEN: 3:30 p.m. Sunday
• WHERE: Clubhouse at 753 W. Lowell Ave.
• INFO: 832-2582, ext. 101
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