the starfish story

While wandering a deserted beach, stagnant in my work, I saw a man in the distance bending and throwing as he walked the endless stretch toward me. As he came near, I could see that he was throwing starfish, abandoned on the sand by the tide, back into the sea. When he was close enough I asked him why he was working so hard at this strange task. He said that the sun would dry the starfish and they would die. I said to him that I thought he was foolish. There were thousands of starfish on miles and miles of beach. One man alone could never make a difference. He smiled as he picked up the next starfish. Hurling it far into the sea he said,

“It makes a difference for this one.”

— by Loren C. Eiseley

JOIN US - BECOME A STARFISH GUARDIAN & MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR YOUTH

Hundreds of children in our community do not have anywhere to go when the school day ends. The same is true for 1 in 4 children across the country. Without role models and proper supervision, they are at risk for losing their way. In fact, nearly one-third of all violent crime committed by juvenile offenders occurs during after-school hours.

Our passion

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida is a local, autonomous chapter of the nation's #1 most effective youth-focused organization, helping children of all backgrounds develop the qualities needed to become responsible citizens and leaders.

Everyday, we provide a secure, engaging place for young people, ages 6 to 18, to blossom. Inside the Club, children find caring staff members who challenge them to partake in life-changing programs. We foster the characteristics that will help them become successful adults by focusing on

  • Academic Success

  • Healthy Lifestyle Choices

  • Good Character & Citizenship

Our Starfish Guardian program helps you make an investment in the children of our community. We invite you to take a personal tour of the Club and learn about our impact. If you support our efforts, you can become a Starfish Guardian of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida by committing to a multi-year investment. Starfish Guardians donate funds annually for three to five years in the amount of $1,000, $3,000 or $5,000. Your gift will provide after-school services, including mentorship, homework assistance, hot meals, leadership skills and healthy lifestyle choices for youth enrolled in the Boys & Girls Clubs. 

Our young people need your support!

With your generous support, you can give young people in our community hope - hope that they can build better lives for themselves.

Our goal is to ensure that all young people have a safe, encouraging place to go when school lets out.

That’s exactly what we do at Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida. We provide positive, enriching experiences that put members on the path to success.

Locally:

  • 94% of members are promoted to the next grade level, on track to graduate from high school.*

  • 98% of members steer clear of the juvenile justice system.*

  • 100% of female middle and high school members avoid teen pregnancy.*

Nationally:

  • 57% of alumni say that the Club saved their life.

*For members attending 60 days or more.

For more information, please contact Jami Houston, jamih@bgcnf.org or (904) 396-4435 ext. 107, or Darby Stubberfield, darbys@bgcnf.org or (904) 396-4435 ext. 105.

You can make a lasting investment in the Great Futures of our local youth by becoming a STARFISH GUARDIAN below:

Pledge paid annually each year on the month of your choice. This gift will be placed in the current year's operating funds.