Kohl’s and Boys & Girls Clubs of America share a fundamental belief: every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive. However, numerous children and teenagers across the nation face increasing emotional and wellness challenges that hinder their potential for a bright future. Recognizing these critical issues, Kohl’s has been a steadfast supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs, enabling them to implement vital programs focused on social-emotional development (SED).
Over the past two years, Kohl’s generous contributions have empowered Boys & Girls Clubs to weave essential SED skills into their nationwide curriculum. Social-emotional development is crucial, providing young individuals with the positive experiences, supportive relationships, and nurturing environments necessary to mature into healthy and capable adults. Through the collaboration between Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Kohl’s, over 24,000 dedicated Youth Development professionals have received training, participating in more than 800 training sessions centered on SED. This extensive training has allowed the youth organization to integrate over 70 curriculum resources specifically designed to foster social and emotional skill development, and to curate six core curriculum resources directly supporting these vital skills.
This impactful partnership with Kohl’s has significantly strengthened the network of 4,700 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. It has enhanced program quality, amplified youth voice and advocacy, and most importantly, nurtured the immense potential within the 4.3 million young people served annually by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Strengthening the Commitment to Youth Emotional Wellness
Many young people grapple with daily threats to their emotional well-being, stemming from issues like bullying, poverty, or family instability. According to Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national impact study, a concerningly high number – nearly half of all youth in the United States – have endured at least one potentially traumatic event in their lives. This reality is often amplified for youth of color, who may experience feelings of disconnection and exclusion due to racism and social injustices.
To effectively address these challenges, Boys & Girls Clubs are committed to establishing robust policies, practices, and partnerships. These are designed to ensure that every child and teen finds a safe haven within the Clubs, complete with supportive mentors and enriching, high-quality programs. These programs are essential for building resilience and fostering positive coping mechanisms when navigating uncertainty and difficult situations. A key component of this approach is for Clubs to become trauma-informed environments, equipped to understand and respond to the needs of youth who have experienced trauma.
Kohl’s $10 million donation is instrumental in enabling Boys & Girls Clubs of America to comprehensively support the emotional wellness of over four million young individuals. This significant contribution facilitates the implementation and expansion of crucial initiatives that cultivate long-term emotional well-being in young people. This commitment aligns with the spirit of Kohl’s Cares volunteer program, although the donation is directly fueled by Kohl’s Cares Goods for Good. This program exemplifies Kohl’s dedication, using the net profits from the sale of children’s books and toys to support vital health and wellness organizations throughout the nation.
National Support for Youth Development
In 2022, Kohl’s reaffirmed its dedication to Boys & Girls Clubs of America through Kohl’s Cares, pledging a further $10 million over three years. This renewed commitment is specifically aimed at supporting the development and delivery of trauma-informed training for Club staff. This training equips professionals with the necessary skills to integrate trauma-informed practices into both formal and informal learning experiences for youth. Furthermore, Kohl’s Cares proudly serves as a Signature Sponsor of the Youth of the Year program and associated events, providing additional support to young people across the country and highlighting the importance of youth leadership and achievement.
The national partnership between Kohl’s and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which began in 2019, is deeply rooted in Kohl’s overarching commitment to create and implement essential programs focused on enhancing the physical and emotional well-being of children and families. While the financial support through Kohl’s Cares Goods for Good is paramount, Kohl’s broader Kohl’s Cares volunteer program also plays a vital role in community engagement, although distinct from this specific donation. Together, these initiatives demonstrate Kohl’s comprehensive approach to supporting youth development and well-being nationwide.
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