Through becoming a community partner with KIDS in the GAME, Bank of the Cascades was able to impact the lives of 102 young athletes in Salem, Oregon. These athletes now have the ability to participate in positive youth sports programs as a result of Bank of the Cascades and KIDS in the GAME teaming up to make a difference.
Because of the support from Bank of the Cascades, 102 children will not only be able to participate in great sports programs this year, but they will acquire long-term benefits as well. Some of those benefits include:
- Better social skills
- Better academic performance
- Higher levels of physical activity later in life
- Less likely to undergo substance abuse
- Less likely to become obese
- Less likely to become involved in misconduct and criminal activity
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About the Youth Organizations
Claggett Creek Middle School:
The majority of the students at Claggett Creek are on a free/reduce lunch program. Some of the families are low income, single parents trying to make ends meet. In some cases where both parents had a job and now only one works, it is difficult for them to support their children with any extra curricular activities.
-Lupe Mora, Community Outreach Coordinator
Houck Middle School:
Houck Middle School student athletes come from low to middle class income neighborhoods. The majority is on a free/reduced lunch program. Sports offered at Houck Middle School provide an after-school activity for students. They promote life-long skills such as self-confidence, teamwork and discipline. Many students need assistance with the pay to play fee.
- Amy Solis, Community Outreach Coordinator
The Boys and Girls Club of Salem:
The Boys & Girls Club provides programs for all young people in grades 1-12, but with a special focus on those who need us most and those most underserved. Our sports programs are no exception. Providing scholarships to kids gives many of the youth in our community the opportunity to participate who otherwise could not afford the fee. The scholarships are given based on families who are considered very low income.
-Kari Roberts, Director of Development
Salem YMCA:
One out of three children in our programs are currently on financial assistance. A Mom shared a story of how her son, who experiences Asperger’s, is excelling in school. Her son was able to come to day camp for a summer because of a scholarship. He learned valuable skills and went from a one-on-one in the classroom, to being fully integrated. He also participates in sports, which was not possible before.
- Lindsey Newton, Business Manager
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About The Impact
The generous support from Bank of the Cascades has impacted the lives of 102 young athletes at these organizations. The programs they now have access to will shape their lives dramatically. 102 more children now have the ability to thrive in life through positive sports experiences that teach teamwork, responsibility, and much more.
One of our scholarship recipients last year was a 6th grader who hadn’t previously had the means to play football. With the scholarship, he worked extra hard and was one of the MVP’s on the team – finding a true talent that gave him a sense of accomplishment and success. – Kari Roberts, Director of Development, Boys and Girls Club of Salem, Marion, and Polk Counties
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Learn more about the KIDS in the GAME Community Partner Program,
and find out how your organization can make in impact here.
