Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) was awarded a $1.75 million grant from United Health Foundation to create an interactive online platform and mobile application for military kids.

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United Health Foundation awards the Boys & Girls Clubs of America with a $1.75 million grant at Pete ...

United Health Foundation awards the Boys & Girls Clubs of America with a $1.75 million grant at Peterson Air Force base in Colorado Springs Sept. 3, 2015. The grant will be used to create an interactive online platform and mobile application for military kids. Left to right: Kevin McCartney, BGCA Sr. Vice President for Government Relations, Col. Eric Dorminey, Vice Commander of 21st Space Wing, and Dr. John Williams, Sr, M.D., UnitedHealthcare Sr. Medical Director of Military & Veterans (Photo: Kim Cook/ap for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America).

The platform will provide resources to help children in military families cope with and thrive under the unique pressures they face, including helping them as parents and loved ones return from service.

The grant is part of United Health Foundation’s “Helping Build Healthier Communities” program that provides critical resources to nonprofit, community-based organizations across the country to improve people’s health.

“Service members and their families in Colorado and throughout the country make great sacrifices to preserve the freedoms we enjoy every day,” said Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet. “Particularly, the kids of these brave men and women face unique challenges when their parents’ service ends and they transition back to civilian life. With the help of United Health Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of America will help these kids reintegrate and thrive in their new schools and communities.”

“Our nation’s service members and their families know the true meaning of sacrifice,” said Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05). “The children of our fighting heroes have the strength to endure the challenges associated with this sacrifice, but they need more help from all of us. This program supported by United Health Foundation in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America will help them succeed in their new schools and communities as they transition from military to civilian life. I greatly appreciate the deep commitment that UnitedHealth Group and the United Health Foundation has demonstrated toward the health and well-being of our military community and their families.”

Announced today during an event at Peterson Air Force Base, the platform will engage military kids through mobile applications, digital community bulletin boards, distance learning opportunities, targeted digital communications and interactive games. The pilot will launch this fall at five Boys & Girls Clubs Affiliated Youth Centers on military installations across the country before distribution to more than 4,100 Boys & Girls Clubs.

“The children of military families are some of our nation’s most resilient yet vulnerable youth, who have had to make tremendous sacrifices on behalf of our country,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO of BGCA. “Thanks to a generous contribution from United Health Foundation, we’ll be able to reach more families and provide the resources and community support they need as they transition between military and civilian life.”

“We are grateful for the opportunity to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America to make a difference in military families’ health and well-being,” said John Williams, Sr., M.D., senior medical director, UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans. “This online platform will give children of military families access to health and community resources that will enhance their quality of life.”

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,100 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at BGCA's Facebook and Twitter.

About United Health Foundation
Through collaboration with community partners, grants and outreach efforts, United Health Foundation works to improve our health system, build a diverse and dynamic health workforce and enhance the well-being of local communities. United Health Foundation was established by UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) in 1999 as a not-for-profit, private foundation dedicated to improving health and health care. To date, United Health Foundation has committed more than $285 million to programs and communities around the world. We invite you to learn more at www.unitedhealthfoundation.org.

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