BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF UKIAH WINS
NATIONAL GANG PREVENTION AWARD

ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2008 – Ukiah, Calif., like many American cities, is faced with the growth of gangs and gang-related crime. Positive community efforts to address the issue received national recognition today as the Boys & Girls Club of Ukiah was recognized with the National Street SMART Award. Presented by The Allstate Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), the award acknowledges the Club’s highly effective gang-prevention program.

The presentation took place at the Club with a special presentation by Allstate and BGCA representatives honoring the Club’s hard work and dedication in combating gangs and gang-related crimes. The Street SMART program, developed in 1997 as a result of a grant from The Allstate Foundation, gives kids the courage and skills to resist gang involvement. BGCA and The Allstate Foundation understand the importance of proactive efforts to ensure safe and vital communities, and honors selected Clubs for their youth-focused gang-prevention efforts with a national award.

“It’s an honor to be recognized with the National Street SMART Award,” said Liz Elmore, chief professional officer, Boys & Girls Club of Ukiah, who accepted the award. “Community partners – particularly our unique partnership with the Mendocino County Sheriff Department – have been critical to our success. Together, we’ve helped Club members discover positive alternatives to gangs and violence.”

The Ukiah Club has been offering the Street SMART program for two years. A large percentage of Club members have been through the program, and it has proven very popular.

“The Street SMART program has allowed us to initiate positive relationships between Club members and law enforcement officials, as well as reduce the incidents of Club members engaging in gang activities,” said Elmore.

Program Shows Strong Results Combating Gang Violence
On the evening of April 2, 2007, local police officers shot and killed a gang member about a block from the Boys & Girls Club of Ukiah, directly outside an apartment complex where several Club members live. Many Club members know the man shot and witnessed the incident.

Through the Street SMART program, Club officials were able to help their members reconcile what they had seen and how they felt by talking with the Sheriff Deputy who co-teaches Street SMART, talking with a counselor, and expressing what had seen through art.

“Had this program not been in place, many Club members might have fallen victim to local gang influences, which were heightened at this time,” noted Elmore.

“Congratulations to the Boys & Girls Club of Ukiah for achieving this national honor,” said Allstate agent Rod Persons. “The Allstate Foundation is proud to support these valuable programs for young people, encouraging our next generation to make productive choices and develop into strong citizens.”

Since 1994 Boys & Girls Club of Ukiah has been providing the youth in our community with a safe, fun and supervised environment to come and participate in positive daily activities each day after school and most holidays.

The Allstate Foundation
Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation. The Allstate Foundation partners with non-profit organizations on community initiatives that promote “safe and vital community,” “tolerance, inclusion and diversity” and “economic empowerment.” For more information on The Allstate Foundation, please visit www.allstate.com/foundation.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Boys & Girls Clubs of America comprises a national network of more than 4,000 neighborhood-based facilities, with 4.8 million youth served through Club membership and community outreach, in all 50 states and on U.S. military bases worldwide. Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize leadership development, education and career exploration, financial literacy, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation, and family outreach. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

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