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Contact Name: Sara Bealor Contact Email: sbealor@bgcsarasota.com Contact Phone Number: 941-366-3911 Many young people simply end up in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong influences when outside of school and extracurricular activities. They can be exposed to crime, alcohol and drugs. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County recently announced the expansion of a late-night program opportunity for hundreds of local teens. With support from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, the Club At Night (CAN) Program will provide middle and high school students in Sarasota County with year-round academic, social and career-readiness opportunities at no cost. The organization launched the CAN pilot at the Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club in the summer of 2017 in response to teens needing a safe, positive place with mentors and enrichment activities after their personal commitments ended, such as first-time jobs or extra-curricular activities. “The feedback from the teens who participated in the CAN pilot was overwhelmingly positive, and thanks to the Barancik Foundation, we were able to build its scope, and offer CAN again during the summer of 2018,” said Bill Sadlo, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. “We’re excited to take our commitment to teens further this year, and give them greater access to resources during timeframes that work best for their busy schedules.” The expanded program will take place at the Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club, located at 1790 21st Street, as well as, the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club at 3130 Fruitville Road. CAN will alternate between the two Club locations and run 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Friday during the school year, and every Friday and Saturday during the summer months. “We love that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County has continued to expand its services for teens so they can grow, learn and play in a safe environment,” said Teri A Hansen, President|CEO of Barancik Foundation. “Because of the positive impact on the teens my board is happy to be able to provide some of the much needed funding for them and hope others will join them.” Throughout the year, CAN participants will be encouraged to attend a variety of activities that help them do well in school, develop strong character and leadership skills, discover new interests and prepare for life after high school graduation. Examples include presentations by community partners, robotics, photography, sports leagues, dances and scholarship workshops. Nutritious meals and snacks, as well as, transportation home will also be provided. To learn more about the program, visit bgcsarasota.com or contact Suriya Khong, Director of Teen Outreach at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, at skhong@bgcsarasota.com or 941-217-5295. About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County has been a leading youth-serving organization in Sarasota County and its surrounding area since 1970, and provides enriching after-school and summer programs to thousands of youth, ages 6 to 18, at six Club locations and four school sites. The organization’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need services the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The programs are designed to empower youth to excel in school, become leaders, adopt healthy habits and create plans for success after high school graduation. For more information, visit bgcsarasota.com or call 941-366-3911. About Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation The Charles and Margery Barancik family has long believed in the power of philanthropy to shape our world and enrich the lives of all people. It was the expression of this belief that led them in 2014 to establish the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation – a private, family foundation located in Sarasota, Florida. The Barancik Foundation creates initiatives and awards grants in Sarasota and beyond in the areas of education, humanitarian causes, arts and culture, the environment, and medical research. Visit BarancikFoundation.org to learn more.