Letter from our President & CEO - 2023 Annual Appeal

Dear Friend of BGV:

This past summer I had the opportunity to spend some time with my daughter who is working towards her master's degree in marine mammal conservationism in Florida.  I assisted her in moving into a new apartment, co-signed a lease, and helped her to navigate insurance and automotive repairs after a minor accident.  I realized how much support she needed over the years and still needs from me, as a young adult, to maneuver in a complex adult world and to be happy and successful.

Too many of the youth in CT don't have any consistent, supportive adults in their lives, or access to education or vocational services, through no fault of their own.  This is why the programs that Boys & Girls Village provides are so essential to making a positive impact on the lives of the kids we serve.

BGV is here to help ensure that youth have a safe and comfortable place to live; that they receive an individualized education that meets their needs; that they are offered skills to be successful in adulthood; and that they can lead a happy and healthy life.  BGV can offer them the consistency and support they may have been lacking, and BGV can help the adults in their lives develop the nurturing stability every child needs. 

However, success is only possible due to all of you.  Because of the support from donors like you, BGV can continue to provide the essential services even though many of our programs are underfunded.  Your contributions and belief in BGV's mission are essential for us to keep building healthy pathways.

Thank you for your past support.  We ask you to please consider giving again this year as 2023 draws to a close.  Rising costs have put even more challenges on our programs.  We need you more than ever this year to help BGV positively impact the lives of not just the 900 youth in our programs, but also the thousands of family members, caregivers, teachers, and friends who are also impacted by this work.

It truly takes a village to raise a child, and our donors are the heart of Boys & Girls Village.  Without all of us working towards the same goal, BGV would not be celebrating its 81st year.  Thank YOU for all you do! 

Warm wishes, Kim Shaunesey, Ph.D. President & CEO

Summer 2023 Message from our CEO

Dear Friend of BGV:

In 2022, BGV celebrated its 80th birthday! Our Fiscal Year 2022 annual report is now available and spotlights BGV's 3 new programs, accomplishments, and the people of BGV. Please click here to view the annual report.

Additionally, we would like to provide you with a snapshot of the impact donor contributions have made to help change the lives of youth in our community:

• Last year, 841 unique individual participated in BGV programs.
• 5 new programs have been added in just 2 years.
• 14 boys experiencing neglect or abuse were welcomed into BGV's new STAR respite home.
• 453 families were given valuable parenting skills to better manage conflict in the home.
• 75% of children in the Reunification and Therapeutic Family Time program were reunited with their families.
• In our Behavioral Health programs, 60% of youth were able to move on to less restrictive or less intensive services in 2022.
• Over the past 3 years, Hayden School has drawn students from an average of 43 Local Educational Agencies each year. 
• This year 35% of Hayden School students graduated or were able to return to school in their community.

Thank you to all our supporters and major donors who generously invest in the future of Connecticut's youth by supporting the important work we continue to do at BGV.  

As we continue our important work, we are grateful for your support. Your support ensures that the kids and families we serve are given opportunities to be happy, healthy, and successful.  Our clients are taking steps in a forward direction and we couldn't do this work without you. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Kim Shaunesey, Ph.D.
President & CEO