Abstract

Today, there are many programs established to serve underprivileged children who are otherwise
not allowed equal opportunities for healthy development unlike, their higher socioeconomic
counterparts. A lack of intervention by such a program often means that basic functions of
healthy development, such as physical activity are neglected as many disadvantaged towns are
unable to provide secure play spaces for their youth. Currently, the Boys and Girls Club of
America has been the most successful organization in creating a safe environment where future
generations can receive assistance in both their family lives and academics. Additionally, it has
established a myriad of programs to promote and sustain physical education for toddlers to high
schoolers. This proposal discusses one such region in which the establishment of a Boys and
Girls Club of America should be established. As of 2022, one in three children in Trenton New
Jersey is considered obese and another third, are overweight. This is only one of many
consequences of rampant crime in Trenton, which is 92% above the state average. However,
considering the history of successful intervention of the Boys and Girls of America has
continuously proven through its franchising model, the next generation of Trenton residents can
benefit from an establishment that promotes the betterment of the community at large, starting
with the individual.

Budget
Item:
Establishment: $1,060,109
Land- $350,000
Architecture- $114,900
Light Fixtures- $527 per fixture x 25
Flooring- $8.50 per square foot x 10,000 square feet = $348,480
Labor-$236,500
During operation: $243,000
Utilities- $6,500 per month x 12 months: $78,000
Maintenance- $3,000 per year
Staff- $25,000 to $35,000 (not including volunteers) x 6 overhead staff: $162,000

Budget Discussion:
It is crucial to note that, besides the cost of the land, this budget is only an approximation of the
actual costs to build a Boys and Girls Club in Trenton. However, these costs should be seriously
considered as the standard to the basic recreational center. The costs of the flooring, light
fixtures, and contracting were found using US National Average costs from 2013 RS Means cost
data using union labor for a 10000 square foot building. Additionally, each month utilities such
as electricity and water will need to be accounted for as well as yearly maintenance to keep the
building to a safe standard. The final major cost to be considered is the paid staff, such as a
director, an activity coordinator, and permanent facilitators to make sure the children are playing
in a safe manner.

The budget is made under the key assumption that the facility will be open year-round and that
costs will remain constant throughout the year. While this is not entirely accurate, as in the
winter, heat, and electricity maybe be in greater demand. This may lead to an increase in yearly
costs.

Discussion:
Based on a study done by Columbia University, the Boys and Girls Club of America seems to
have a significant impact on the populations it reaches, citing on average, intervention reduces
local crime by 13% and drug activity by 22% (Gist 2012). This allows for a slow but sure growth
amongst the youth of areas such as Trenton in which feelings of insecurity are imminent, which
leads to reduced outdoor physical activity involvement with gang activity. This proposal
provides the Boys and Girls Club with a plan of action to establish a new location in Trenton,
along with the possible benefits of doing so both for the organization as a whole as well as the
youth of Trenton. By enacting such a plan, the Boys and Girls Club of America can continue its
legacy of allowing children to reach their full potential as active and responsible citizens of their
communities.

However, if such an initiative is ignored, this could lead to dire consequences for the next
generation of Trenton residents. The establishment of a safe and viable play space allows
children to build the fundamentals of both healthy social interaction and habits of physical
activity. As crime rates continue to soar in Trenton the region will continue to be one in which
children feel unsafe and cannot break the cycle of continuous poverty.