Penobscot Nation Boys and Girls Club Awarded $25,000 by Wal-Mart Foundation to Enhance After-School Program

INDIAN ISLAND, Maine – The Wal-Mart Foundation has awarded the Penobscot Nation Boys and Girls Club (PNBGC) a $25,000 grant to sustain and enhance its after school homework help program..

“We are extremely grateful to be receiving this gift,” said Carla Fearon, the executive director of PNBGC. “Providing our youth with quality programs is our priority and organizations like the Wal-Mart Foundation make that possible.”

“Wal-Mart and Sam's Clubs of Maine are proud to provide this grant to the Penobscot Nation Boys and Girls Club, which plays such a vital role in the lives of children on the Penobscot Indian Reservation," said David Murray, Market Manager for Region 11, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
The Penobscot Nation Boys & Girls Club provides a range of programs that promote the development of young people by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging, and a sense of power. When this strategy is fully implemented, self-esteem is enhanced and an environment is created which helps boys and girls achieve their full potential.

The PNBGC, located at 12 Wabanaki Way in Indian Island, is equipped with a gymnasium, kitchen/cafeteria, game room, computer room and learning center. Core programs offered include: Character and Leadership Development, Education and Career Development, Health and Life Skills, the Arts, and Sports, Fitness and Recreation.

The Wal-Mart Foundation grant will be used to sustain and enhance its after-school homework help program, Power Hour: Making Minutes Count. Power Hour is a comprehensive homework help and tutoring program for all Club members. Power Hour provides members with the support, resources and guidance necessary to complete their homework – and start the school day with a sense of confidence and ability.

The grant was made possible through the Wal-Mart Foundation’s State Giving Program. Through this program, the Wal-Mart Foundation awards grants at the state and regional levels to support unmet needs in areas of focus such as: Education, Job Skills Training, Environmental Sustainability and Health. For more information, please visit: www.walmartstores.com.

The PNBGC (www.penobscotnation.org/pnbgc) operates year-round, including summer vacation. Memberships are 100 percent free of charge, regardless of Tribal affiliation. For more information about the Club, contact Executive Director Carla Fearon at 207-817-7355.

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Photo Cutline: The Wal-Mart Foundation presented $25,000 to the Penobscot Nation Boys and Girls Club at a ceremony at the Wal-Mart in Bangor on Sept. 26. Pictured are Carla Fearon, Executive Director of the Penobscot Nation Boys and Girls Club and Dale McMindes, Store Manager of the Bangor Wal-Mart.