The Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri was one of seven non-profit organizations recently approved for tax credits under the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Youth Opportunities Program (YOP.) Though the YOP project will bring in $150,000 for Club operations, it represents just 7.5 of the organization’s overall budget.

“A tax credit donation allows supporters to deduct the contribution on their taxes as an itemized deduction and also to realize 50 percent of the donation amount directly against their adjusted gross income,” said Executive Director Jessica Pyle. “This allows area donors an opportunity not only to receive a break on their taxes but also invest in the youth of the Sedalia community.”

As part of YOP, agencies must conduct projects to show youth development. Locally, the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri has set several goals including increasing members’ academic achievement in math, science or language arts by one letter grade; increasing members’ knowledge of the negative consequences of drug and alcohol use; increasing members’ physical fitness and knowledge of health; and the completion of four service learning projects.

All project goals will be tracked and reported to the Department of Economic Development quarterly.

“We received very generous support from community members to help fund our 2014 YOP which was successful in increasing nutrition awareness in our members, improving their academic success and engaging the youth in supporting their community,” Pyle said. “We are looking forward to the 2015 YOP project and hope to see the same continued support of the Club and Sedalia youth.”

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Celebrating its 55th anniversary in 2015, the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri serves more than 650 children daily at 11 sites in Sedalia, Cole Camp, Green Ridge, La Monte, Leeton and Smithton. For more information about the Club, including how to donate or volunteer your time, go to www.bgckids.com or call 660-826-8331. You can also stay in contact with the Club by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter @bgckids