Youth organizations can play a big role in helping children become happy and successful adults. They help meet the needs children have: a sense of competence – the feeling there is something boys and girls can do well; a sense of power and influence – a chance to be heard and to influence decisions; a sense of usefulness – the opportunity to do something of value for other people; a sense of belonging – a place where an individual knows he or she has a place where he or she is accepted. Youth need relationships with caring adults and safe, supervised, nurturing environments after school and during the summer. United Way of Hall County invests in quality youth development programs that give boys and girls from every part of our community a chance to develop his or her potential, make friends and become a vital part of the community. Each year, more than 2800 Hall County boys and girls gain leadership skills, self-confidence, and become actively involved in the community through the programs of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Through Center Point, over 300 students throughout Gainesville and Hall County benefit from having a positive relationship with caring adult mentors who encourage school attendance, academic progress and good conduct. Boys and Girls Clubs provides a safe, stimulating environment for more than 250 children each day after school and in the summers.