BCYC opens its door and heart to Central Texas children

The Belton Christian Youth Center (BCYC) is a sponsored United Way of Central Texas agency. Their operational expenses are paid for by the funding that we provide. Their organization was founded in 1999 by Jerry Brentham and Roy Wood to help at risk youth, providing them an opportunity for recreational programs and activities.

Today, BCYC continues to grow as it serves close to 1,200 kids every year in approximately 30,000 square feet of building/gymnasium space. They are dependent on the continued assistance of dedicated partners such as the United Way of Central Texas and the surrounding community.

BCYC offers a positive alternative for latch-key students both after-school and in summer, providing education and recreation activities for children throughout the community. BCYC gives tuition assistance for lower-income families. Volunteers aid in homework assistance and tutoring, and computer access is available for all children at the facility. Students also participate in a weekly devotional time that is led by an activity staff member. 

BCYC encourages children to learn priceless social skills by engaging them in activities and encouraging them to meet new friends. A variety of opportunities are provided for the students in order to ensure that they can participate in activities that appeal to them as an individual. The Belton Christian Youth Center provides two game rooms, a full gymnasium with eight basketball goals, two activity rooms and a homework/reading area. Other outside activities include soccer, baseball, kickball, basketball and four-square. BCYC is also dependent upon businesses within the local community for athletic team sponsorship.

Lessons are also given to the students to prevent future at-risk behavior. Some partners include: Juvenile Probation, Department of Agriculture, First Baptist Church Belton, Belton Church of Christ, BISD, Safe Kids, Council on Drug and Alcohol Prevention, STARRY - A Children at Heart Ministry, ARROW Parenting, Ft. Hood/Military Family Assistance, and others.

Because the community continues to grow, BCYC is now working to provide an additional facility for students. For more information on how you can help this agency and other UWCT agencies or to make an online donation, visit www.uwct.org . If you would like to give a cash or check gift, send to P.O. Box 1312, Temple, TX, 76503. You may also text “UWCT” to 85944 to make a $5 pledge.