Committed to Greene County Youth
Kara Latz believes in the future of Greene County’s youth and showcases that belief in her efforts to sew in her time, talents, and treasures at Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club.
For Latz the power of PNBGC is within the truth that the Club doesn’t serve as a “band-aid fix” for youth.
“We aim to the break the cycle of poverty,” she shared. “Once a Club kid, always a Club kid means that we are with you, even when you venture out into the workforce or college – we are here to walk alongside you and provide what you might need to advance in life.”
Latz’ belief in youths having a better tomorrow can be seen in her work ethic to be the bridge for youth and that’s why Latz is this year’s Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s Board Member of the Year. Latz recently received the award at the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s Donor, Volunteer, Youth of the Year awards dinner.
“BGCNCG's Board Member of the Year award is given to a board member who gives relentlessly of their time, treasure and talents to ensure our Club youth continue to have enriching experiences,” Bob Mackey, CEO & President for BGCNCG shared. “Kara Latz is an example of selflessness and the magic that can happen when our communities rally behind our youth.”
The community member selected for this award often puts in time, treasure, and their talents to create meaningful experiences, top notch fundraisers, and helps ensure the board always has guiding direction.
“Kara Latz has been that over her time of volunteering and being a board member for the local PNBGC board,” Mackey added.
A highlight moment and example of the giving nature of Latz is in the exchange she had with an Alumnus of PNBGC reaching out to help another Club alumnus obtain his college education.
For Latz helping youth bridge the gap isn’t costly. It may take time, but its time needed.
“A PNBGC Club alumnus had been attempting to enroll at Georgia Gwinnett College for two years and was unsuccessful due to paperwork not matching up from his enrichment summer program at Yale,” Latz shared. “This Club alumnus is a special young man. In fact, he had a student from Lake Oconee Academy raise funds so he could attend this enrichment summer program at Yale. The disconnect was he needed help communicating his needs, as GCC wasn’t listening to his explanation of the program from Yale not having a transcript.”
Through the network of Club Alumnus, this young man’s issue was brought to Latz attention and she was able to advocate on his behalf.
“I collected a few details from this Club member and made phone calls to Yale, as well as GGC. Devoting just an hour of my time in making phone calls and sending emails, in 24 hours, he received the documentation from Yale to send to GGC to show that this was not a graded college program but rather an enrichment program that only came with a certificate of completion. Barrier lifted,” she shared. “After 1-2 years of just a misunderstanding from the college, he can now anticipate a much delayed and deserved acceptance letter from GGC.”
For Latz this act is just one example of the way’s community members can make tangible differences in youths lives today.
“I’m grateful for this award and for being recognized by this organization and my hope is that other women in my circle will get involved,” she shared. “We have so much talent in Greene County and I would like the Boys & Girls Club volunteer pool to expand and to include more mothers. We need caring women to help our Club children navigate the trials and tribulations of becoming a pre-teen/teen. We can all recall the insecurities and lack of confidence. I want our Club kids to be healthy, inside and out.”
BGCNCG’s vision is to provide a world-class experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors.
If interested in volunteering for a Boys & Girls Club, please visit www.bgcncg.comor call770-267-8034.