Our Club Directors and staff are busy compiling activities from our Clubs to share with our community in the coming days. For now, here is a list of free academic and entertainment sources for our community to utilize. BGCNCG is here to continue to enrich the lives of the youth and community we serve!
“BGCNCG serves an essential role in caring for our community's young people," said Katie Comer, Community Development Regional Manager at Facebook. "We enthusiastically support them and are proud to provide this grant to further this critical mission. It's what neighbors do, and we've called this community home since we broke ground on our Newton Data Center in 2018."
Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s Duck Derby will soon release 6,000 rubber ducks on the Yellow River in Porterdale for a $10,000 grand prize finish line. This year the organization’s event will be virtual and can be viewed live June 27 at 9 AM on BGCNCG’s Facebook page at @BGCNCG.
“During these unprecedented times, supporting Duck Derby ensures that the youth who need us most continue to receive our support and care,” Bob Mackey, President and CEO shared. “Duck Derby supports not only our summer programming, but also our daily operations within our Clubs. With your community support we’re able to continue world class programming and implement new programming for the 2020-2021 calendar year.”
Josephine Kelly, Development Director for Porterdale shares her excitement for Duck Derby is all about the cause.
“Duck Derby is such a creative way of raising funds for an important cause, allowing the young people of the community to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The City of Porterdale is thrilled to be part of the third Duck Derby,”she said.
Kelly said Porterdale is eagerly awaiting watching the race live June 27.
If you’re searching for a lucky duck, you don’t have to look far. Supporters can purchase a duck for $20 at www.bgcncg.com/duckderby.
“For every $20 duck an individual adopts, participants not only increase odds of winning our $10,000 grand prize, they also help BGCNCG continue to offer the youth who need us the most quality and life-changing programming,” Mackey added.
There are three other great prizes to be won at this year’s Duck Derby alongside the $10,000 grand prize. Those prizes are a golf package for The Oaks Golf Course in Conyers, an Atlanta skyline helicopter ride and an ipad package.
Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia serves Morgan, Greene, Newton, Walton, and Lamar counties.
If you’d like to learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s Duck Derby, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034.
Youth are working on in-home science/stem projects during COVID 19.
Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia recently received a grant from the Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. Funding for the grant was provided in partnership between the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and United Way of Greater Atlanta.
Bob Mackey, President and CEO of BGCNCG, said the grant will be utilized for BGCNCG’s general operating to support virtual programming like STEM, outdoor activities, reading and craft activities, as well as provide learning kits.
“This partnership with the Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund will allow us to continue serve the youth who need us most,” Mackey shared. “This funding will help provide the essential tools and resources we need to bring brighter futures to our youth. With community financial support such as this grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and United Way of Greater Atlanta we will indeed get through this together. We are grateful to have this funding and utilize it to help us continue to adapt during these unprecedented times to continue to serve the families and youth who need us now more than ever.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia serves Greene, Morgan, Walton, Lamar, and Newton Counties.
To learn more about BGCNCG, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034.
Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia did not let the current state of our world stop the organization from celebrating their 2020 graduates. On a recent Zoom call, BGCNCG hosted its first ever virtual Senior Celebration. Seniors dawned their Club royal blue caps and gowns as parents, Club board members and community members gathered virtually to celebrate their accomplishments. And for this graduating class their Club time is uniquely special.
“The Boys & Girls Club has been very influential to me. It has been a support system, a community and an inspiration,” Ricquaria Griggs, Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club Senior, shared. “The Club is where I did my very first community project and inspired me for my future endeavors. When I first got accepted into Savannah College of Art and Design, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to afford the tuition, but the Boys & Girls Club stepped in and introduced me to various scholarship opportunities. They encouraged me to pursue my dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Thank you to the PNBGC!”
For Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club Senior Ar’mond Wright, the Club has been his home since it first opened.
“The Boys & Girls Club is one of the places I like to call home. The Club has helped me fulfill my hopes, promises and dreams,” Wright shared. “The Club has been with me my whole life since it opened in Madison. The Club has helped me pursue my passions and helped me discover the characteristics of myself that I thought I would never know and for that I am grateful.”
Each Senior shared a message of how the Club changed their life.
“This is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. I look at the Boys & Girls Club as a big happy family and a helping hand in the community. When I come into the Club, I feel safe and accepted and here I’ve learned the ins and outs of honesty and positivity,” DJ Wright shared. “The Club is a place where any kid can come and truly find themselves while being able to dream big with staff that are willing to help along the way. I’m so grateful for my Club.”
Angelica Bostwick, Walton County Boys & Girls Club 2020 Youth of the Year and a Club Senior, concluded the senior moment with this reflection, “the Boys & Girls Club helped me gain more courage than I had before and I don’t know what I would have done without the Club.”
Seniors then heard a special message from London Reeves the director of Alumni Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of America before being inducted as BGCA Alumni & Friends Club members.
Club youth participate in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Alumni Oath.
“I heard from Seniors words like, “community, family, exploration, and encouragement,” Reeves shared. “Once a Club kid always a Club kid and as you make this transition to becoming Alumni you are joining a host of celebrities, CEO’s and your fellow Club staff as alumnus.”
Reeves shared an inspiring word around potential for each Senior’s future.
“Your class is like no class before you. Always do your best and know your best will vary from day-to-day. It is my hope and belief that you can do anything. I invite each of you to own all of who you are, all of your greatness, to walk truly in your purpose and know you can always return home,” Reeves shared. “Once a Club kid, always a Club kid!”
To close the Senior Celebration, Bob Mackey, President and CEO of BGCNCG shared these remarks, “We thank you for not giving up. We thank you for being a role model for those who came before you and will follow after. You have already inspired the next generation. Ten years from now you’ll regret most the things you didn’t do, and we want you to set out to do it all. We congratulate you and we want all of you to make a mark and make a difference.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia serves the communities of Greene, Morgan, Walton, Newton and Lamar Counties. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034.
Safety is the number one priority of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, and we are doing whatever it takes to keep children, our staff, and volunteers protected from the COVID-19 virus. Safety is having our doors closed until April 16, as advised by our government officials. Although our Clubs are closed for now, our commitment and resolve to be a place that changes lives is still open.
Our Club Directors and staff are busy compiling activities from our Clubs to share with our community in the coming days. For now, here is a list of free academic and entertainment sources for our community to utilize. BGCNCG is here to continue to enrich the lives of the youth and community we serve!
Tony McCullar is dedicated to the youth of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia. A crucial member in the organization’s creation, McCullar has spent the past 10 years ensuring Club youth have a safe place to become productive, caring and responsible citizens. Recently, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia highlighted and celebrated McCullar’s commitment by giving him the Lifetime Movement Award.
When McCullar heard his named called at BGCNCG’s Donor, Volunteer, and Youth of the Year Awards he was at first surprised and then full of gratitude.
“I’m just so grateful to have this opportunity to help build the North Central Georgia organization from one Club to the five Clubs that serve our youth today,” he shared. “Throughout my years of service to Boys & Girls Clubs, I’ve seen this truth – we provide a safe place with structure and educational opportunities for youth. I’m blessed to have been a part of it.”
Currently, McCullar serves as treasure for BGCNCG’s corporate board and serves as the co-treasurer for Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls.
For him what keeps him inspired to give his time and talents to the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia is every youth served.
“Every time I walk into a Club and see the youth participating and learning alongside our talented and dedicated staff – I am inspired,” he shared. “I encourage those curious about the movement to visit a Club soon.”
McCullar looks forward to BGCNCG’s 2020 horizon, as the organization sets to open a new Club in Barnesville, Georgia. Above all else, McCullar keeps in his personal horizon just how much fun this work is and how important it is to future generations.
“The last ten years have been full of fun,” McCullar shared adding the work the community does together makes lasting impacts and continues to change lives.
BGCNCG's Lifetime Movement award is given to a board member who models the epitome of the Boys & Girls Club mission of enabling all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
“Tony McCullar has given immeasurable personal resources and talents to ensure BGCNCG continues to make lasting impacts for our youth,” Bob Mackey, CEO & President shared. “He is an example of the endless possibilities that become available to our youth when the community works together.”
For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, visit www.bgcncg.com. If you’d like to get involved, please contact 770-267-8034.
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.
Hues of Boys & Girls Club blue shinned across exposed brick while laughter, tears and heartfelt gratitude could be heard from the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s Doors to great Futures Donor, Volunteer and Youth of the Year awards dinner.
Guests in attendance gathered to celebrate and honor community members for their commitment to BGCNCG’s mission of enabling all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. An added experience for the evening for guests was witnessing the announcement of the 2019 Youth of the Year winner, Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club member Destiny McClendon, who will now compete in the state level competition in March 2020.
Guests were greeted by the 2020 Youth of the Year Candidates from each Club.
Hosts for the evening Bob Mackey, CEO & President of BGCNCG and Karen Robertson, Sr. Executive Director for Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club kicked off the evening by introducing guest musician and speaker, Damien Horne.
Horne, a Boys & Girls Club alumnus and national recording artist, shared his story and talents with guests throughout the night crediting the Boys & Girls Club as the reason “he’s here today” able to bring joy through his music.
Throughout the evening, the 2019 Youth of the Year candidates shared their speeches in between awards.
Walton County Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, Angelica Bostwick, shared how the Club offered her experiences during College trips that showcased her future possibilities.
“I was able to visit a historical black college for the first time during our college tours and it was an amazing feeling to see the potential ahead of me,” she shared. “The Club inspires me to dream big and remember my community in the process.”
Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, Ashton Brannon shared his love for Club staff and programming that’s helping him learn what it takes to be successful.
“Mrs. Karen has taught me to be successful I have to want to better myself,” Brannon shared. Through programs, field trips, and mentorship I feel like anything is possible for me.”
Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, Destiny McClendon, shared how the Club rallied around her during her mom’s breast cancer diagnosis. “This Club has taught me about leadership, perseverance, and resilience. When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer the Club was there for me.”
Newton County Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Miracle Gospel spoke about the Club’s positive impact on her life during difficult losses. “The Club’s Smart Girls program gave me a safe space to share what I was going through after the loss of my cousins. My Club director, Ms. Nakita, made sure to check in on me every day at the Club. I feel like I finally have a safe place to me.”
Throughout inspiring speeches and empowering music, community members were honored for their commitment to the movement.
This year’s local award recipients from the organizations four Clubs are:
Karen Peters, far left, with her Volunteer of the Year award.
Kara Latz, far right, and PNBGC chart, Mike O’Neal, second from right, award the Lake Oconee Academy Tumbling Squad the Kara Latz Award.
Lynda Maresca, far right, accepts her Volunteer of the Year award.
Kara Latz serves as secretary of Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club’s board and is involved in numerous activities that benefit Club members.
“Kara negotiated a station at the Oconee Cellars for Duck Derby ticket sales and was persistent in selling tickets there on many weekends leading up to our big Duck Derby event,” Bob Mackey said. “She also has worked tirelessly to increase the Club’s volunteerism.”
“Dr. Paschal continues to be a beacon of support for our Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club,” Mackey shared. “We are so grateful for continued partnership with Paschal Orthodontics and for their vision to see that together are changing lives.”
“Drew brought lacrosse to our Walton County Boys & Girls Club and through this exciting sport, our Club boys have learned what perseverance is all about,” Mackey said. “This year their team is undefeated.”
Tony McCullar serves as co-treasurer for Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club and treasure for Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia.
“The last ten years have been full of fun,” McCullar shared adding the work the community does together had and continues to change lives.
During the awards, the Youth of the Year Candidates were invited to the stage to learn who won the 2020 Regional Youth of the Year for BGCNCG.
As the winner’s banner was being raised, the room fell silent and then erupted with cheers as Destiny McClendon of Pete Nance Boys & Girls Clubs was named the regional winner. McClendon’s parents spoke on her behalf as she was competing in a basketball game that evening. Filled with tears, they both shared that “Destiny would have voiced you’re all winners and how grateful she is to have this Club be a part of her life.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia provides club experiences in Madison, Greene, Lamar, and Newton Counties. BGCNCG looks to open its newest location, Barnesville-Lamar County January of 2020.
BGCNCG’s vision is to provide a world-class experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors.
For more information or to donate, visit www.bgcncg.com. If you’d like to get involved, please contact 770-267-8034.
New Tweens & Teens Initiative
Boys & Girls Club of North Central Georgia will continue making smart moves count within teen pregnancy prevention through an awarded grant program from Boys & Girls Clubs of Georgia, Inc.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provided a $730,000 to BGC, which a portion will be distributed to BGCNCG to help implement a new Reducing the Risk Program.
BGCNCG continues to maintain zero teen pregnancies in each of its Clubs in Greene, Morgan, Walton and Newton Counties for teens who attend the Club at least three times or more a week.
“Reducing the Risk Program is designed to help youth ages 14-19 to reduce the risk of unhealthy choices and relationships."
Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia will provide this program to youth currently enrolled in its Clubs. This program will train staff in the Reducing the Risk program, open opportunities to parent sessions and positively impact the youth of BGCNCG.
“Health education is at the core of our programs that helps equip our youth to become successful adults in making positive choices that impact their bodies and futures,” Bob Mackey, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia. “We are looking forward to continuing to make such impacts through this awarded grant and program initiative.”
To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034.
Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia celebrated the ground breaking of its newest Club site located in Barnesville, Georgia. Barnesville-Lamar Boys & Girls Club is set to open January 13, 2020 and will serve ages 6 - 18 of Lamar county.
The Club’s steering committee, along with Lamar county residents and officials, planted their golden shovels into the soil marking the beginning of BLBGC’s journey to become a fully operational Club in 2020.
“Ten years from now this Club will be a gift that will truly keep on giving. The dedication behind this effort that’s made this ground breaking possible today – and moving forward - will change the environment, trajectory and outlook of youth in Lamar County,” Bob Mackey, President & CEO of BGCNCG shared. “On behalf of the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, we’d like to congratulate your steering committee on the steps taken to change lives forever.”
Joe Edwards, president of United Bank, longtime supporter of Lamar County youth and steering committee chairman of Barnesville-Lamar Boys & Girls Club, shared his excitement to be opening a Club with Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia.
“Soon it will be five decades that my family and I have been in Lamar county. I’ve worked on a lot of civic projects in those years, but never have I witnessed such a unified support,” Edwards shared. “The county commission is with us, the school board is with us, the Rotatory Club is with us – I’ve never seen so much support and encouragement and we’re here today committing to the youth because of that support.”
Ron Smith, Lamar County School Board member, added to Edwards’ sentiments.
“We feel very blessed to live in a community like ours with such support for our kids,” Smith said. “We are making a great opportunity available today. A place for kids to be kids, but also a place where they can be guided into adulthood.”
Michael Tompkins, BGCNCG Corporate Board Chairman, concluded that this new addition will continue to give youth “a hand up.”
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s amazing what we’re doing with these youth,” he said. “We’re giving these kids the tools to access the greatness in this country.”
Boys & Girls Clubs are essential places where youth can develop skills, make lasting connections with mentors, and achieve great futures. Since youth have different experiences and learning styles, Boys & Girls Clubs never take a single approach to helping youth succeed. It takes caring individuals to provide a safe place, and quality programs. This ensures that all youth have a brighter future.
BLBGC will provide young people a fun, safe and educational space with a fostering environment where they can be who they are—and become who they are meant to be.
To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, visit www.bgcncg.com. To learn more about how you can become involved in the Barnesville-Lamar Boys & Girls Club, call 770-267-8034 or visit their Facebook @BLBGC.
June and Michael Tompkins at Walton County Boys & Girls Club’s Belles & Bowties Fundraiser.
Helping youth change their lives by providing hope and opportunity has been a forefront mission for Michael. Currently he advocates for the youth of North Central Georgia as the Board Chair of the Boys and Girls Club of North Central Georgia. His connection with the Movement began as an 11 year old when he walked through the blue doors in the Bronx of New York City. His family endured hardships along the way, but the club became a safe harbor for him and his five brothers.
“For a number of unavoidable reasons my family moved several times including a short period of being homeless,” Michael shared. “Despite our struggles we remained together.”
In school, Michael was often called a day dreamer. He frequently took trips on the subway to window shop on the other side of town. “The dream was to one day become a customer. I wanted to become somebody of substance.”
His first meaningful employment was at Standard Oil after graduating from high school. Although it was a rewarding position, it did not fit with his long term plan. His young engineering supervisor encouraged Michael to go to college. Eventually he resigned from the refinery which was a scary decision at age 20 with a wife and new baby girl.
Michael’s sense of urgency pushed him to a full time student and employment. The vision to become a successful business executive and give back to his community kept him on target.
After finishing his education at City University of New York with a degree in accounting and economics, he was employed as the Chief Financial Officer at the Jackie Robinson Residential Company. He was later recruited to the Calibre Companies in Atlanta and soon became the Managing Partner in Florida building, investing and managing apartments. He retired from TriBridge Residential as the Executive Managing Partner after 25 years developing an international real estate investment group.
Along the way, Michael remarried June, currently a BGC volunteer. Together they raised four kids. In addition, he served on several Boards including serving as a BGCA National Trustee. “I serve today for BGCNCG with a focus on our youth. I can relate to their hardships. My current dream is to make a lasting impact on the lives of our youth in the next generation.”
One encounter with Bob Mackey, whether personally or professional, will leave you feeling like a more vibrant human being. He’s in the business of making positive impacts from his smile, candid posture, community involvement and dedication to the youth of Boys & Girls Club – it’s difficult to not become a fan of the work Boys & Girls Clubs does after meeting Bob Mackey.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Georgia saw this potential and named Mackey one of its ten Emerging Leaders for the past year. The Emerging Leader program is a year-long program designed to develop leadership potential within individuals that are ready to take on executive leadership roles within Boys & Girls Clubs. Ten professionals were named out of nearly one hundred professionals to be an Emerging Leader. The competitive program brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who have demonstrated a strong potential for leadership and commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs.
“Bob Mackey is a great example of what this program is all about. Before Bob officially graduated from the program, he had taken on the role of CEO for Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia,” said Paula Mackelburg, Director of Organizational Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “We are proud of the work that Bob has accomplished since taking on his new role! To know how the organization functioned before his leadership makes me even more trustworthy and dedicated to the high-functioning leadership skills Bob possesses. Bob is a robust leader; he builds strong relationships and is coalescing the organization to deepen the impact in the lives of so many young people.”
For over 15 years, Bob Mackey has been busy at work creating togetherness of change for the North Central Region, Metro Atlanta and beyond. Colleagues and community members refer to him as the impetus of motivation and youth development.
If you ask Bob, he’ll tell you that “you can’t do this type of work and not make internal changes.” Mackey has stood before new and existing organized initiatives, eager youth advocates, absent businesses and corporations, collegiate institutions and various nonprofit organizations who’ve all have developed a vested interest in making their communities a better place. Even during his tenure working for the Department of Juvenile Justice, Mackey took a strong interest in providing rehabilitation services for the youth and communities by leading local rehabilitation projects for troubled teens.
Mackey has been with Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia for over ten years. His career in the Movement of Boys & Girls Clubs began as a volunteer, which quickly turned into a part-time job and now he’s responsible for empowering and leading over 100 employees, while providing hope & promise to the youth served.
For Mackey, surrounding yourself with strong leadership is key to growth and wise council. Mackey notes such leaders as David Roark, Michael Geoffroy, Connie Byrans, Michael Tompkins, Horace Johnson, Brenda Coleman, Tony McCullar, Claude Grizzard, Nancy Vaughn, the late Dick Hodgetts, Harris Warbington, Fred Perriman, Mike Conrads, Joe Edwards, Von Friesen, Babs Johnston, Tom Jones, and many others.
Mackey’s accomplishments as an Emerging Leader and all-around Youth Advocate are vast. After reading a recent study about how youth who weren’t working or in school, Mackey identified $20,000 from government relations to provide funding to employee teens during the summer and after-school program. As a result, BGCNCG doubled its number of working teens at BGC. In 2014, he received a nomination as a Champion of Change from The White House Initiative. On a National level, he serves on a committee for the screening of National programs, has twice chaired State-wide professional development conferences for over 1000 BGC Club professionals, and has created initiatives to combat summer learning loss for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Recently, he was recognized for completing the School of Executive Leadership from the BGCA Spillett Leadership University and Michigan Ross School of Business.
“The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia is not your typical Boys & Girls Club. With the rapidly shifting environment and youth crime peaking daily, new initiatives and programs are vital,” Mackey said. “Pool tables and basketballs are no longer enough to keep kids engaged, safe and productive. The village and landscape look completely different from 20 years ago. The fight to give our youth a chance starts with an opportunity to learn, encouraged parent engagement, community partnerships, a safe & fun place, and a focus on teen development.”
Mackey noted as an organization, BGCNCG has faced “many challenges.” Today, BGCNCG is in great hands according to BGCNCG Advisory Board Chairman Michael Tompkins.
“I must say that North Central Georgia is in great hands. Having a strong and competent leader makes a difference. For our 2018 financial audit, our organization received no financial findings. We’ve made several great improvements and adjustments to better serve the Clubs and youth in our region,” Tompkins shared. “Our board is vested in raising the dollars needed to ensure that the youth we serve have that fighting chance to grab hold of hope and enter into opportunity. The community support we’ve gained is stronger than ever. Our supporters can see and feel the difference. Our parents value the Boys & Girls Club. We’ve promised not to promise but to provide an opportunity to impact our youth. We mean what we say and say what we mean. Great Futures Start with Great Leaders and Great Futures Start at the Boys & Girls Club.”
Since Mackey became CEO of BGCNCG, the organization has achieved the following results:
· Provided 18,0000 of hours of after-school development for ages 6-18
· 40+ youth, ages 14-18 received their first job at the Boys & Girls Club during the summer months
· Increased voluntarism for Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia by 80% and now have over 250 volunteers
· 100% percent of teens who attend our program at least three times a week graduated on time
· 300 youth in our service area learned the game of golf through Boys & Girls Club
· Expanded our service area to include Newton County
· Provided after school and summer program services to over 1300 youth in 2018
· Increased individual giving by 70% amongst first-time supporters of the movement
· 0 teen pregnancies in 2018
Currently, BGCNGC serves over 300 teens org-wide.
These results only are a snapshot of the difference that the Boys & Girls Club is making under the leadership of Bob Mackey.
The late Dick Hodgetts wrote of Bob Mackey, “When Bob Mackey completes his journey, we all can take pride in what he has brought to us.”
Mackey wants to leave an open invitation to the community to take part in a 10-hour challenge by volunteering at your local Boys & Girls Club. “Less than one hour per month can make a huge impact,” he said. “We need you! Our youth need you, so we can count on each other.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia serve Greene, Morgan, Putnam, Walton and Newton Counties with world-class Youth Development Professionals creating an environment which fosters hope & opportunity for all youth. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034.
The Boys & Girls Club of North Central Georgia is proud to announce the promotion of Brad Parr to the position of Director of Operations. Parr will assume his new role within BGCNCG April 1, where he will be responsible for overseeing membership safety, staff development and management, supervision of Club Directors and budget management. His role will be in support of the execution of programs to include Character & Leadership, Education & Career Development, Health & Wellness, Teens, Sports & Recreation and the Arts.
“Operations are the lifeline to any organization. We value our commitment to the communities we serve and have become good stewards of change and development. In order to effectively lead, we must effectively grow. With growth comes the obligation of providing a safe & secure environment and fostering educational outcomes that change the trajectory for our youth.” Bob Mackey, BGCNCG, shared.
In 2016, Brad Parr was hired as the Education Coordinator for the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club under the direction of Bob Mackey. There he was responsible for facilitating and implementing academic programming such as Power Hour, Summer Brain Gain, First Tee Program, Volunteer Management, and the Novelis Partnership/Lake Project. In 2018, Brad was promoted to Club Director for the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club where he was able to work with staff to bring in new programs, create community partnerships and maintain the strong relationships within the community, and build up the Youth of the Year Program.
Brad Parr is a graduate of Sequoyah High School, attended Georgia College and State University where he obtained his Bachelors’ Degree in Community Health and a Masters’ Degree in Recreation and Sports Administration from Western Kentucky. During his senior year, he worked for Communities in Schools as an intern. He oversaw volunteers and tutored students throughout each week. After graduating, Brad was named a Site Coordinator with Communities in Schools where he planned and implemented school-wide programs and tutoring services for students who were likely to drop-out based on academics, behavior, or demographics.
Brad has been able to empower our youth to share their stories and use their platform to create change and plan for their future.
“Being a Club Director has provided me with the opportunity to meet many important community members and build relationships for the betterment of the students in Greensboro,” Parr shared. “It has been an honor to work with the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club as the Club Director.”
To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.
The Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club is proud to announce Mr. Stacy McClendon as Director. McClendon is no stranger to the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club and the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, as he has held various part-time positions over the course of a four-year period.
For BGCNCG President & CEO, Bob Mackey bringing Mr. McClendon into the movement was an obvious choice.
“Mr.McClendon aspired to do more. His smile, his presence, andprofessional candor will bring any strangers to their feet. He is a born leader ready to impact the world and tobe an example of Hope & Promise in his community and beyond,” he shared. “We’re fortunate to have Mr. McClendon lead the Pete Nance Boys& Girls Club.”
McClendon is a graduate of Greene County High School where he excelled as a student and acquired a love for science. In high school, he played basketball for three years and was offered two college scholarship opportunities to continue his education at Georgia College and Augusta State University.
Considering his options, McClendon decided to attend the Professional Career Institution in Norcross, Georgia where he earned a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. After completing his degree, he returned to Greensboro and dedicated 20 years to the Lake Country.
His professional profile attracted an opportunity at Reynolds, which capitulated him to his dream job -a hotel manager for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel at Lake Oconee. During his time in hotel management at Lake Oconee, his focus remained on youth development. He cultivated a program for Greene County High School students to offer them an opportunity to experience workforce development at Reynolds Lake Oconee. McClendon has won numerous high-profile awards, such as the Five Star of the Year Award and a Malcolm Bridge Award nominee by the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.
McClendon's managerial experience also includes working in real estate with the Reynolds Family where he learned a great deal about salesmanship, community service and marketing. He spent some time as a personal assistant, which he used to increase his management skills.
What has centered McClendon’s drive throughout his 20-year career in Lake County are the youth. He observed a trend of youth falling short in their educational pursuits and decided he had a responsibility to be a part of the change. He donated his time, talent and treasure back to his hometown.
“I discovered the need for positive male mentors in my hometown,” McClendon said. “I soon became a mentor for the Greene County School System, as well as Athletic Coordinator for the Recreation Department. I also provided a helping hand to the Lake Oconee Academy, where I coached basketball, soccer and softball.”
After spending more time in the community, McClendon transitioned to volunteering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia and for four years under the guidance of Mr. Bob Mackey, serving as a dedicated staff member at the Pete Nance Club and the Interim Director of the Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club.
Currently, McClendon is the assistant girls’ basketball coach at Lake Oconee Academy and the Director of Player Development. His hobbies include: spending time with his family, attending church, watching movies, reading, swimming, playing basketball, and cooking. He is also currently pursuing a degree in Sports and Recreation Management with a minor in Psychology. Mr. McClendon believes it is very important for all youth to pursue their dreams passionately and take their education seriously by being engaged in educational activities and taking full advantage of the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club because it is one of the keys to their overall success! Stacy been married to his best friend Janet, for over 22 years. He is blessed to have three amazing children Stacy, Destiny, and Ryan.
Stacy McClendon will assume his duties with the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club effective April 1, 2019. Brad Parr, the current director has been promoted to Director of Operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia.
To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400. You can contact Stacy McClendon at smcclendon@bgcncg.com.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia is proud to announce Nakita Williams as the Newton County Boys & Girls Club Director. Nakita is an award-winning Youth Advocate, mentor and community leader. She has a strong passion for youth development and strives to motivate and inspire the youth she encounters.
“We look forward to Ms. Williams leading the development of the Newton County Boys & Girls Club,” Bob Mackey President & CEO of BGCNCG shared. “Her leadership and experience will help provide a safe, fun, clean and productive environment for the youth of Newton County.”
In 2013, Nakita began fulfilling a promise to give back to her community. She started volunteering with the teens at Daniels Mardak Boys & Girls Club, located in Milwaukee and shortly after joined the team as a Health and Life Skills Specialist. In that role, Nakita implemented many new programs and created several community partnerships. She led her club in winning first place overall in an Organization-Wide PSA Competition on Teen Pregnancy prevention. Nakita implemented a health fair dedicated to youth that has allocated re-occurring funds for her site form organizations such as Wheaton Franciscan Hospital and Children's Hospital Wisconsin-Milwaukee Campus to support the continuation of youth-focused health fairs. Nakita was able to engage stakeholders and funders in her efforts to support teen programming. Her success in this role led her to be promoted to Assistant Club Manager and Character Leadership Supervisor.
Nakita served as a leader, allocated resources and grants for the organization, all while building relationships and serving as a mentor to hundreds of youth within the community. She was able to increase the memberships of teens, as well as the Average Daily Attendees. In 2015, Nakita was the recipient of the Ruby Groote Mat award, an award that is rewarded to one employee a year throughout the organization.Nakita is instrumental in supporting the professional development of others and serving as a mentor for other colleagues.
"Nakita has always been able to inspire and motivate anyone she encounters.”Nakita served on various committees including the Youth Arts Initiative which focused on allocating resources funding Art Programs for youth,” The CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee shared. “To prevent more youth from experiencing the traumatizing experiences that she had as a child, she served as an advocate with the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare and provided insight on policies and procedures that were recommended to be in place to protect children.”
Nakita has over 15 years of experience working in the Human and Social services field. She exhibits a broad knowledge in youth engagement and support as well as a proven commitment to ensuring the highest quality of services. The foundation of her success lies in her talent and passion for the youth and bringing real-world learning experiences to them. Nakita has had much success in implementing best practices for youth growth and development throughout her career at organizations.
She has her undergraduate degree in Business Management from Bryant & Stratton College, Graduate Certificate in Counseling specializing in Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services as well as a Graduate Certificate in counseling specializing in Contemporary Theory in Couple and Family systems from Capella University. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree. Her goal is to not only have a better understanding of youth development, but to provide awareness on how family systems contribute to the growth and development in adolescents. While also developing different techniques to train staff on how to deal with at-promise youth that have experienced trauma.
Nakita has overcome many obstacles which makes her “relatable” to youth. These obstacles fuel her passion for youth development. She also lives by the quote “I want to inspire people, I want someone to look at me and say, Because of you I didn't give up." This mindset has helped her become a pillar in the community.
Nakita welcomes the opportunity to provide the youth in the Newton County community with the Optimal Club Experience, by guaranteeing unlimited possibilities for all youth. She is honored to take on the role of Club Director at the Newton County Boys & Girls Club and support the mission of the Boys & Girls of North Central Georgia, which is “To enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”
To learn more about Newton County Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/newtoncounty. You can reach Nakita Williams at nwilliams@bgcncg.com.
Ricquaria Griggs believes in empowering others – it’s a message she’s been spreading since joining Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club in 2012. It was there within the walls of her Boys & Girls Club that she found her inner voice and confidence to start sharing her positivity. And, it was on stage at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Georgia Youth of the Year competition she heard her inner voice say, “I’m here.”
‘Here’ was hearing her name being called as a semi-finalist in the state-wide competition, where she competed against more than 30 youth from Georgia Clubs.
The statewide competition was a three-day competition, which consisted of interviews, essays and speeches focusing on how Boys & Girls Clubs impacted the youth.
For Griggs, the impact was easy to name – “the Club taught me to love myself and how I can in return take that love and give it to my community.”
And even though she didn’t take home the title of state-wide Youth of the Year, Griggs keeps echoing two words, “I’m here.”
“After the winner was announced a fellow Youth of the Year said to me, ‘but, I’m here’ and I couldn’t help but reflect on the meaning of those two words for my life and my future,” she shared. “Wherever I am meant to be and whatever I am truly meant to pursue, I will get there because I was here – because this Club and organization believed in me and because I believed in myself.”
Among those gathered to support Ricquaria was Greene County High School Principal, James Peek, who shared his excitement in her successes.
“It has been a tremendous experience attending this Youth of the Year ceremony. We at Greene County High School are very proud of Ricquaria’s accomplishments,” he shared. “She is an outstanding student and tremendous leader in our community. I know that she is on the path to do great things in the future.”
For Mike Conrads, a Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia advisory board member and donor toward the Youth of the Year program, watching Ricquaria grow was an immense honor to participate in.
“Shine is the word – Ricquaria is amazing,” he shared. “She’s such a great representative and she truly has her act together. She knows where she’s going, so humble and just a wonderful spirit. It’s been wonderful to watch her grow through this last year.”
Conrads added, “She’s going to be a superstar in the future – she already is.”
“She’s going to be leader and she is going to come back to our community and give back – that’s her.”
During the course of the last year, Ricquaria was been named Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, as well as the organization wide Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia Youth of the Year. Her accomplishments are marked by her unrelenting dedication to grow as a leader, as well as an individual.
Bob Mackey, President & CEO of BGCNCG, said “We are so proud of Ricquaria. She truly lives and breathes our mission statement in her own community efforts to ensure every youth reaches their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”
“Her accomplishments also echo our core commitment to continue fostering great futures for our youth in North Central, as this marks the second year a youth from our organization was named a semi-finalist in this competition,” he added. “We’re also so grateful for the individuals who helped prepare Ricquaria for this competition. Thank you, Linda and Mike Conrads, June and Michael Tompkins, Terressa and Kim Jensen for helping prep her for the sessions.”
For Ricquaria, her future is bright and sure to be something “amazing.”
“Because of my local Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club and the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, I was given the opportunity to share my story and inspire others along the way,” she shared. “I now have the confidence to keep striving to be successful. I can’t wait to see what’s next for me because I know it is going to be something amazing!”
Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year recognition program empowers young people to reach their full potential by providing youth with access to the tools they need to build the great futures they imagine.
Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s vision is to provide a world-class experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters its doors.
For more information or to donate, visit www.bgcncg.com. If you’d like to get involved, please contact 770-267-8034.
Dr. Jep Paschal believes in community giving and because of this he believes in giving toward life-change work happening within the Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club. It’s been Dr. Jep Paschal commitment to give each year toward Club and this year is no different. He recently visited the Club with a $10,000 check and was met with cheers from Club youth.
“Donating to the Club was a watershed moment in Paschal Orthodontics life of donating,” he shared. “It was the first significant annual donation that we were able to achieve and has since become one of our principle commitments. It is safe to say that this donation was a turning point in our lives and opened the door to an annual giving program that we truly appreciate being able to support.”
During his visit Dr. Paschal spoke to Club youth about the importance and power of learning.
“You truly never stop learning,” he shared echoing that the Club provides them a place to practice their learning skills and how to become productive adults.
It’s the youth themselves that pull on the heartstrings of Dr. Paschal for his continued involvement – for him, it’s a no brainer.
“Opportunity, future, community, commitment,” he shared. “These are the words that come to my mind when I think about the local Club. When I come here, I’m seeing children forming bonds with true mentors that are helping them become more than they would have been if the Club wasn't in their lives. I’ve seen community members grow because of the roles they are involved with at the Club.”
Giving to the Club matters to Dr. Paschal because “kids need a place to go where they can grow.”
“Giving matters because without it the Club ceases to exist. The lives that it touches on a daily basis will cease to be exposed to local leaders and many business leaders the reside in or out of Madison.”
To learn more about Dr. Jep Paschal and Paschal Orthodontics, visit www.paschalorthodontics.com. To learn more about the Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club, visit MMCBGC Club page or call 706-342-1117.
