WCBGC Names Youth of Month for August

 Celebrating our Youth 

Walton County Boys & Girls Clubcelebrates its members and their accomplishments. This month the Club Youth of the Month is Tileauna Tiller.

Tiller became a member recently during WCBGC’s Summer Programming. 

“Being awarded Youth of the Month was such a surprise and made me feel really special,” Tiller said. “I loved the encouragement I got during Master Gardener’s Class and it helped me to believe in myself.”

Tiller was selected for her growth since coming to the Club and her “never giving up” attitude.

“Tileauna was reluctant to join the Gardening Club. She would tell me that she could not do it. But one day she came over smiling with fresh vegetables in hand and was so proud to show off her eggplant,” Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director shared.“She looked at me, hands out and said, ‘Look what I did!’  The programs we offer our members definitely have a positive impact on their lives.”

Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, shared that Tileauna engages in every activity with enthusiasm.  

“Her exceptional ability to adapt to a new environment is amazing,” he added.

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

PNBGC Teens Venture to Teen Summit

Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club teens traveled to Oxford College of Emory University recently for the Georgia Teen Institute Teen Summit. 

PNBGC teens, alongside PNBGC Membership Clerk Ardra Chapman, spent four days with GTI at their residential camp developing leadership skills within Youth Action Teams. 

“I was so blessed to be able to attend the Teen Summit with our amazing teens,” Chapman shared. “In our youth teams we worked through leadership skills to engage in a strategic prevention planning process through workshops, team meeting and team building activities. We worked to plan and implement peer-focused prevention and community service projects.”

Chapman shared that the team meeting sessions taught PNBGC teens the power of working together to solve every day problems as one. 

“My favorite part of our experience at the GTI Teen Summit was the session focusing on the “Power of One,” she shared. “The session was designed to showcase that in everything you do in life you only get out what you put in.”

Chapman also shared that she enjoyed the fact that all the workshops dealt with real life situations that teens and adults face such as drug and alcohol abuse, vaporing, social media use, bullying and depression. 

Sha’Marria LaGuins, a PNBGC teen, shared the “summit was a great experience for me. I really enjoyed meeting new people, the sessions and the workshops.” 

For Chapman being able to watch the Club teens learn real life prevention skills was an amazing experience. 

“Our teens have skills to take back to their peer groups to help work through issues together in a productive manner and that’s incredible.”

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.

PNBGC Names Youth of the Month for August

Ja’Mia, center, spends time with her Club friends.

For Club members at Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club being named Youth of the Month is a high honor. Every month a youth is recognized for modeling their leadership abilities. 

For the month of August, PNBGC named Ja’Mia Gresham as Youth of the Month.

“Ja’Mia Gresham has always been a well-behaved Club member. She was exceptionally shy at the Club in the beginning,” Diedra Richbow, PNBGC Program Coordinator shared. “Ja’Mia has grown into a very active Club member who participates in cheerleading and dance. She really brings joy to the Club with her positive attitude and smile.”

“A highlight for me has been watching her step outside of her shell to become a leader within her cheerleading class,” Richbow added. 

Ja’Mia shared that her favorite program was participating in Cheerleading this summer.  

“I enjoy coming to the Club because I get help with my homework, play with friends and learn new skills like cheerleading,” she shared.

For Diedra, watching Ja’Mia bollosom into the leader she is reminds her of the purpose of the Club.

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.

Club youth explore Jekyll Island

Thank you Novelis, Inc. for providing this trip to our youth!

Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club recently visited Jeykll Island for an immersive educational experience at 4H Camp Jekyll. The trip was sponsored by Novelis, Inc., who believes in the power of providing STEM education for youth. 

As soon as Club members arrived on the island they became scientist in training spending each day alongside local ecologists of Tidelands Nature Center to learn how beaches are formed, disrupted by weather, the animals who live among the sand dunes and how humans can play a role in protecting the beach wildlife. 

“Members gained insight on howthe moon and the sun control the waves and tides as well as how sand dunes are made and how they act as a protection shield when there is a hurricane,” Diedra Richbow, Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club Programs Coordinator, shared. “The youth were highly interested in beach wildlife, which is why the beach walk at night was such a hit amongst our youth.”

Club members walked the beach from 8 to 9 pm one evening to learn about the activities of animals at night on the beach, such as sea turtles coming up on the beach to bury their eggs.

“After seeing such a feat from the Sea Turtle, Club youth were over the moon to learn they would be learning about them the next day, Richbow added.

Club youth learned about Herpetology at the Tidelands Nature Center and were given the opportunity to touch a turtle, alligator and a snake.

 “The show stopper experience for our youth during their Camp Jekyll experience was the Ecology and Dolphin Boat Tour,” she shared. “Members were taught about the survival of dolphins and their intelligence. Youth participated in a team building activity which involved them throwing a fishing net into the water to catch fish and pulling it out with the net being occupied by all kinds of ocean animals. For many of our Club youth this was the first time they had ever seen a dolphin.” 

“This experience is one our Club youth will remember for the rest of their lives. The youth spent the entire ride home sharing how they were interested in ecology as a career and wanting to visit again,” Richbow shared.

Charity Burnette of Novelis, Inc. shared that Novelis hopes to provide youth in Greene County “STEM education activities that they otherwise wouldn’t get to participate in.”

“A lot of kids in Greensboro have never left the county,” she added. In addition to the STEM activities, we wanted to help the Club youth have an opportunity to travel and experience new things outside of the familiar. We are so thrilled to learn of all they were able to engage with and learn.”  

Stacy McClendon, Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club Director, shared his gratitude for Novelis’ continued partnership with PNBGC.

“Without great partnerships we would be unable to continue to expand the uniquely crafted experiences we offer the youth of Greene County,” he shared. “We are so grateful for Novelis’ vision and dedication to impacting youth through educational efforts alongside us.”

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 770-267-8033

Duck Derby Huge Success for BGCNCG

“Do you think your rubber duck will be the winner” was a common question heard at Porterdale’s Yellow River Park Saturday, as folks enjoyed the second annual Duck Derby hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia.

Several attended the event to watch over 2,300-rubber ducks float along the Yellow River in a race for $10,000 at the finish line. 

BGCNCG’s summer fundraiser was in partnership with the City of Porterdale and raises funds for youth served in Newton, Greene, Morgan and Walton counties. 

Spectators gathered early to get a place in line to watch the ducks drop, as well as grab last minute lucky ducks for the big race. Youth from the newly opened Newton County Boys & Girls Club helped pep up the crowd as they greeted spectators with Howard the Duck. 

 As the duck launch approached, spectators made their way to the riverbank to watch the race. A large gasp and cheers could be heard as the ducks dropped into the Yellow River for the race of a lifetime. 

Once the finish line was crossed and the winning ducks were pulled, it was time for a grand prize winner announcement.

This year’s $10,000 grand prize winner is Jerry Schonhoft. On Sunday Jerry received his winning phone call and was in shock.

“I was shocked. I’ve never won anything in my life. I was with my grandson, as he was getting a tennis lesson when Bob Mackey gave me a call,” Schonhoft shared. “I remember buying the ticket from Jim Liebeck (Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club board member) and thinking the odds weren’t going to be in my favor, but here I am.”

Schonhoft shared his family is going to be in shock when he gets home with his grand prize check.

“I’m just thrilled,” he added. “I always thought that the Boys & Girls Club was a great place and I really think it’s a great place now.

For Bob Mackey, President and CEO of BGCNCG, watching the North Central Georgia join together to support its youth is inspiring for the future.

“During the event I watched as people met one another and shared their reason for being present. Overwhelmingly the response was ‘or the youth.’ Mackey shared. “It takes a village to ensure our youth become productive citizens while learning life skills they’ll need to be successful. We are so grateful to the community’s relentless support of our mission. The gift you provided our youth with your support will continue to ripple effect in these youth’s lives for years to come.”

Jerry Schonhoft wasn’t the only winner from Duck Derby!

Four other community members took home prizes from the event. Jim Borland won a golf adventure to The Oaks Golf Course, Robert Witchor won Your Pie for a year and Jerry Evans won an iPad mini.

Overall, the event was a success for BGCNCG.

“June (Tompkins’ wife) and I had a big time making new friends and laughing with old friends,” Michael Tompkins, BGCNCG Corporate Board Chair, shared. “The magical benefit was watching our kids, parents and supporters come together dancing and sharing in a fun event.”

Porterdale was happy to host the second annual Duck Derby event.

“The 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, couldn’t have been more pleased to support the 2ndDuck Derby,” Josephine Kelly, Downtown Development Director, said.“There was a happy enthusiastic crowd in attendance and with the dedicated effort of the Boys and Girls Club and the Porterdale Public Works Department, the event was a great success.”

Mackey added that without great sponsors, such as presenting sponsor Canon and the City of Porterdale for allowing the organization to partner with them – this event wouldn’t have been as successful. 

“The real winners of this event are our youth!”

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia serves over 1,500 youth in North Central Georgia. 

If you’d like to learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia or are interested in getting involved on a local level, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034.

BGCNCG Welcomes Barnesville-Lamar to the Movement

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. 

WCBGC partners with NorthEast Georgia Regional Commission for Workforce Development

For Ashley Hackel preparing our youth for the workforce is critical to their development as young adults. That’s why for the last year she’s been partnering with the Walton County Boys & Girls Club. And this summer she’s connecting WCBGC Alumni with employment at the Club.

“I am the Summer Youth Associate of an agency called the NorthEast Georgia Regional Commission for Workforce Development, an organization that forms non-financial worksite agreements with local governments, schools, and non-profit agencies to provide training and serve as worksites for Summer Youth Work Experience participants,” Hackel shared. “The WIOA program with the Boys & Girls Club of Walton County provides the framework for workforce preparation and employment system designed to meet the needs of the local employers, job seekers, and those who want to further their careers.  The Boys & Girls Club of Walton County has been an agency through the Workforce Initiative and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to connect youth and their careers in youth leadership and character development.”

Hackel adds that this partnership has been a wonderful opportunity to provide on the job training to help youth gain the necessary skills and abilities to perform specific tasks and develop desirable work behavior.

“The youth in this program are selected for the Boys & Girls Club through proper interviewing to maintain and certify that participants can develop certain skills and abilities,” she said. 

Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, said, “This program allows the partnership to have a two-fold effect in the process. The youth, who work in this program can learn through BGC, how to plan and schedule, and create and establish good work ethics.”

“We are so thrilled to have a Club alumnus working with us this summer through our partnership with WIOA,” Hill added. “Destinee Long is an ideal role model for our youth and she’s learning valuable work ethic skill sets while working as a Youth Development Professional, such as scheduling, coordinating programming and directing Club members in activities.”

WCBGC teens learn culinary basics

Walton County Boys & Girls Club teens are learning Culinary basics this summer.

The Culinary Basics course was a week-long project-based learning initiative taught teens the necessary skills in preparing healthy meals for breakfast and lunch. 

The teens did research through the Career Launch Program of the Teen Center to discover workforce opportunities where they could continue their cooking skills. 

Mr. Lynn E. Hill,WCBGC Club Director, said that this summer the Club wanted to find activities that “the Teens in particular would enjoy doing and find it to be fun.  

“The name of this week long activity was dubbed ‘Culinary Basics’ because the Teens can find an alternative to eating a lot of fast foods,” Hill added. “It teaches them how to create good meals with nutritious foods such as carrots, rice, water, and wheat bread. They can develop healthier lifestyles by learning to cook and eat foods properly.” 

WCGGC Club member, Jalen Lemons, shared how these activities helped him get over his fear of not knowing how to cook.

“I never knew that I could actually cook,” he shared. “Thanks to my Teen Director, Ms. Krystal Thomas, I was given the opportunity to learn because I don’t get this chance at home.”

We were really pleased with the outcomes of our first Culinary Basics course, Thomas shared. 

“These activities will continue to be a part of our Career Launch program. We found something that Teens these days would enjoy doing and every Teen was involved.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclub or call 770-207-6279.

WCBGC Names July Youth of the Month

Celebrating our Youth 

Walton County Boys & Girls Club celebrates its members and their accomplishments. This month the Club Youth of the Month is Giovanni Hernandez.

Hernandez has been a member of the Club for two years.

“Being awarded Youth of the Month feels like a big deal and I feel really special being seen as an outstanding Club member,” Hernandez said. “I like everything we do at our Club. I love learning new things and the staff here are super fun to be around.”

Hernandez was selected for his growth since coming to the Club and becoming a beacon of what a Club leader looks like for his peers. 

“Giovannie participates in every activity that is given to his age group of Club Members, often showing a leadership in every game, activity, or program,” Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, shared. “He often tells others in his neighborhood, and as a result, several youths have joined the Club because he has spoken so highly of his local Club. He’s exceptional behavior dubs him the Youth of the Month.”

Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, says he’s seen a change in Hernandez behavior since coming to the Club. 

“As I reflect upon Giovanni, I am elated that the new unanimously agree in selecting him as the Youth of the Month. I have noticed that Giovanni strives really hard to behave and I have also seen him making conscious efforts in every part of the Club,” Hill said. “I have absolutely seen the change in Giovanni’s behavior. When he first arrived at our Club, he was extremely shy and now he has blossomed into a leader amongst his peers. He is one of those kids that you want to have under your care.”

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.

MMCBGC Names July Youth of the Month

 For Club members at Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club being named Youth of the Month is a high honor. Every month a youth is recognized for modeling their leadership abilities. 

For the month of July, MMCBGC named Jemoriyai ‘Mo’ Colbertas Youth of the Month.

“Mo is a beautiful picture of what strength and resilience look like when the two are joined,” Karen Robertson, Senior Executive Director shared. “Mo walks in the Club each day greeting the staff with a warm smile and hug that reminds me of why the work we do is so important. It has reconnected me to the mission of the Boys & Girls Club as I watch Mo take on leadership and showing initiative in the Club.”  

Mo shared that her favorite program this summer is Brain Gain.

"When I'm at the Club I learn new things, such as new words and their meaning during Brain Gain,” she shared. “I also learn about new careers when we have speakers come to the Club and I have fun."

Mo shared she also enjoys the hip hop dance program, which was a collaboration with Pointe of Grace Dance Academy by Katie Anderson, owner of Pointe of Grace.  

“I love music and love to dance, so the Hip Hop dance class gives me a chance to do that with my friends,” she added.

MMCBGC volunteer and mentor to Mo, Chris Hodges, shared how he feels Mo’s confidence has tripled.

“The characteristics that she is exhibiting are indicative of her experiences at the Boys & Girls Club,” he shared. “She is showing an interest in growing her leadership skills and the Boys & Girls Club offers her an opportunity to learn about the universe!”

To learn more about Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/mmcor call 706-342-1117.

NCBGC members learn about positive relationships

Teen members of Newton County Boys & Girls Club are learning about their authentic selves and how to maintain healthy relationships through Smart Girls.

Since the Club’s opening on June 3, the teens of NCBGC have begun working through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America program called Smart Girls, which utilizes dynamic sessions with highly participatory activities to help young girls build positive relationships with peers and adults, as well as healthy eating habits. 

“Through activities, field trips and mentoring opportunities with adult women in our community, our teen girls are becoming confident in their own bodies, learning how to respect themselves and others,” Nakita Williams, NCBGC Director, shared. “The ladies have been learning about self-esteem and building sisterhood together.”

 Williams added, “This program is educational and fun because our teens have an opportunity to bond with other peers, as well as discuss issues and topics that are important to them. While participating in activities such as a hair braiding camp, making tutus and keychains.”

Saree Durham, NCBGC teen member, shared she loves coming to the Club to spend time with her girlfriends learning about communication and relationships that benefit instead of harm. 

“The ladies have created an atmosphere where they are able to help each other, they have created and built friendships with each other,” Williams said.

To learn more about Newton County Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/newtoncounty or call 470-444-1914.

NCBGC Names Youth of the Month for July

For Club members at Newton County Boys & Girls Club being named Youth of the Month is a high honor. Every month a youth is recognized for modeling their leadership abilities. 

For the month of July, NCBGC named Hayden Comeau as Youth of the Month.

Mr. Jalen, NCBGC staff member with Hayden.

“Hayden has grown since our Club opening, as he has become a great leader inside our Club,” Nakita Williams, NCBGC Director shared. “He’s always willing to lend a helping hand and has really taken to our lessons within his Passport2Manhood program. He’s learned to step outside of his comfort zone and interact with different people.”

Hayden shared that his favorite program is Passport2Manhood.

“I appreciate the activities and the hands-on opportunities to learn,” he shared. “I’ve really liked being viewed as a leader within the Club and a team player. We’ve been learning a lot about how to build trust and responsibility.”

He added, “I feel like I have people here I can look up to and care about me.”

To learn more about Newton County Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/newtoncountyor call 
470-444-1914.

PNBGC have blast during Novelis STEM Camp

For the month of June, engineers and interns from Novelis spent time with Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club members for STEM Camp every Monday and Thursday. 

Alongside PNBGC volunteers, Novelis helped Club members explore science and technology through hands-on experiments. 

“Learning through experimentation is so very important. It affords the members the opportunity to be curious and explore to find answers to their questions,” Diedra Richbow, PNBGC Program Coordinator, shared. “Participating in hands-on learning builds our Club members’ confidence and allows them to expand on their natural curiosity.”

To help cultivate that natural curiosity, Club members kept a journal throughout their month-long camp experience. They took notes on each module, lesson learned and aspect of the experiences that stuck on to them. 

PNBGC member, Jodryn Chaffin, shared “I loved being creative during the experiments and testing ideas to see if they would work.”

Markecia Reid, a Club member, stated that the magnet experiments were fun and she learned something new.

“We are so grateful for Novelis and the volunteers who helped with this month-long camp. Those volunteers were: Ulises Trejo, Brett Reeves, Heather Riley, and Nick Callies.

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.

PNBGC learn basketball skills from Robert Swain

Robert Swain, premier Basketball coach and owner of Swain Basketball Academy recently taught Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club members.

Club members participated in a one-day camp learning dribbling drills, shooting techniques and passing drills. 

“Robert is a well-respected leader around many areas,” Stacy McClendon, PNBGC Director shared. “He provides wisdom, courage, discipline and guidance to the younger generation.”

During his visit, McClendon shared, “he showed our youth many ways of how to never give up, keep their heads above water and always stay positive.”

“My favorite quote that he shared with our youth was ‘own the moment,’ which in my mind means to never settle and take advantage of every opportunity.”

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.

Greensboro City Council member Jontavius Smith joins PNBGC Board

Greensboro City Council member Jontavius Smith wants to make a difference in Greene County. For Jontavius “giving is one of the best forms of servitude” and he’s looking forward to giving his time and treasures to the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club board.

“I for one was excited when I heard the news of Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club coming to our city. It’s an honor to now become an active member of the Club board for PNBGC,” Smith shared. “Any opportunity to offer hope is dear to me, therefore, I’m honored to have been given the chance to partner with support and serve alongside others who have a likeminded vision about our youth.”

When looking for opportunities to give back toward, it wasn’t hard for Smith to establish that PNBGC indeed plays a vital role in the youth of Greene County. 

“There are countless testimonies attesting to how fundamental the Boys & Girls Club has been. Celebrities abroad but equally as important, the local celebrities within each community. By local celebrities I mean our youth,” he shared. “I have been and still am of the belief that given positive and constructive alternatives, we are able to improve the outcome of our community through our youth.” 

Stacy McClendon, PNBGC Club Director, shared his excitement for Smith. 

“I am very excited about the great possibilities and potential that Jontavius Smith will bring to our Club board,” he said. “He will bring great enthusiasm and poise to his position. I am looking forward to working closely with Jontavius, as we continue the work of helping our youth here in Greensboro reach their full potential as productive and caring citizens.”

As for Smith, he’s looking forward to the new perspective of looking through the eyes of Greene County’s youth. 

“Being a board member affords me the chance to look through a different set of lenses. I look forward to embracing the opportunity to learn and gain a new perspective on our community through the eyes and lives of our youth. The world is becoming more and more challenging for them,” he said. “They hold the future in their hands and sometimes all a youth needs to know is they matter. I’d love to positively impact every single young one in our community, however, given the chance to provide such hope to at least one of them, I’d be extremely grateful. This is what I look forward to most being a board member.”

Jontavius is the son of a single mother, who he says, “did a phenomenal job making sure her son didn’t become a statistic.” 

“She instilled the meaning of respect and giving is better than receiving. She made sure I understood that you get back what you put in. Those amongst a plethora of foundational principles stuck with me,” he added.

Jontavius and his mother own Mapp’s Personal Care. He’s active in his church, as well as within his family. 

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.

Greene County Resident Raquel Cobb Joins PNBGC Board

Community member Raquel Cobb wants to make a difference in Greene County. It’s important to her to give back to the community that raised her. She’ll be joining the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club to do just that – giving back to the future of Greene County. 

“I want to be active in the community that provided so much to me when I was a student in the Greene County School System,” Cobb shared. “By being on the Club board for the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club, I’m helping the Club continue to provide more students the opportunities and experiences I received in school that helped to lay the foundation for me.”

When looking for opportunities to give back toward, it wasn’t hard for Cobb to establish that PNBGC indeed plays a vital role in the youth of Greene County. 

“I believe the PNBGC provides a safe and productive place for our youth and molds them to become better students and ultimately responsible adults. Hopefully, after graduation, these students will return to the community to sustain and influence Greene County in a positive way,” she shared.

Stacy McClendon, PNBGC Club Director, shared his excitement for Cobb.

“I am very excited about the great possibilities and potential that Raquel Cobb will bring to our Club board,” he said. “She will bring great enthusiasm and poise to her position. I am looking forward to working closely with Raquel, as we continue the work of helping our youth here in Greensboro reach their full potential as productive and caring citizens.”

As for Cobb, she can’t wait to interact with Club youth.

“I am most looking forward to interacting with the Club members and sharing any opportunities that will prepare them academically or socially.”

Cobb is a 2011 graduate of Greene County High School and currently the Marketing Manager at BankSouth. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Clemson University and a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University. Locally, she has been involved in community camps, the Greene County Back-to-School Bash, and ATLAS Ministry. Other community involvement includes volunteering with hurricane relief projects and non-profit organizations benefitting small children and school-aged children, as well as completing Leadership Oconee.

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.

Newton County Boys & Girls Club celebrates grand opening

This news story was originally published by The Covington Newspaper. Thank you The Covington News for celebrating with us and for being an ongoing supporter of our Newton County Boys & Girls Club!

COVINGTON, Ga. - Newton County is now part of the Club. The Boys & Girls Club, that is. 

June third marked the first day of summer camp in the new Newton County Boys & Girls Club facility on Brown Bridge Road. This day came after years of fundraising and community support to create a teen-focused center on the west side of the county. 

"This is history in the making because our teens deserve a positive place to come and that place starts right here," Bob Mackey, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of North Central Georgia, said. 

Full of educational and entertainment resources for teens, the new club launched its first day of summer camp Monday. Mackey said the idea of a local B&G Club started more than 10 years ago. 

"I remember when it looked nothing like this," District 2 Commissioner Demond Mason said. "There was no deck, the floors were torn up, the walls were not painted. I am excited to see this place and I believe that it is going to be a very very positive thing when it comes to our youth and our teens. I am excited about what they've done here at the Boys & Girls Club and I'm just glad to be a part of it."

In a special grand opening ceremony June 3, Mackey and the B&G Club board honored all of the founding supporters of the club, which includes local businesses, families and civic organizations. 

"Thank you for the board leadership, thank you for the county leadership that is making a difference in the lives of kids," Lisa Hurst, vice president of organizational development in the B& G Club Southeast Field Operations, said. "We know that if a young person attends a Boys & Girls Club 104 days a year, not only are they more than twice as likely to graduate from high school, but they're 2.5 times as likely to go on to post-secondary education. That is compared to other young people that don't have those opportunities."

The Newton County Boys & Girls Club, located at 13634 Brown Bridge Road, Covington, is now open to provide a safe and positive place for youth in eighth to 12th grade. Programs will focus on academic success, character, leadership development and healthy lifestyles. For more information about the club, visit https://www.bgcncg.com/newtoncounty. 

MMCBGC Golf Tournament Continues First Tee Program

Community Plays for our Youth 

 The hum of golf carts and laughter could be heard at Lane Creek Golf Club recently, as community members celebrated the life of Charles W. Baldwin and helped raise funds for the Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club. 

The Charles W. Baldwin Memorial Hope & Promise Golf Tournament helps to facilitate funds for the MMCBGC’s The First Tee program, which was launched last year thanks to last year’s successful fundraiser. 

This year the Club’s aim was to grow its golf program to provide an even wider reach for youth in the community. Twenty-two golf teams took to the Lane Creek Golf Club course for a modified scramble tournament to do just that – help the youth.

At the conclusion of the tournament a winning team was named, which was comprised of Ross Bradly, Alex Johnson, John Steer and Chris Hubbard. 

“We are so grateful to every player and every sponsor who gave their time and treasures to our youth,” Karen Robertson, Senior Executive Director shared. “Our Club members had the opportunity to participate in this year’s tournament whether by volunteering or playing with a team. It’s incredible to see how our community continues to surround our youth to create bright futures.”

Robertson added she’s thrilled to see The First Tee program continue to grow at the Club. 

“We always look for ways to incorporate fun while learning, and First Tee will give Club kids a new, engaging and competitive sport, while instilling skills, and maybe even a new hobby, that can be carried over into adulthood and perhaps a career,” she said.

Robertson said “in order for young people to become productive, caring and contributing adults, they must have exposure to life-changing activities and experiences that can help them develop and build good character.”

If you’re interested in volunteering for The First Tee program or desire to learn more about MMCBGC, visit www.bgcncg.com/mmcor call 706-342-1117.

Celebrating Founding Supporters of Newton County Boys & Girls Club

THANK YOU FOUNDING SUPPORTERS

We are so grateful to the immense support Newton County has shown us in opening our Club. Together we will impact the lives of our Newton youth for years to come. We’d like to thank these special individuals for giving toward founding our Club.

CHAMPIONS OF THE CLUB

LEAVING A LEGACY

FRIENDS OF THE CLUB

NCBGC Board Members

Newton Count Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board

Michael Geoffroy

Keith Curry

Jeff Benzon

Nita Tompson

Kim Wilber

Amber Bennett

Cheveda McCamy

Bobby Heron

Bindford Bramblett

Steve McWilliams

Shakila Henderson-Baker

Nancy Shultz

Betsy Morehouse

Sandy Morehouse

Frank Turner Jr.

Chief Jason Cripps

Newton County Boys & Girls Club Opens Doors to Great Futures

CELEBRATING OUR GRAND OPENING

Teens join Micheal Tompkins, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia Corporate Board Chair outside for a photo opportunity.

Community members from variation Newton County Government branches joined us for our Grand Opening.

Lisa Hurst, center, Vice President of Organizational Development Southeast Field Operations of Boys & Girls Clubs of America joined us for our celebration!

NCBGC board member, Steve McWilliams, talks with NCBGC Membership Clerk, Ashley, during the grand opening.

NCBGC Club Director, Nakita Williams, shares opening remarks at the Grand Opening.

Newton County Sheriff Officers helped transport teens to the Club on our opening day.

WELCOME TO THE CLUB

LEARNING ZONE

TEEN CENTER

GAME ZONE

On June 3, 2019 we officially opened the doors to our Newton County Boys & Girls Club. Teens arrived early that morning excited to discover what the Club had in store for them and many didn't want to leave once the time came for departure. We are so grateful to all who gave their time, treasures and talents to create this dream into reality. This is just the beginning of the life-long impacts Newton County youth will get to experience because of this Club. We're excited to do this alongside you all Newton County. Great Futures will unfold here, flourish here and develop here into successful adults. Come by for a Club visit, learn how you can become a volunteer and see for yourself what we are doing together. On behalf of our teens, thank you!!