Damien Horne Inspires Madison

Damien Horne, a national recording artist and Boys & Girls Club alumnus, recently visited Madison to empower and inspire through song and story. Damien Horne Performs supported Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club’s Teen Club. 

Horne shared how his local Boys & Girls Club changed his life, allowing him to explore writing, poetry, and songwriting in a safe environment. 

“I grew up where everything was so volatile. It was an environment where death and destruction surrounded, but at the Boys & Girls Club I felt safe,” Horne shared. 

For Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club Senior Director Karen Robertson, Horne’s performance and share was a connective reminder of why the work MMCBGC offers is vital for the youth of Morgan County. 

“Hearing Damien's journey and his story about the impact that the Boys & Girls Club had on his life was a beautiful reminder of why we do the work that we do,” she shared. “It made me even more proud and humbled to serve as the Director of the Boys & Girls Club, knowing that my work is making a difference in the life of a child who needs the club. I left from the luncheon increasingly thankful to be working in my purpose.”

Horne shared his popular song, “Somebody’s Hero,” which highlights how individuals can stand in the gap for one another’s needs.  

“As I listened to Damien's story in music and words about the beacon of hope that the Boys & Girls Club had been for him as he was growing up in North Carolina, it reminded me yet one more time how blessed all of us are to be a part of place of Hope and Promise for our young people in Morgan County,” Nancy Vaughan, MMCBGC board member, shared. “As Damien so sincerely said, “You can be someone's hero!”

MMBGC Teen Club Director, Brian Alexander was moved by Horne’s performance and story. 

“Damien is what the Boys & Girls Club is all about, turning hope into purpose and dreams into reality,” Alexander shared. “Damien was so inspirational and touched the hearts of many in the Madison community with his incredible story.”

Horne spent time with Madison High School students prior to his performance. 

“Damien joined us for a concert and presentation, and it was wonderful and very well received,” Miki Edwards, Morgan County High School Principal. “When Damien arrived our music technology class was in session, He was able to go and see our students, listen to some of their original work, and give some feedback. The guitarist that he had with him, Adam McPhail, made a great impression as well. Adam is a faculty member at Belmont University and gave his business card to one of our students who will be applying to attend there in the fall.”

Overall Madison community was enriched by Damien Horne’s visit and reminded the community to shine in giving their time toward Morgan County youth.

 “Damien expressed such a kind, passionate, ambitious spirit through his music and storytelling,” Lori Hume, MMCBGC board member, shared. “He reminded me why I choose to dedicate so much of my time to this awesome Boys & Girls Club. Staff and volunteers can definitely make a difference.”

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

Watch Damien Perform

Novelis hosts Thursday Dinner for PNBGC

Novelis, Inc. held a special Thursday Dinner for Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club members recently. Several employees from Novelis team participated in serving the youth during their sponsored dinner night. 

PNBGC teen members also assisted with serving younger Club members. They helped organize the event alongside Novelis in ensuring he event ran smoothly and everyone was served on time. 

“The younger club members gave the teens a strong clap and a handshake to let them know they appreciated their efforts and emphasis on service,” PNBGC Director, Stacy McClendon, shared. 

McClendon shared Thursday dinners allow Club members to learn about healthy eating habits, as well as fellowship with community members. 

Teen member, TreVeon Jackson, shared he “loved helping with Spaghetti Dinner.”

“Not only am I helping the staff, but I’m also helping with the Club members and they look up to me as a great role model,” he added. 

For Ariana Ross, another Teen member, she loves being able to use her leadership skills.

“I get the chance to use my leadership skills by going and getting members and bringing them over to seat them for their meal,” she shared. 

McClendon added that the evening is spent with happy faces and lots of laughter.

“It was a pleasure to work with the teens on service and hospitality,” he shared. “They learned a great deal and performed very well. I was particularly impressed with their enthusiasm to serve and provide excellent service to their fellow members.”

All in all, McClendon added that service events like this done happen without the help of the community. 

“Thank you to Jim Borland, Novelis, Inc., and our Teen Center Club members for making this event very memorable,” he said. 

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

PNC members learn about gaming software

Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club recently heard about careers in online and console gaming from Josh Grier, Chief Operating Officer of Ember Lab. He reviewed the "pillars" required to make a quality and engaging story and he showed club members using the library monitor screen how advanced development tools are used to make console games. Grier encouraged club members to start their education for game art, design and programming by downloading free resources tools online and studying YouTube tutorials. “We’re so grateful for Mr. Grier sharing with our youth new and exciting job opportunities for their future,” Stacy McClendon, PNBGC Club Director, shared. For more information about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.

Greensboro Fire Department Visits PNC

Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club members recently were visited by the Greensboro Fire Department for a day full of safety tips and exploration on the life of a firefighter. 

Greensboro Fire Department Chief Bashore shared the importance of safety within the home and shared rescue stories. 

Club members got to tour the fire truck, see how the truck’s lights work, as well as the siren.

“What the kids enjoyed the most was being able to help the firefighter spray the water hose,” Stacy McClendon, PNBGC Director shared. “Throughout the experience our youth learned about the different kinds of fires and ways that the firefighters use their tools, like the firehose, to put fires out and save people’s lives.”

Club member Journee Miller shared that he enjoyed “the fire safety & prevention program. I learned about all the different materials that they have to use especially heavy clothes & how quickly they have to move with them on.”

“We had the opportunity to climb on the truck and take a closer look at everything they use, and we heard different stories,” Rylei West, a PNBGC club member added. “We also got a chance to take a picture with the firefighters.”

McClendon shared his appreciation for the Greensboro Fire Department spending time with PNBGC youth.

“Ireally enjoyed working with the Greensboro Fire Department to help our youth learn more about safety. Our club members are our number one priority,” he said. “We strive to provide a safe environment for our youth that they can respect and admire.”

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

BGC Teen Club coming to Madison

Club Director Named 

Brian Alexander dreams of a day where teenagers are fully supported in their effort to become successful adults. And one teen at a time, Brian is making that dream a reality. A Greene County native, Brian will bring his youth development talents to kick off a Teen Club initiative in Morgan County with Madison-Morgan Boys & Girls Club. 

In his position as Teen Club Director, Alexander will oversee programs, activities and services that prepare youth for success and create an outcome-driven Club experience that facilitates achievement of youth development outcomes. 

Previously Alexander served as the graduation coach at Greene County High School and Alcovy High School from 2015-2019, where he worked with the at-risk student population and prepared students for college acceptance. 

During his time in this position, Alexander maintained a graduation rate of 82% or above in both school districts and has helped more than 350 students get accepted into college and the military. He also assisted in accruing more than 30 million dollars in scholarships over the last four years between the two school districts. 

Alexander also served as an assistant football, basketball and track coach over the last four years.

For Alexander he’s looking forward to putting to work his vision for the teens of Morgan County. 

“The teens of Morgan County are our future and we have to put them in position to be successful so that we all can have future success. The torch must be passed but as the torch is passed there has to be lessons taught along the journey and that’s why this Teen Club is so important for this community. We will teach those life lessons that are needed for preparation, growth and success.”

Alexander hopes “the teens will develop inside the Teen Club skills and experiences to help them reach their maximum potential in life through great programs and in return utilize those skills in their paths of education, military or the workforce.

“Brian is a bright individual who has devoted his career to youth development and writing curriculum that is proven to help teens succeed,” Bob Mackey, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia. “We are excited to have Brian become a part of our world class organization. And, we’re looking forward to partnering alongside Morgan County to impact the teens.”

To learn more about The Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/theclubmadisonor call 706-342-1117.

Dungeon Boxing Gym 'Knock Out' Support for WCBGC

Dungeon Boxing Gym a ‘knock out’ supporter for WCBGC

For Carey Foster of Dungeon Boxing Gym, Boys & Girls Club means “safe haven” to him as a Club alumnus of W.W. Houston Boys & Girls Club. Now as a business owner in Covington, Foster was searching for ways to give back in a big way to his local Boys & Girls Club.

Foster has partnered with Walton County Boys & Girls Club to offer support toward its Fight for our Future boxing event to be held on Oct. 26 at George Walton Academy. 

Foster’s gym will be mentoring WCBGC event participants, as well as Walton Club members on how the discipline of boxing can empower youth to express their emotions in safe spaces. 

His reason for giving back in such a large way is simple, “the Boys & Girls Club was influential in my life and others.”

“Relocating from housing projects to low income neighborhoods, as a protective measure to keep me off of the streets and out of trouble my mother deemed it necessary to enroll me in the Boys and Girls Club,” he shared. “It’s important to have community assistance with raising a child in a single parent home. With the parent having to work long hours to provide the things the child needs and half the things the child wants, we may fall short in other aspects of parenting.”

From the ages of 12 to 16, Foster was at the Club and he credits it as a place where he knew he was safe and able to grow up among positive role models. 

“At times when my peers and I were being mischievous and that little voice in my head said “not a good idea” or “it’s time to get off the block,” I would go to the Boys & Girls Club and play football, basketball, go swimming or spend time at the teen center,” he added.

Foster hopes to instill these characteristics he gained from his BGC experience to the youth of this generation. 

Dungeon Boxing Gym will be introducing a new boxing program to the youth of the Club to assist in controlling anger issues. 

“I’m most looking forward to spreading the positive energy. We would like to introduce our boxing program to Walton as well as to help keep the youth off the streets,” he shared. “The coaches will be teaching the youth on the sweet science of boxing. This will also help build their confidence. Boxing in a number of ways can relate to life and our coaches will show how the two correlates.”

At the end of the day life-changing work takes partnerships and Foster hopes that his support will showcase the importance of “businesses needing to work together to help make a difference in community.”

Overall, Foster is excited to be the role model so many people offered him during his BGC experience as a teen. 

“It means a great deal to me to be able to give back to the community because I know firsthand how the support of the Boys & Girls Club helped change my life,” he shared.

Dungeon Boxing Gym is located at 11505 Brown Bridge Road in Covington, GA. The gym was established in 2015 by Carey Foster and his wife, Ebonita. The Dungeon offers boxing training, strength and conditioning, dance classes, tutoring and mentoring. To learn more about The Dungeon Boxing Gym visit dungeonsquads.com or call 770-788-0680.

To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club or Fight for Our Future visit www.bgcncg.com/boxing or call 770-207-6279.

Evander Holyfield Partners with B&G Club

Four-time time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield is partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia to continue making a difference in children’s lives. 

Holyfield grew up worried about whether or not youth in his school would notice the holes in his clothes and was determined to make a difference in his life’s trajectory. In the wake of his determination is a long list of boxing victories, books about his life, his philanthropic organization the Holyfield Foundation and one icon title of the only man to win four consecutive heavyweight championships. 

Through the Holyfield Foundation, he is deeply committed to giving back to various causes that pull on his heartstrings. A cause that resonates with him is working in youth development, especially partnering alongside Boys & Girls Clubs who are making the lasting impact to change lives. 

Evander Holyfield will be hands on with his partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, as he will referee Walton County Boys & Girls Club Fight for Our Future boxing event. Holyfield will referee seven matches comprised of local Walton County celebrities. The main event for the evening will be a match between Bob Mackey, BGCNCG President & CEO, and Ross Bradly, owner of Your Pie and WCBGC Board Chair. 

“BGCNCG is committed to the youth of North Central Georgia and with that commitment we are continually striving to bridge new relationships for our youth,” Bob Mackey, shared. “This partnership with Evander Holyfield will give our youth an experience of a lifetime and an event you do not want to miss.”

The partnership was bridged by Ross Mason and the HINRI Foundation. To learn more about HINRI please visit http://www.hinri.org/.

To learn more about Fight for Our Future, visit www.bgcncg.com/boxing. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georiga, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034.

Dungeon Boxing Gym a ‘knock out’ supporter for BGCNCG

For Carey Foster of Dungeon Boxing Gym, Boys & Girls Club means “safe haven” to him as a Club alumnus of W.W. Houston Boys & Girls Club. Now as a business owner in Covington, Foster was searching for ways to give back in a big way to his local Boys & Girls Club.

Foster has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia to offer funding for a Passport2Manhood program at Newton County Boys & Girls Club and joining as a supporting sponsor for Walton County Boys & Girls Club’s Fight for our Future boxing event.

Foster’s gym will be mentoring WCBGC event participants, as well as Walton Club members on how the discipline of boxing can empower youth to express their emotions in safe spaces. For Newton’s Club, Dungeon Gym will be sponsoring an entire program unit devoted toward empowering young men to become successful and productive adults. 

His reason for giving back in such a large way is simple, “the Boys & Girls Club was influential in my life and others.”

“Relocating from housing projects to low income neighborhoods, as a protective measure to keep me off of the streets and out of trouble my mother deemed it necessary to enroll me in the Boys and Girls Club,” he shared. “It’s important to have community assistance with raising a child in a single parent home. With the parent having to work long hours to provide the things the child needs and half the things the child wants, we may fall short in other aspects of parenting.”

From the ages of 12 to 16, Foster was at the Club and he credits it as a place where he knew he was safe and able to grow up among positive role models. 

“At times when my peers and I were being mischievous and that little voice in my head said “not a good idea” or “it’s time to get off the block,” I would go to the Boys & Girls Club and play football, basketball, go swimming or spend time at the teen center,” he added.

In Dungeon Boxing Gym’s partnership with BGCNCG, Foster hopes to instill these characteristics he gained from his BGC experience to the youth of this generation. 

With the Passport2Manhood’s program, Foster is looking forward to young men receiving mentorship and life skill elements that help them become productive as teens. 

“As a young man I needed guidance and support to deal with life's struggles and at times made bad choices because I didn’t have it,” he shared. “I would like to offer guidance and support our young adults to prevent them from having to go through some of the hardships I had to learn.”

He’s looking forward to watching teens confidence grown and learning skills for critical thinking. 

For WCBGC Fight for Our Future Event, Dungeon Boxing Gym will be introducing a new boxing program to the youth of the Club to assist in controlling anger issues. 

“I’m most looking forward to spreading the positive energy. We would like to introduce our boxing program to Walton as well as to help keep the youth off the streets,” he shared. “The coaches will be teaching the youth on the sweet science of boxing. This will also help build their confidence. Boxing in a number of ways can relate to life and our coaches will show how the two correlates.”

At the end of the day life-changing work takes partnerships and Foster hopes that his support will showcase the importance of “businesses needing to work together to help make a difference in community.”

Overall, Foster is excited to be the role model so many people offered him during his BGC experience as a teen. 

“It means a great deal to me to be able to give back to the community because I know firsthand how the support of the Boys & Girls Club helped change my life,” he shared.

Dungeon Boxing Gym is located at 11505 Brown Bridge Road in Covington, GA. The gym was established in 2015 by Carey Foster and his wife, Ebonita. The Dungeon offers boxing training, strength and conditioning, dance classes, tutoring and mentoring. To learn more about The Dungeon Boxing Gym visit dungeonsquads.com or call 770-788-0680.

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia or the Clubs mentioned above, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034. 

Volunteers are Difference Makers

Shulando Clark knows firsthand the impact of Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club. Both of her sons have been Club members. As a member of the MMCBGC board, Clark is devoted to being an active volunteer at the Club. 

“I love volunteering for the Club and I have volunteered countless hours over the years helping out with various programs and initiatives, but most recently I’ve been volunteering at the front desk taking phone calls, greeting parents and assisting with administrative needs to ensure the Club has an efficient membership enrollment system,” Clark shared.

Volunteering is important to Clark because she believes in the power of relationship.  

“I enjoy spending time with the kids,” she shared. “It’s nice to see how a positive environment can make a difference in a child’s life. Both of my sons attended the Boys & Girls Club and I see the difference the Club can make, and I want to be a part of that atmosphere.”

Karen Robertson, Senior Executive Club Director for MMCBGC, notes she has watched Clark form strong bonds and relationships with members. 

“She greets Club members everyday as they come through the door with a winning smile and a warm hug that sets the tone for their day in the Club,” she shares. “She creates a safe space for members to feel welcomed in the Club.”

Robertson adds that Clark is always sharing the impact of the Club to the surrounding community.

“She always speaks at the Club in a positive manner and whenever she sees families with school-age children, she pulls a Club membership packet out of her backpack and recruits them to become a member,” she shared. “She also visits local churches and garners support for the Club by securing scholarship fees to support children coming to the Club who may not be able to attend otherwise.”

Clark feels that volunteering is just an extension of what the Club has provided for her and her two sons. 

“Difference making happens here in the lives of youth,” she said. 

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

Baking up life skills at PNBGC

Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club teen members are learning entrepreneurial skills through their bi-weekly bake sale program. 

“Club members get to practice skills such as budgeting, public speaking and advertising for the bake sale,” Stacy McClendon, PNBGC Director shared. “Being able to develop and build on the life skills they learn everyday shows our Club members that hard work produces results.”

McClendon adds that it’s thrilling to watch teen Club members and their parents work together on bake sale items.

 PNBGC member, Arian Ross, said, “I love hosting the bake sale because we can show others what we are working on in the Teen Center.”

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

Smart Kids will kick off new year for PNBGC

Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club’s Learning Center opened fall with a new program called “Smart Kids.”

“To kick our school year off to a great start, Sheila Williams our Learning Center Youth Development leader guided Club members in an exciting program where the kids will be able to witness a new and exciting approach to the way we use technology,” Stacy McClendon PNBGC Director shares. “Williams wanted to create something that the Club members could relate to regarding technology. Club members created a cellphone device in which the pretended to encourage their future selves. This activity was very popular with the Club kids.”

Williams icebreaker activity introducing Smart Kids gave Club members a chance to look into the future and compare the difference between the dialogue now and what they imagine it would be like in the future. The lesson created positive conversations among the kids and showed them a positive to way to use text messaging. 

PNCBGC member, Akerria Griggs, shared the lesson had her excited for other ways they would use technology in other lessons. 

The program will focus on boosting communication skills and safe ways to interact with technology.

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 September

Junior Youth of the Month, Va’Quaria Dunn

Youth of the Month, Alexa Brown

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

For the month of September, PNBGC named Alexa Brown as Youth of the Month and Va’Quaria Dunn as Junior Youth of the Month.

“Va’Quaria Dunn has shown growth in areas such as Academics, community involvement and team spirit. She brightens up the Teen Center with her overall contagious smile and spirit,”Diedra Richbow, PNBGC Program Coordinator shared.“We look forward to seeing her future growth and progress she’s going to make in the Teen Center.”

Dunn shared her favorite summer program was cheerleading. 

“Alexa Brown has grown into a leader within the Club by following Club rules and helping out despite being a Club member for only a short period of time,” Diedra Richbow, PNBGC Program Coordinator shared.“She’s always eager to help and she’s the kid that goes out of her way to welcome new members because she knows that coming to a new place with unfamiliar face can be scary.”

Brown and Dunn were named Youth of the Month for showcasing leadership skills during their cheerleading camp sessions. 

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

WCBGC Prepares for Fall Relaunch

At the end of Walton County Boys & Girls Club Summer program, Youth Development Professionals rolled up their sleeves and got to work on the restructuring of program areas. The goal for WCBGC was to add a fresh feel to the Club. 

“The change was born from a desire to allow the kids to come back to a new facility that will spark new interest and leave room for plenty of fun, exploration, and innovation,” Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, shared. “During the restructuring process we updated some rooms with new equipment, painted, and transformed two program areas. Staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure we were able to get everything set up before the youth were set to return.”

Club members will return to a newly remodeled Club and new programs September 3. Some items of highlight are the Teen Café addition and the newly implemented Culinary program aimed to teach youth about healthy snacking habits and cooking. 

WCBGC Youth Development Professionals are looking forward to seeing the reaction on Club member’s faces. 

“I am looking forward to implementing new programs which will stretch the imagination of our members, allow them to see the world from a new perspective, explore college and career options and most of all develop and maintain lasting friendship with other Club members,” Michelle Hollins, WCBGC Program Director shared. 

The Club is prepared to host positive energy for the new school year, said Hill. 

“We want our members to have an amazing experience when they come into the Club each day, and in order to do that, we needed to make a change,” he shared. “When the kids arrive, we know they will be pleased! The parents will also benefit from the new initiatives we will put in place to allow them to be more involved in the Club.”

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

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WCBGC Partners with Monroe Country Day School

Walton County Boys & Girls Clubrecently partnered with Monroe Country Day School to supply added space to its members during gym time. 

MCDS member, Andrew, shared “I love being here at the Club and making new friends with other kids. When we play here it doesn’t matter how skilled you are – we are just having a good time.”

Shelia Staebell of Monroe Country Day School said the school’spartnership is a part of our Community Outreach program. 

“Since we have been coming to the Walton Club, the kids will finish their lunch ten minutes early so that they can come to the gym, she shared. “The gym gives the students an opportunity to play an organized sport because they have more space. Even the high school students look forward to coming over to the Club so they can play pickle ball.”

Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, shared that the partnership has been a wonderful opportunity for Club members to meet new friends and serve the community at large. 

“When we are able to form partnerships with others who need our services, it allows us to meet a greater need within our community,” he shared. “The use of our facility allows the youth to use the gym instead of having to go outside for recess, especially when the outside temperatures can hit upwards of high 90 degrees and feel like it’s over 100 degrees.”

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

WCBGC Alumni Celebrates 11 years of giving back

From Club member to Youth Development Professional, Chastity Morrissette is a Walton County Boys & Girls Club alumnus who is deeply committed to ensuring all youth reach their greatest potential. 

During her seven years as a Club member of WCBGC, Morrissette shares she was able to find her “passion for helping others find their strengths” as well as her desire to pursue a degree in early childhood education. 

She’s been a Youth Development Professional for over 11 years at WCBGC and recently completed her degree. 

Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, shared that “her ability to come full circle from Club member, to Club Youth Development Professional and now educator in the community demonstrates the power of Boys & Girls Clubs active member participation.”

Morrissette echoes Mr. Hill’s sentiments on the Club’s life changing impacts.

“The Club has continued to make an impact on my life growing up. I saw how much individuals cared for me here as a member and I wanted to be able to do the same for a child who currently attends,” she shared. “Being able to provide that care here has been immeasurable.”

Hill adds that this WCBGC alumni also shows how the Club is an organization that will walk alongside youth even in adulthood as alumni. 

“We are here for our youth throughout the different seasons of their life,” he shared. “That’s why we try to cultivate strong relationships without alumni members, so they continue to visit us and sow seeds back into the Club. It’s always a joy to see Chastity do just that for our present members.”

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

BGCNCG Awarded Grant through B&G of Georgia

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.

Piedmont Water Company Gives to PNBGC

Moonlight & Motown Sounds of Motown Presenting Sponsor

Piedmont Water Company is a family-owned and operated business who holds giving back as an essential part of their foundation. This year Piedmont Water will be supplying hope and promise for Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club members with their Sounds of Motown Sponsorship for the Club’s annual event Moonlight & Motown. 

“PNBGC is providing a great service to the community by helping young people grow and giving them life lessons and values that help them to become fine humans,” Adam Shaifer of Piedmont Water Companyshared. “Additionally, we see the amount of time, care and effort volunteers are giving to PNBGC, many of whom are from the Lake Oconee Community - our customers. If it is important to our customers, it should be important to us as well.”

Stacy McClendon, PNBGC Director, shared his gratitude and excitement for the future of this partnership. 

“It’s because businesses like Piedmont Water Company that we are able to continue to supply unique experiences for our youth,” he shared. “We are excited to continue dreaming with Piedmont Water Company as to how we can create those opportunities together.”

Shaifer shared that for Piedmont Water Company, “helping the youth in the communities we serve is a part of our philanthropic goals as a company.”

“We hope that the youth of PNBGC become productive, proud and happy additions to the community we live in or beyond, as they grow into adults,” he added. “The Shaifer family looks forward to supporting PNGRC in strategic ways that help achieve the stated goals of the club, supporting the youth in becoming fine men and women.

Piedmont Water Company was founded in 1992 in the Lake Oconee area to design, construct, own and operate water systems.  We now service more than 30,000 customers in 13 counties across North Georgia. You can learn more about Piedmont Water Company a www.piedmontwater.comor by calling 800-248-7689.     

To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club and their signature event Moonlight & Motown, visit www.bgcncg.com/moonlightmotown or call 706-920-1400. Tickets for Moonlight & Motown go on sale Aug. 14 and partnership opportunities are still available.  

Damien Horne Set To Inspire

National Recording Artist to visit Madison

Boys & Girls Club alumni Damien Horne believes in the power of storytelling and he’s spent his career writing those stories in song. On September 19 he’ll bring those stories to life in his one-man show full of music, storytelling, laughter and ultimately a message of purpose. 

He’ll play at the James Madison Conference Center at 11:30 AM for a fundraiser benefiting the Madison-Morgan County Boys & Girls Club.

"We are all designed uniquely different. And if we tap into who we are, we shine,” Horne shares in his Rise and Shine performance. “The great thing about shining is when you do that you liberate other people to do the same thing."

Horne is an award-winning national recording artist, who has touched the lives of thousands with his heartfelt personal journey. Horne has showcased his act “Rise and Shine” multiple times across Ted Talk stages across the country. 

But his life didn’t always feature music making and meaning making through spoken word. Horne spent a period of his life homeless on the streets busking for income. He was determined to become something through his craft.

Horne happened to be playing when John Rich of Big & Rich passed by and asked him to come to his house for a round of musicians. From there, Horne was signed to MuzikMafia receiving a publishing deal.

Damien has played and recorded with countless acts, such as John Legend, Big & Rich, Lady Antebellum and more. 

On September 19 Damien will bring his popular show to Madison to inspire and help those in attendance unlock their difference maker for the good of the community. 

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Damien Horne Ticket

$50.00

Purchase

Tickets for Damien Horne Performs are on sale now at www.bgcncg.com/damienhorne. For more information you can call the MMBGC at 706-342-1117.

Damien Horne Ted Talk

BGC Alum Gives Back at WCBGC

Everyone’s reason for being involved with a Boys & Girls Club is unique, but it always ends with “because someone cared for me, I want to care for others as well.”

For Antonio Dillard, a Walton County Boys & Girls Club Youth Development Professional, his why is simple, “I’m a product of the Boys & Girls Club. Because of the Club and those who cared for me, I’m here as a successful adult.”

 “I want to provide that support to our youth here in Walton County every day,” he added.

Antonia has been with the movement for a year and currently is the Teen Center Director for the Club.

“We want to ensure that teens have a safe place to go where we encourage our youth to excel in school and at home in becoming productive members of their community,” he shared. “Being an alum myself of the Boys & Girls Club, I know how impactful allowing teens to have responsibility in helping serve in their community can be. That’s why we are constantly looking at new ways to engage our teens in Monroe. From inviting community members in to teach our teens to cook, practice for job interviews and learn new life skills to taking our teens out into the community to serve – we are here to ensure our teens believe the sky is the limit.”

For Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, having Youth Development Professionals such as Antonia on hand is vital to the success of the Club’s impact. 

“Mr. Antonio goes above and beyond his job duties. He’s always giving our teens the freedom to learn hands on skills while mentoring them in the process,” he shared. “It takes caring individuals such as Antonia to empower our youth and to show them that they’re dreams can indeed become reality. We would love to have more community members join us as volunteers to be a part of this life changing work.”

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

WCBGC Celebrates Successful Garden Harvest

Summer brought a gardening adventure for the youth of Walton County Boys & Girls Club. All summer long, Club youth spent time daily tending to their garden in partnership with the Walton County Master Gardeners Club. Youth learned the importance of eating healthy by actively participating in growing their own food for the summer months. 

They recently celebrated their accomplishments with an awards ceremony presented by the Master Gardening Club.

“The Junior Master Gardeners Club were able to see the fruits of their labor at this celebration and were recognized for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the Club over the seven-week program,” Lynn E. Hill, Walton County Boys & Girls Club Director, shared. “Members of the Master Gardening Club, alongside House Representative Bruce Williamson, joined our youth to salute their efforts with a feast from their summer grown vegetables.”

Club members worked alongside Master Gardener mentors to make salsa and chop vegetables for a veggie platter to serve those gathered at the celebration. 

“It was so wonderful to hear each name of our Junior Master Gardeners have their names called during the award ceremony and to see their smiling faces light up,” Hill shared. “They were beaming with pride at their accomplishment and that’s exactly what we desire – for them to have pride in all they do in life.”

 Ellen Wainwright of the Walton County Master Gardeners Club shared how impactful their time with the youth has been for her. 

“The Club youth were always so enthusiastic and engage in every project we brought to them this summer,” she shared. “We worked with the children teaching them about gardening, planting and growing their own vegetables. We harvested our own vegetables and talked about preparing healthy meals. They had the opportunity to make smoothies, salsa, eggplant pizzas, energy bites and burritos out of the vegetables they grew.”

Wainwright added “watching the youth learn about not only vegetables but what makes a garden successful and sustainable for our environment was such a treat.”

“They learned how a cucumber becomes a pickle,” she shared. “They got to taste different types of peppers and learned about pollinators and their importance in gardening. We even had some beekeepers come and talk. They got to see some bees and how honey is harvested and even tasted the honey.”

 For Mr. Hill, this is what the Club is all about – engaging the youth with community members so we can teach together.

 “The kids that participated in the Junior Master Gardeners Club have been observed smiling, laughing, working as a team and learning something new,” he shared. “It is very important for young people to learn where their food comes from, how to take pride in their community and why it is so important to always strive for comradery, which is why teamwork was a number one factor in them completing their projects this summer.”

 Those projects were beautifying the exterior grounds of the Club with flowers and a garden, sprucing up the area surrounding the mailbox and flagpole and cultivating their vegetables from the garden. 

“In total, over $4,000 in donated plants and supplies were used from our local community to make this summer program possible,” Hill shared. “We are so grateful to the Walton County Master Gardeners Club for giving their time and treasures to teach our youth the art of gardening.”

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