As Neshay Cobb prepares to graduate and begin her next journey, MMCBGC will be ready to support her as a Club alumnus. Because “once a Club kid always a Club kid” means the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia will always do whatever it takes to ensure our youth succeed in life.
'Our commitment and resolve to be a place that changes lives is still open'
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.
Virtual Enrichment Resources
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!
COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Announcement
The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia have closely monitored all information from the public health, CDC, local school systems, and the World Health Organization regarding the ongoing issue of the Coronavirus in Georgia.
To limit the risk of exposure of COVID-19, Clubs in Greene County, Morgan County, Walton County, Barnesville-Lamar County, and Newton County will be closed for one week beginning Monday, March 16th. During the closure, every Club and all vehicles will undergo a sanitized/remediation process to ensure we've taken precautionary measures to keep our youth, staff, and facilities safe. We know that our youth who need us the most, will be impacted the most. Therefore, we plan to continue operations as quickly as possible. We hope that we can continue providing services to our youth and families beginning Monday, March 23rd. Many of the schools in our region have made a decision to be closed for up to two weeks. For the Clubs located on school property, meetings with local school officials will take place next week to help determine the best decision to move us forward.
Please follow our Facebook, or your Club’s specific Facebook, regarding further delays or openings as we take steps to serve our youth and keep our communities safe.
Bob Mackey
President & CEO
Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia
Kathy Ivie shares her ‘Why’ for volunteering
On the land that Walton County Boys & Girls Club sits used to be a two-story white house where Kathy Ivie grew up as a little girl. It was a home “filled with love,” she described. “My mom had to work a lot, but always made sure we were loved and provided for – I have so many childhood memories in this house.”
Since Ivie’s mom worked, her and her siblings would help around the house and felt a sense of safety with their big yard, ball field, and playground nearby.
Her mom, a worker for the Mill, gave way to the house she spent her childhood in known as the “Mill House.”
Because of the ball fields nearby, Ivie remembers summer evenings and weekends spent playing softball, learning how to drive a stick shift in the ball field, and bike rides along the roadway.
“There are so many memories here,” she shared.
Memories she recalls as she volunteers at the Walton County Boys & Girls Club which sits where the house that built her once did.
It adds a special connection to her new role as board chair of the WCBGC board and as a board member on the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s corporate board.
“I dedicate my time to the Club because it is so important for every child to knowthat they have it in them to succeed no matter where or how you were brought up,” she shared. “Growing up, I didn’t have a lot of confidence. I was intimidated by the really smart kids - the ones that might have seemed to have so much more than me. At that time, it was hard to see that I had so much more. I want to be able to be that person that can teach them that being rich with money is not as important as being rich with love and family.”
Ivie’s childhood filled with rich family and love influences has been a source for community volunteering.
“My mom said that I was always that way growing up, so I guess it just came natural. I remember giving up some of my Christmas toys, so that another family would have gifts,” she said. “It was more important for me to give than receive. We had a loving family, two sisters and one brother and all of our neighborhood friends that came together as a club.”
For Ivie, watching her beloved home become the home of the Club was a fitting as she knew the Club would be centered around being a positive atmosphere and a place for youth to emerge into productive youth.
“Being a part of WCBGC is very heartwarming,” she shared. “What is most impactful to me in this work is walking in the Club and for a Club member to wrap their arms around me and just smile. At those moments my heart melts and I know that a difference is being made. That is the moment you know that you have touched their lives. I love seeing them go from a shy 5-year-old to making new family members to then becoming our next Member of the Month, to Youth of The Year and off to college.”
Ivie is excited for her new role as board chair for the WCBGC because she believes deeply in youth development work.
“I want to be there and help guide these youth down the right path and to never go towards the darkness,” she shared. “I want to teach them that they are very important.”
For her new role as a board member for BGCNCG’s corporate board, Ivie is looking forward to meeting other Club board members and learning more about the daily operations behind Club life.
“I believe learning more about how to be successful as a Club and organization will help me serve the youth of Walton County, as well as our community,” she said.
If you’re looking for ways to get involved with the youth of this county, Ivie has a suggestion.
“Volunteering at the Walton County Boys & Girls Club is the most worthwhile dedications you will ever make,” she shared. “The Club concentrates on helping youth become admirable young men and women through dynamic programming and opportunities.”
To learn more about Walton Count Boys & Girls Club or to volunteer visit, www.bgcncg.com/waltonclub or call 770-207-6279.
WCBGC Alumnus Joins Club as Youth Development Professional
Jahkare Hanson knows firsthand the importance of having the Walton County Boys & Girls Club in Monroe. His understanding of the movement comes from his years of being a Club member himself.
Now, an alumnus, Hanson has decided it’s time to give back to the Club that helped foster great future for his own journey.
“The experience that I’ve had growing in the Boys & Girls Club has always been and will forever be a memorable one for me,” he shared. “This experience has caused a love to grow in me for this Club, and that is why I am here today.’”
After graduation, Hanson attended Fort Valley State University and is now a part of the WCBGC staff as a youth development professional.
It’s a full circle moment for Hanson.
“I have come to realize through the Boys & Girls Club that being an alumnus now gives me the opportunity to be a spokesperson for the Club and what is called the Movement, he shared. “I have seen a lot of changes within the Boys & Girls Club facility and programming, and now I would love to be a part of this Movement. I am so excited for the opportunity to continue here, once as a Club member, and now an alumnus and staff member.”
For Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, having Hanson as a part of the Club is exciting and a wonderful asset to show Club youth the power of taking to heart all members can learn in the Club.
“I took the opportunity to introduce Jahkare to the Club members as an alumnus and showed them how he benefitted from the programs and activities that helped shaped his character into the young man he is today,” he shared. “We also discussed his college studies and announced how he would be joining our staff. Club members were so excited to welcome him.”
Hill continued, “Mr. Jahkare K. Hanson will be an asset to the Boys & Girls Club here at the Walton Unit. His experiences, fond memories, and his code of conduct learned from the Boys & Girls Club will help him to excel in reaching the ‘kids who need us the most.’”
To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.
WCBGC Welcomes Parents for Orientation
The Walton County Boys & Girls Club hosted a parent orientation recently filled to share with parents Club programs, updates to Club, specialty programs, and invite parents into participation of Club life.
Parents were able to meet and greet with the Club Board of Directors who also shared their vision for the Club and how parent support ties directly into members having successful outcomes.
“Our parent meeting was a huge success,” Lynn E. Hill, WCBGC Director, shared. “Parents, board members, and community partners had an opportunity to learn from each other, share their passion to empower our youth and game plan on how, together, we will ensure the best possible outcomes for every child that comes through the doors of the Walton County Boys & Girls Club for years to come.”
Kathy Ivie, WCBGC board chair, shared with parents how the Club holds a special place in her heart.
“The Walton Club is near and dear to my heart,” she shared. “I have roots here. My home used to sit on the corner, and it was torn down to build this Club. So, when I say, I have roots here, I literally do.”
Ivie shared how those roots drive her passion to be a part of the Club board and the youth’s lives at the Club.
“I love this club and I choose to be a part of the board so that I can give back and help make a positive impact on the lives of the kids here,” she shared.
Parent Advisor, Ms. West, shared how she has three kids in the Club currently with parents gathered.
“The club has been a tremendous support to my family. My oldest is in college and to this day, she still loves the Walton Club,” she shared. “I joined the parent committee because I want to be able to give back, work with your children and offer them programs that will allow them to have fun while at the Club.”
To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.
PNC announced Feb Youths of the Month
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 February, PNBGC named Ethan Brinkley as Youth of the Month and Markecia Reid as Junior Youth of the Month.
“Ethan is outgoing and is always smiling when he enters the Club,” Diedra Richbow, PNBGC Program Coordinator shared. “He is one bright kid and the first to pull out homework during Power Hour time in his group. He really brings joy to the club with his positive attitude.”
Richbow shared that Markecia Reid is an amazing teen who’s “always willing to help whenever needed.”
“She’s extremely smart and she recently won first place in her Science Project at Carson Middle School,” she continued. “We are super excited about her accomplishments at school and also the role she plays as a member here at Pete Nance.”
To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.
Community member donates Winter coats to PNBGC
Community member Bill Lewis and volunteers delivered warm coats to the Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club recently.
“We were very blessed to have received such wonderful coats from Mr. Lewis and volunteers,” Stacy McClendon, PNCBG Director shared. “Watching our Club members light up as they got to pick out a new coat was such a rewarding moment. Thank you, Mr. Lewis!”
For Club member Kalil Dorsey, the new coat was a blessing to receive.
“I loved being able to pick out the color and type of jacket I wanted from the donation Mr. Lewis brought,” he shared. “I want to Thank Mr. Bill and the volunteers for my coat because it is very necessary for this weather because it is very warm.”
Each Club member had an opportunity to choose and claim a new winter jacket.
To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club or donate items, visit www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 770-267-8033.
Barnesville-Lamar Boys & Girls Club Celebrates Opening
Eleven months ago, the lot across from Lamar County Elementary School was vacant and the idea of a Boys & Girls Club was but a dream. Now, the Barnesville-Lamar Boys & Girls Club is officially open and has already begun registration of members. On January 23 over 200 community residents gathered to cut the Boys & Girls Club royal blue ribbon symbolizing the beginning of “Great Futures” at the site.
Magical moments were shared by all ages at the grand opening of the Club located at 230 Roberta Drive. Club members began to meet each other in their games room, community members walked the halls of the Club and greeted one another, and the founding contributors of the Club were honored at a reception.
For the founding steering committee who worked tirelessly for the last eleven months the most magical moment was the overwhelming wave of community support.
“We want to thank you for being here,” Chuck Bankston, founding co-chair for the BLBGC, shared. “On Sept. 15 we began our campaign and we set a goal of $250,000 and at the time we felt that was an ambitious goal. We thought our goal would be difficult to reach. But, I underestimated your generosity and the happy generous givers that you all are because as of today we’ve collected a little over $463,000.”
“Because of you, lives will be changed. Working moms and dads won’t have to worry about where their children are,” Bankston continued. “The children will be surrounded by positive people and influence, like you all, and they will achieve great things in life. This celebration is about you. Because of you, we have made dreams into reality.”
Lamar County Elementary School’s cafeteria, where the awards reception was held, was full of community members and rounds of applause were followed with each founding contributor’s name called.
Dr. Jute Wilson, Superintendent for Lamar County Schools, gladly accepted the keys to the Club from Mayor Peter Banks and remarked on the return of investment to come to Lamar County from the Boys & Girls Club.
“I always ask if we’re going to do something what are we going to get in return and when you look at the mission and vision of Boys & Girls Clubs – it’s easy to see that the return here will be impactful,” he shared. “I’m so thankful to all that have given and we’re looking toward big things and a great partnership with BGC.”
An unforgettable moment of the evening was the hallway of the Barnesville-Lamar County Boys & Girls Club being dedicated to Joe Edwards, the steering committee chairman and president of the BLBGC board.
“Joe ate, slept, and dreamed about Boys & Girls Clubs for months,” Chuck Bankston shared. “His vision is what led us to this point and his passion is what got us here.”
Barnesville-Lamar Boys & Girls Club is a part of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s region.
“We’re so excited to support Barnesville-Lamar on its journey to impacting and transforming the lives of the youth the Club serves,” Bob Mackey, President & CEO for BGCNCG. “It’s truly because of the excellent community leadership and generous giving that this Club stands as a beacon of hope and promise for the youth. We can’t wait to see the youth soar!”
BLBGC will serve third through eight graders and its programs will focus on academic success, character, leadership development and healthy lifestyles.
For more information about the club, visit www.bgcncg.com/barnesville.
THANK YOU FOUNDERS!
CHAMPIONS OF THE CLUB
THE GIVING CIRCLE
FRIENDS OF THE CLUB
WCBGC Names 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 Caleb McGuire.
Caleb has been attending WCBGC for two years.
“He is a hard worker and always strives to do his best when it comes to making sure his homework and class work is done correctly,” WCBGC Director, Lynn E. Hill, shared. “Caleb leans on the staff to support him with his academics. He can be counted on to always make sure younger members are following Club rules.”
For Caleb, he loves attending the WCBGC and his favorite program is Power Hour where he gets to work on his homework with staff and Club members.
“I enjoy spending time with the staff and I’m able to make new friends at my Club,” he shared.
Being named Youth of the Month is a credit to the youth’s character and show leadership abilities within the Club.
“Since the first day that I met Caleb, he has been such a joy to be around. This is the reason he was selected for Youth of the Month,” Kimberly Johnson, WCBGC Youth Development Professional, shared. “He is such a bright, well-rounded person. If you are having a bad day, you can rest assured knowing that Caleb’s smile will make you feel so much better.”
To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.
PNC Hosts Annual Blood Drive
Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club youth recently organized another successful blood drive. Club youth utilized leadership skills they’ve been cultivating to organize the event with the American Red Cross.
“The blood drive has been an initiative that youth have collaborated on since 2016 and continue to enjoy organizing for the community,” Nerocus Peaks, PNBGC Teen Director shared. “We had a lot of community members come in ready to save lives with their blood donations and eager to interact with our youth.”
Club members wrapped presents for blood donors and helped guide donors to the correct station for donation.
“It was a pleasure to watch as our teens and pre-teens made every donor feel special for their act of kindness and to hear community members compliment the youth for their hard efforts was the cherry on top,” Peaks said.
This year’s event was organized by teen Club member Arkiyus Wright, who alongside his Club members exceeded their goal of 25 donors.
“Running a Blood Drive will give you an opportunity to work on your leadership skills,” Wright shared. “You develop hospitality skills as you make phone calls encouraging individuals to donate blood and explaining why it’s so important to give blood. Every person that came and gave blood saved a life.”
To learn more about Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/petenance or call 706-920-1400.
Barnesville-Lamar Boys & Girls Club to host registration event Jan. 16
Join the Barnesville-Lamar Club Jan. 16 from 5-6:45 PM for membership registration at the Lamar County Middle School Cafeteria located at 100 Burnette Road, Barnesville.
“We are so excited to be opening our doors soon to the youth of Lamar County and are looking forward to meeting the youth we’ll serve at our first registration event as a Club,” Sandra Watts, BLBGC Director, shared.
All membership registration will be on a first come basis. For more information on registration contact Sandra Watts at 678-572-3156 or email swatts@bgcncg.com.
NCBGC Rings in New Year with Community
The Newton County Boys & Girls Club rang in the New Year with its inaugural New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball.
Music echoed through the entrance way as guests arrived along with a photo booth and Hors d’oeuvres.
For Nakita Williams, NCBGC Club Director, the evening was full of memorable moments.
“Since we opened in June of 2019, the community has embraced our cause. There was plenty to soak in at our first event,” she said. “The highlight moment of the evening for me was looking around to see all the people that support our Club. I reflected over our first year open and how each of these community members have changed a life this year.”
Williams added being a part of NCBGC personally has impacted her purpose.
Throughout 2019 youth have made their way to the NCBGC for friendships, mentorship, field trips, and impactful programming.
“Our teens have built lasting relationships with staff which create a trusting environment where our teens can share their thoughts, feelings, and needs,” she said. “Our teens have shared that the Club has helped them feel more confident personally, in school, and is a safe place to be. We couldn’t have created this Club without community support.”
Guests danced the night away until the midnight hour as all gathered counted down to 2020 a year set to continue serving the youth of Newton County at the Club.
For more information about Newton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/newtoncountyor call 470-444-1914.
WCBGC Basketball team preps for season
When Walton County Boys & Girls Clubs basketball team was in need of a coach, Mrs. Sheila Staebell was eager to offer up her skills and time to Club youth.
Staebell joins youth twice a week to work on basketball fundamentals.
“Her work is helping our youth prepare for their March season,” WCBGC Club Director, Lynn E. Hill shared. “Our basketball team falls under the all-stars program and our members are excited to be able to play another season.”
Club member Ty Burce shared he’s been enjoying learning new basketball techniques.
“It’s been fun being on the team,” he said. “We all enjoy each other, and I am getting better at my lay ups.”
For Staebell working with the Club youth has been rewarding.
“It’s so fun to work with the youth on their skills and see how the older members join in to assist younger members in their growth,” she shared. “I’m glad I get to volunteer my time here.”
Walton County Boys & Girls Clubs All-Star program is a way for the Club members to participate in an organized sport.
“Members who may not be able to play for a recreation league or school team can rest assured knowing that there is a spot for them on The Walton County Boys & Girls Club Basketball Team,” Hill shared. “We’re so grateful to Mrs. Shelia for giving her time and talents to our Club youth.”
To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.
WCBGC Names Teen of Month
Walton County Boys & Girls Clubcelebrates its members and their accomplishments. This month the Teen of the Youth is Edward Bynes.
Bynes has been a member of the Club for one year and enjoys greeting Club members and staff with a bright smile each day.
“I like coming to the Boys & Girls Club because I like to meet new people and I like to hang out with the staff,” Bynes shared.
“Edward came to the Club to learn and develop positive relationships with his peers and adults,” Michelle Hollins, WCBGC Program Coordinator shared. “Edward is honest and respectful. He demonstrates good character, is a good listener. His ability to go above and beyond dubs him the Teen of the Month.”
Bynes’ favoriate place to spend time within the Club is the newly installed Novelis Lab. He also enjoys playing lacross with his peers.
“Edward has been very instrumental in giving suggestions on activities and trips for the teens,” Hollins shared. “He is always willing to help set up the assembly area, or help Mr. Antonio in the teen café whenever asked. Edward has a gentle spirit and I am extremely proud of his growth from the summer up to now.”
To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.
WCBGC receives tech grant
Walton County Boys & Girls Clubs recently received a $5,000 grant from Lenovo App Lab Contest through MyFuture, a Boys & Girls Clubs of America program.
The contest focused on Club youth submitting a proposal for an app that would improve the quality of their Club, community or school.
WCBGC member, Tyquavious Bruce winning project focused on helping improve the quality of education among Club members with his app called Homework Help. Bruce’s app’s design was to help youth improve their grades with homework drills and resources to assist parent’s ability to help youth.
“This contest was a wonderful opportunity for the club members to showcase their talents and abilities in the world of technology,” Mrs. Naidoo, Novelis Lab Instructor.
Michelle Hollins, WCBGC Program Coordinator, shared that the youth all worked diligently on their app ideas.
“We entered into three different age categories from our Club youth. Our youth worked hard writing their ideas, creating power points, and pitching their ideas through videos,” she shared. “When we announced that we were selected as one of the winners, the Club erupted with cheers and excitement. This project has opened the eyes of many of the youth at the Club and we are definitely looking forward to making this app concept a reality in 2020 and using Ty’s creation within the Club as a part of our Power Hour program.”
The grant money received will go toward cultivating Bruce’s app into reality for Club members and Club parents to utilize.
To learn more about Walton County Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/waltonclubor call 770-207-6279.
McCullar Given Lifetime Movement Award
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.
Kara Latz named Board Member of Year for BGCNCG
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.