QC Family Focus: October 2014

Giving teens a brighter future
Maggie Gehlsen
QCFF Staff Writer
For 20 years, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the
Mississippi Valley have been empowering youth to
succeed. They serve youth ages 6-18. We caught up with
Tim Tolliver, President/CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs
of the Mississippi Valley, who gave us insight into their
various programs and how they assist youth across the
QC.
Q: What sort of programs does the club offer?
A: “We offer a variety of fun, educational programs in
the following five core areas: Character and Leadership
Development; Education and Career Development;
Health and Life Skills; The Arts; and Sports, Fitness
and Recreation. These five focus areas emphasize the
positive development of the whole child—emotionally,
academically, socially and physically. For instance, the
first hour of Club is devoted to homework and tutoring
if needed—it’s Power Hour for our Club members. All
members are required to participate in Power Hour.
During the remaining club time, members have a variety
of program choices, such Skill Tech (enhancing careerrelated
computer skills ) and character development
options such as SMART Girls, Passport to Manhood and
Street SMART.”
Q: When students leave the program, what’s
your goal for them?
A: “Our mission is “To enable all young people,
especially those who need us most, to reach their full
potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”
Our goals for every child is to stay in school and
graduate, train for a career either through college
or a trade school, and to be engaged, productive
citizens in their community. We empower youth to
become the best versions of themselves.”
Q: When you look at some of the dangers tweens
and teens face today, dating violence, depression,
bullying, even human trafficking, how can you
equip them to not fall victim?
A: “Our character development programs (SMART
Girls, Passport to Manhood, Street SMART)
focus on gang prevention, self-esteem and healthy
relationships.”
It’s no secret the Boys and Girls Clubs
have been empowering youth to do some great
things across the QC area. To celebrate their 20th
Anniversary, they will host a Holiday Ball on
Saturday, December 13th at the Isle of Capri. For
more information visit their website www.bgcmv.
org, like them on Facebook and follow them on
Twitter @bgca12!
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