L O C A L L O V EInspiring Young PeopleBy Ann CipperlyAs the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County(BGCGLC) enter their 32nd year of service, theirmission has never been more critical to “inspireyoung people, especially those that need themmost, to realize their full potential as caring, productive, andresponsible citizens.” Programs and services offer opportunitiesfor academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character, andleadership to every young person in East Alabama.Photos provided by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County10 EAST ALABAMA LIVING
Outgoing Board Chair, Kammi Waggoner, amember of the Board of Directors for BGCGLCfor five years, was charged with replacingWanda Lewis, longtime CEO who retired in2019. The board selected Richard Curry Jr. toserve as the new president and CEO followinga nationwide search.“CEO Curry has navigated a global pandemic,racial unrest, a struggling financialenvironment, and staffing issues that reflectall of the aforementioned,” says Waggoner. “Hehas done so with professionalism and knowhowthat has benefited our organization tremendously.As a result, the Boys & Girls Clubsare now poised to serve the children of thiscommunity in new and exciting ways.“I believe that the strength of a communityis often determined by what it does for itschildren, so it gives me peace to see what theBoys & Girls Clubs provide our youth.”“Now more than ever, headlines remind usevery day that our young people are in crisis,”says the new President and CEO. “Along withthe rest of the world, we’ve been closely monitoringthe evolving situation with COVID-19,as well as the long-term impact on youth. Ithas brought uncertainty and disruption to thecommunities we serve, but the Boys & GirlsClubs of Greater Lee County’s top priority hasnot changed: the health and safety of the childrenwe serve.”Since 2019, Curry has spearheaded a significantrestructuring of the organization andintroduced an exciting new strategy to allowmore youth to achieve positive outcomes inthree priority areas: academic success, goodcharacter and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.To support the clubs in fostering thesevital outcomes, Curry emphasizes the importanceof building organizational capacity,improving program quality and consistency,expanding the Boys & Girls Club footprint,and positioning BGCGLC as East Alabama’sleading advocate for youth.“COVID-19 allowed us to meet kids wherethey were,” said Tenisha King, Director ofPhilanthropy and Engagement. “Boys & GirlsClubs leveled the playing field for communityyouth by providing much-needed resourceswhen many organizations were forced to close.”This included providing interactive “Club onthe Go” kits, including academic enrichment,art projects, and character development activities,and over 20,000 plus “Grab & Go” mealsto 1,400 families in Lee County. Most importantly,BGCGLC launched the virtual Clubhousewww.myfuture.net to give all young people anopportunity to experience the Boys & GirlsClub regardless of membership.“I recognize that not everyone knows themagic that happens within the walls of a Boys& Girls Club.” Curry said, “and it is time to letthe secret out.”BGCGLC is an out-of-school time youthdevelopment organization for young peopleages 6-18 that strives to provide a world-classclub experience that assures success is withinreach of every young person who enters theirdoors. As a result, all members are on trackto graduate from high school with a plan forthe future, demonstrating good character andcitizenship and living a healthy lifestyle.“At BGCGLC, not only do we create programsand an environment conducive tobuilding workforce readiness, essential skills,and the leadership opportunities that willprepare young people for the world of tomorrow,”said Curry, “we also make an impact inEast Alabama’s economy today. Clubs likeours form an important part of our community’sinfrastructure, and the more capacity wehave, the deeper we make our impact.”For many parents, the availability of asafe supervised, and uplifting environmentfor their children during out-of-school-timehours dramatically influences their abilityto work. Unfortunately, in many communities,childcare options can be scarce orcost-prohibitive.NEW LOCATION!“Boys & Girls Clubs enable parents to besecure and economically productive withoutcompromising the wellbeing of their children,”added Curry. “The quality of club programsalso ensures that parents can workproductively at their jobs, knowing that theirkids are having positive experiences, gaininguseful skills, and experiencing healthy,enriching fun.”Currently, the organization operates twofacility-based youth development programs.In partnership with the City of Auburn, theAuburn Clubhouse is in Boykin CommunityCenter, minutes away from Auburn University.In partnership with the Opelika HousingAuthority, the Potter-Daniel Clubhouse islocated across from Carver Primary School.Each day, program mentors in the clubhousescreate safe, inclusive spaces and bringhigh-quality out-of-school-time programs tonearly 150 kids and teens daily and over 1,000annually. In addition, the club recognizes thevalue and lifelong impact of positive relationships,ensuring all of Lee County’s youth aresupported by team members as they growinto the next generation of leaders.“The time is now for us to look at the next30 years of our organization,” Curry said. “Iam excited alongside our Board of DirectorsCOME CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOCATION: 1212 GATEWOOD DR. STE. A-1 AUBURN334-521-7485 | WWW.HOMEANDVINEAUBURN.COMEAST ALABAMA LIVING11
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