Boys and Girls Club illustrates community hopes for the future

The Winston County Journal

The Boys and Girls Club of Winston County has reasons to celebrate and not just because March 22-28 is National Boys and Girls Club Week across the country but because the children of the club are growing as persons and the club is trying to grow as well.

Although the club is still in its infancy, over 100 children are enrolled in the program with average attendance above 80 children. The club also has at least a dozen children on its waiting list. The children attend the club for the programs and activities offered.

Programs offered. The club provides numerous programs such as homework help, computer labs, crafts, outside activities, and specific programs to help the youth become responsible young adults.

The main active starting each day is the Power Hour. This power hour is comprehensive homework help and tutoring program designed to raise the academic proficiency of Club members ages 6 to12. Many of the members have seen marked improvement in academic performance due to the focused efforts during the Power Hour.

In addition to the daily activities, the program also offers self-esteem enhancement programs through Smart Girls and Passport to Manhood programs along with many other activities.

The Smart Girls program is a health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program. The program is designed to encourage healthy attitudes and lifestyles that will enable early adolescent girls to develop to their full potential.

The Passport to Manhood program promotes and teaches responsibility while reinforcing positive behavior in male Club members. Passport to Manhood consists of 14 small-group sessions, each of which concentrates on a specific aspect of manhood through highly interactive activities. Each participant is issued his own "Passport" to underscore the idea that he is on a journey of maturation and personal growth.

Club growth

While the children in the club grow as persons, the Executive Director Larry Dickens and club board members aim to continue to grow the club even with tough economic times because of its value to the community.

"It's a constant struggle for any group to find enough funds to run a high quality program for the youth," stated Dickens in a recent club communication but he added, "Penny for penny, the Club is the best investment for our community. It is much cheaper than incarcerating kids and with the club our kids will become productive, caring and responsible citizens."

While the club seeks more adequate space to house all the children that wish to be involved in the club, the club leaders are also mindful of the dollars the club has available. Aiming to balance these two parts, Dickens and the club's board hope the citizens in the community find ways to donate to the club.

"We need the community to donate and get involved," said board member and club volunteer Janice Hopkins while speaking to the Retired Education Personnel of Mississippi recently. She noted that people might donate time or money since volunteers are needed.

The REPM members encouraged by the report on the club collected and donated $281 to the club. The groups, business and individuals who donate such funds are the lifeblood of the organization. That lifeblood can be represented in persons like Angela Coleman, a representative of Career Step, LLC who recently had her company donate to the group or like the Taylor Foundation who was instrumental in kicking the club off with a challenge donation of $20,000.

Whether it is volunteering or donating, the club's board and executive director hope all the community gets involved since the club benefits the whole community.

Dickens recognized

To help in growing the club Dickens recently attended a weeklong seminar on opening a brand new Boys and Girls Club.

Dickens noted he learned much from the program even with his 20 years of experience. While attending the seminar Dickens was recognized for his work with the club and for his 20 years of service to the organization.

Clyde McGuire the regional director for the National Boys and Girls Club described Dickens commitment to the organization and complimented him on the depth of his work especially with his aim to move the Winston County Club forward.

Summer Program scheduled

The Boys and Girls Club of Winston County plans to offer a summer program.

Every child is invited to participate. The program is set to begin on June 1 and end on July 31. The program will start at 8 AM and end at 6 PM, five days a week. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for the participants. The targeted ages are 6 years of age through 15 years of age. The cost for the summer program is $160 per child.

The space is limited to 200 participants and the deadline to enroll is April 1. Anyone wishing to enroll a child or children may obtain a summer contract from the Boys and Girls Club or at the office of Fair Propane Gas Systems on Main St. The dues may be split into three payments to be due in April and May.

The club hopes to gain plenty of applications for each age group and class but the club may cancel the entire program or a particular age class for any reason deemed appropriate. If the program or age class is cancelled, a full refund will be provided for that group.

Club general

information

The Boys and Girls Club of Winston County is a nonprofit community based organization that provides after school and summer time programs for local youth. The club is also a 501C3 organization.

Its theme is a Positive Place For Kids. The club is open 2p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday with plans for a summer program. For more information visit bgca.net or bgca.org for more information or stop by the club located across from Fair Elementary in Louisville or call 662-779-4143.

Typical happenings

In January, club members celebrated the inauguration of the new president with a variety of activities, including watching part of the ceremony.

Sandra Jackson of the Mississippi State Extension Service presented an interesting program on types of trees and their importance. The children also enjoyed a field trip to the movies to see The Tale of Desperaeux.

The club was proud of the many honor students for the second nine weeks. They were rewarded for their success with a pizza party. Congratulations as well to club members of the month of January, Bethany Hardin and Quantarus Riddle, and teen volunteer of the month, DeAndrea Goss.

The boys and Girls Club recognized Janice Hopkins and Terron Neal for their dedication to the organization. They have each volunteered over 100 hours at the club.