The Challenge Newsletter 2021

THE

Challenge

2021 NEWSLETTER

THREE

NEW CLUB LOCATIONS

PROGRAMS

MAKING AN IMPACT

SPRINGFIELD

TRUE PARTNERS

MAKING A

STORIES

DIFFERENCE

OF LIVES CHANGED

Board of Directors Officers

A MESSAGE

Lance O'Neill President

Maurice Moss President-Elect

Lauren Lipscomb Vice President

FROM OUR CEO

Jessica Cullen Treasurer

Brandy Harris

Doug Neff Secretary

Charlotte Hardin Outgoing President

Board of Directors Jason Anderson Tim Cloyd Travis DeLong Danny Edwards Travis Fintel Erik Frederick Mike Hoppman Kyle Hubbard Kerry Jungmann Julie Leeth Sean McGinnis Eric McGuire David McQueary Chris Myers Sid Needem Tim O'Reilly Jill Patterson Steve Peterie John Piatchek Dave Puckett Jon Risdal David Rush Dee Siscoe Angela Smith Perrie Stone Margaret Swango Mary Lynn Townsend Katy Tynes Dean Young

Emeritus Board

Lisa Blumenstock Don Copeland Karen Kramer Steve Naegler Bill Williams Jeff Yoakam

CEO

Brandy Harris 1410 N. FREMONT AVE. SPRINGFIELD, MO 65802 (417) 862-9249 www.bgclubspringfield.org

Hello friends of BGCS! Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to read our 2021 Challenge Newsletter. I am endlessly proud of the work Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield has accomplished since it's inception 83 years ago. This past year has been full of shifts, innovative ideas, local and national recognition, and a whole lot of helping kids.

Our community came together in so many meaningful ways. Springfield Public Schools supported our vision to expand services. Countless partners and community members donated their time, talent, and treasure to help ensure equitable access to opportunity. Club Blue, our Young Professionals Network, grew exponentially and strategized about the best ways to help change the trajectory of children's lives. Our work is so important and we have no intention of slowing down.

Our Club members need us now more than ever. One of the key data points that motivates our work is that students who do not read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to leave high school without a diploma than proficient readers. Poverty compounds the problem: Students who have lived in poverty are three times more likely to drop out or fail to graduate on time than their more affluent peers (aecf). As many of us know, the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the problem. We have a tremendous amount of work ahead of us, but we are ready.

In addition to some of our most memorable moments from 2021 that are captured in this edition of The Challenge, the Executive Committee of the Board and our Senior Leadership Team met for an intensive strategic planning meeting where we determined our strategic priorities for the next three years. Our number one priority is building a new stand-alone teen center to accommodate the evergrowing need to serve more high school students.

As we adjust and enter the new year, we encourage you to stay up to date with the incredible things we are doing. Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter. Follow us on social media. Call us and schedule a tour. There will be so many new ways for you to support our kids in 2022 and we can't wait to share those with you!

We have been busy, but our commitment to serving the kids and families who need us most is unwavering. We are so grateful for your support. If you are reading this, you have played a significant role in our mission. Thank you. Here is to a wonderful 2022!

Sincerely,

Brandy Harris

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06

07

16 20 03 Important Stats From 2021 04 05 06 07 08 09

10 11 15 16 17 18 19 20 22

Welcome to the Team In the News & Special Events The Club's Expansion The Reach Program The Youth of the Year Journey 2021 Memories in Pictures

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Our Programs Staff Stories Blue AmbassaDOORs Vital Farms Partnership Mr. John's Impact Club Blue Youth of the Month Member Highlights Ways to Give

OUR LOCATIONS

MUSGRAVE

HENDERSON

@bgclubspringfield.org

STALNAKER

SERTOMA

@BGCSpringfield

FREMONT

MCGREGOR

@BGCSpringfield

O'REILLY

JARRETT

bgclubspringfield.org

2021

GREAT FUTURES Update

57%

YOUTH

HOMES

SERVED

& NEW HIRES

87

PROMOTIONS

CLUB LOCATIONS

3

OVER 69,000

Family Engagement

PROJECTS COMPLETED

OVER 2,000

BOOKS DISTRIBUTED

54

LUNCH

PROGRAM

OVER 850

OF MEMBERS

FREE OR REDUCED

PREVENTION

Meals Served

8

75% QUALIFY FOR

OF MEMBERS

300 YOUTH COMPLETED COME FROM A COMPREHENSIVE SINGLE PARENT

3,000

CREATED NEW JOBS

Welcome to the Team NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBERS

DREW KING

SARAH MARSH

EDWARD SANDS

Sertoma Program Director

McGregor Unit Director

Henderson Unit Director

SAMANTHA STEWART

SHONTE CLAY-FULGHAM

COURTNEY SIMPKINS

Director of Finance

O'Reilly Unit Director

Stalnaker Unit Director

I love my career because I am passionate about creating world changers and giving back to the organization that helped develop me into the director I am today.

- Drew King

Sertoma Program Director

PROMOTIONS

AMBER ALCORN

Marketing & Communications Associate

LAUREN HARDCASTLE Sertoma Unit Director

KATIE CARTWRIGHT

O'Reilly Program Director

JEFF LONG

Director of Safety & Compliance

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

R OF aNcAi l Li tDi e Hs UMLaSn aEgBeUr S

Dr. Tim Cloyd

Jill Patterson

Kyle Hubbard

Mary Lynn Townsend

Our mission: to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

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IN THE NEWS & SPECIAL EVENTS

CEO, Brandy Harris, received the 2021 Virginia Fry Rising Star Award, given by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Emeritus board member & friend of the Club, Karen Kramer, accepted the 2021 Athena award.

Selected among 27 other finalists, Didem Koroglu, Director of Development, received the 2021 National Newcomer Excellence Award in Resource Development awarded by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

We hosted our 14th annual "FORE" the Kids Golf Tournament, part one and two! A special thanks goes to our presenting sponsor for this tournament, Bobby Allison.

Club Blue hosted its second annual Light Up the Future Glow Golf Tournament. A special thanks goes to our presenting sponsor for this tournament, Burrell Behavioral Health.

Director of Programs & Prevention, Niki Kiruki, received the John Alesch Outstanding Program Staff award. This regional award was given during the Boys & Girls Club Virtual Midwest Conference.

CEO, Brandy Harris, was inducted into the Springfield Public Schools Hall of Fame. During the induction luncheon, Brandy thanked the many Springfield educators who made a lasting impact on her life.

In honor of the 30-year anniversary of the merger of Girls Clubs and Boys Clubs in Springfield, we hosted The Glow Up Party! Celebrating female empowerment, it was a night of dancing, drinks, food, friends and fun.

Sertoma Clubs in Springfield hosted a new event, The Sertoma Golf Experience, at BigShots Golf. They also hosted Wingapalooza.

Both events benefitted Boys & Girls Clubs.

BGC Partners in Education hosted their annual Day for Kids event, raising $28,000 towards higher education opportunities for youth, including recognitions like Youth of the Year.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS EXPAND TO SERVE MORE MEMBERS, MORE OFTEN

It has been a year for breaking down barriers & expanding impact. Thanks to new partnerships, Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield (BGCS) opened three new locations in 2021.

The Club exceeded its $1.2 million capital campaign to establish a permanent presence in newly renovated, Williams Elementary School. Club leadership named the new location the O’Reilly Unit, because of a $500,000 gift given by the O’Reilly & Wooten families.

Through a special partnership with Springfield Public Schools (SPS) called Shine, BGCS also developed new programs inside McGregor Elementary School and Jarrett Middle School.

While the Club already served a small number of students from these schools at traditional sites, developing a presence on-campus allows the Club to serve more students, by removing barriers of transportation and cost.

“I heard from a parent that while she was so grateful for Club services, she also had to coordinate bus routes to pick up her child every day,” said BGCS CEO, Brandy Harris.

Because of this expansion of services, the number of youth served who qualify for free or reduced lunch, a key indicator for poverty, is projected to increase by 75%. The Club will serve a projected additional 395 students at these sites, providing a home away from home and a safe space before & after school.

"Some kids, like myself, don’t have people in our life outside the Club to rely on. It feels amazing to not be alone,” said a Club member.

Not only is this new partnership an important piece of the Club's vision, it is also exciting for school leadership.

Williams Elementary principal, Amanda Desa, explained, “Through this partnership, we will be able to provide a safe space for those continued growth opportunities. A place where kids can go and be kids.”

Some kids like myself, don't have people in our life outside the Club to rely on. It feels amazing to not be alone.

These new programs are having an impact, not only on students, but also on neighborhoods at large. A permanent Club presence increases workforce development, family engagement and overall academic success. The program addresses negative trends and promotes mental and physical wellness.

“I truly believe that a permanent Club presence can and will change the trajectory of people's lives,” said Brandy, “Transportation is a barrier to service. We have eliminated that.

Cost is a barrier to service. We have eliminated that. A holistic approach to serving families is the only way we can break cycles of poverty. We intend to do that."

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NEW REACH PROGRAM

HELPS CLOSE THE GAP

Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield launched the new REACH: Workforce Readiness program, in order to provide equal access to workforce development opportunities among underrepresented & under-resourced communities.

The idea for this program came about last year, when O’Reilly Hospitality Management CEO & Club board member, Tim O’Reilly, expressed the desire to make a lasting impact, by bridging the gap for under-represented families & investing in the workforce of tomorrow.

There are three main prongs to the REACH: Workforce Readiness program; to offer career exploration & financial literacy programs for youth, grades K-5; to help teens prepare for life after high school through college/career readiness courses and first job placement; and to provide family support services and job placement for adult family members.

the Boys & Girls Clubs, but they are now an employee of a certain business, so it helps with their self-esteem,” said Jeff Long, Director of Safety & Compliance for the Boys & Girls Club.

The Club is responsible for hiring and paying teens who are a part of the program, guiding them through the process of securing their first job & breaking barriers like transportation. “I didn’t know how to fill out a job application at all. I was lost completely,” said Club teen, Ryan. “I’m glad I knew from the Boys & Girls Club learning experience.”

Community partners are coming together to provide sustainable job opportunities for Club families. In this scenario, community businesses communicate with the Boys & Girls Club about open positions. In turn, the Club becomes a conduit connecting parents & youth to these job openings.

“This is the most challenging labor environment that we’ve ever seen in companies and in the economy,” Tim O'Reilly said. “To find young people who are very intelligent and who have worlds of potential, that you can bring into your company and train them for the future, is a very good thing.”

Youth begin exploring interests and learning to apply these interests at a young age. “The Club has helped me know what I Through this new program, the Club is taking a whole-family want to be when I grow up,” said Club member, Abigail. "I want approach to serving youth and breaking cycles of poverty. to work here part-time and also be a photographer.”

“Workforce readiness is key,” said Greg Burris, CEO of United Way of the Ozarks. “Getting families ready for the type of work One important part of REACH is the Youth Employment Opportunity program (YEO). Through YEO, Club members 14 where they can become self-sustaining; that is key to and older gain paid work experience at Boys & Girls Clubs and addressing poverty and overcoming some of the red flags in our other area businesses. "They feel like they belong, not only at community.”

Photo by Nicole Brunette

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YOUTH OF THE YEAR

PROVIDES LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH

Parkview High School sophomore, Juliette White, was named Missouri’s Youth of the Year and it’s her incredible resilience that earned her this title.

Youth of the Year began in 1947 and is Boys & Girls Clubs' “signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy.”

Each year, young people from across the nation participate in the Youth of the Month and Youth of the Year program, allowing them to practice important leadership skills such as communication, goal setting and teamwork.

Not only does the program help youth develop skills for the future, but it provides them with opportunities to win scholarships. By participating in the program, Juliette received $20,000 in college scholarships this year.

“Youth of the Year challenges kids to be their authentic self, to advocate for what is important to them, and it helps them develop key skills necessary for adulthood,” said Brandy Harris, CEO for Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield.

Brandy said it’s Juliette’s “radical vulnerability” that made her successful in this year’s program. She is candid about the challenges she faced as a child, detailing how Boys & Girls Club provided a safe place for her and helped meet her family's needs.

“The Club is important for me because it has been a home away from home,” Juliette said. “They have always made sure that me and my siblings had food at home when we didn’t have any.”

Juliette is the epitome of what trusted adults, a safe space and equitable access to opportunity can do for a child. “What is particularly inspiring though is Juliette's grit, resilience and determination,” Brandy said.

It is this resilience that makes Juliette such an incredible leader. “She has been through a lot of trauma but still remains positive,” said Director of Programs & Prevention, Niki Kiruki.

“She takes all the negative things that have happened to her and sees it as a way to be a stronger person.”

Juliette is not only a leader at the Club, but enjoys leadership roles at school, where she is heavily involved in the music program. She is in advanced orchestra and serves as lieutenant in Parkview’s drum and bugle corps, The Lassies.

She said that next year she is aiming to be drum captain.

Her message for today’s youth is simple. “You can grow as much as you want,” she said. “You just have to put the power behind that and you have to work for it.”

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H A P P Y

.EREH TRATS SERUTUF TAERG

MEMORIES

FROM 2 0 2 1

"We didn't realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun."

O U R

P R O G R A M S

The Club offers daily access to a broad range of programs in six core program areas: Character & Leadership; Sports, Fitness & Recreation; The Arts; Health & Life Skills; Education; and Workforce Readiness.

Character & Leadership Development Members become responsible, caring citizens, build leadership skills, and become more civically minded through these programs. Examples include Torch Club, Keystone & Youth of the Year.

Sports, Fitness & Recreation These Club programs help develop physical fitness and reduce stress. They promote a positive use of leisure time, an appreciation for the environment, and interpersonal skills.

Examples include team sports & Triple Play.

The Arts These programs are designed to foster creativity in young people, and give them outlets for self-expression. Examples include Fine Arts, Image Makers & guitar lessons.

Health & Life Skills These programs develop young people's ability to participate in positive behaviors, emphasizing nutrition, physical activity, prevention/education, and over-all well being.

Examples include Smart Moves, Positive Action & mental health counseling.

Photo by Shelby Nelson

Education These Club programs are designed to ensure that all members graduate from high school on time, ready for a post-secondary education and a 21stcentury career. Examples include Power Hour & Summer Brain Gain.

REACH: Workforce Readiness Through this program area, the Club provides equal access to workforce development opportunities among under-represented & under-resourced communities for both youth and their caretakers.

Examples include career exploration, financial literacy & work-based learning.

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n oi t a r t si ni m d A

STAFF STORIES When kids have Clubs and Clubs have caring staff, tough times can lead to great moments.

Associate Director of Finance, Mr. Jeremy, is devoted to the Club's mission because, as a Club member, it gave him the opportunity to develop skills he didn't know he had.

Jeremy first joined the Club family in the mid-1990's, as a student at Campbell Elementary School. He often took advantage of the night bus program, which transported students back to their school, after enjoying a hot meal at the Club. Jeremy said that programs like this helped to ensure that transportation was never a barrier to service.

He was always intentional about spending time with me & taking interest in my life.

While Jeremy was surrounded by a number of Club mentors, one staff member he admired most happened to also share his name. He quickly bonded with gym staff, Jeremy Vance. "He was always intentional about spending time with me & taking interest in my life," Jeremy said.

As he grew older, Jeremy discovered his dedication to working with youth. After working one summer at Camp Galilee, he came back to Springfield with an excitement to continue working with young people.

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MR.

JEREMY

"Because of the impact the Club had on me, there was no question for me about where I wanted to do that," Jeremy said. He began his career as a Youth Development Professional at the Henderson Unit.

While Jeremy has served in many roles in the field since then, one thing has remained the same- his pure desire to provide unique experiences for kids.

"As a kid you think you are just playing pool and learning where to hit the ball with the cue," Jeremy said. "You have no idea that the staff member chose that game to reinforce the lessons in geometry you were learning at school earlier in the day."

Jeremy said he firmly believes that the experiences one has and shares in life, are far more important than the things that one accumulates. At play, he celebrates this belief by traveling abroad with his wife and exploring nature. At work, he exhibits this value by providing new opportunities for youth. "I hope to continue to help provide experiences to our members that will impact them later in life, just as the Club did for me," he said.

tinU yllieR 'O MS.

As Academic Coordinator for O’Reilly Unit Boys & Girls Club, Ms. Helen believes her passion for helping kids succeed is a gift she has a responsibility to use. The local HELEN graduate student garners fuel from hearing youth laugh & watching them grow. She revels in the reward of creating a space where kids can experience relief from their worries…A place where kids can be kids.

Growing up in the southwest region of Missouri, Helen “However, the most important thing to me is to laugh,” Helen moved to Springfield when she was 14 years old, after said. “Life is just no fun if you can’t find things to laugh about her parents divorced. Taking up a new residence with her and people to laugh with.” mom & brother, in the middle of her high school years wasn’t easy. “The age of 14 is no fairytale for anyone, Helen brings this affinity for enjoyment to work with her. “I but this was an extremely tough time for me,” Helen said. have only worked at the Club for four short months, and I However, it was in this season that Helen said she could not even count the special moments on two hands,” discovered her passion for helping others. she said. Helen reminisced about one of her favorite moments.

She joined the Junior Board of Isabel’s Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks. “This opened my eyes to the gloomy cloud Club member, Ava, has become Helen’s side-kick. When Ava that hung over so many children and families in our was going through a difficult time at school, lashing out community,” she said. “As well as the amazing work of because of circumstances out of her control, Helen was able non-profit organizations.” to be an extra support for her. “She needed someone to talk to and someone to acknowledge the best parts of her,” Helen She would go on to volunteer for several non-profit said. “She allowed me to be that person.” organizations during her time at the University of Arkansas, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in This experience helped Helen find her place in the Boys & educational studies.

Girls Club family. She hopes always to be someone who kids can depend on, someone to laugh with, someone to trust & When Helen is not at work, she enjoys traveling to see someone to look up to. family & friends, visiting Tablerock Lake and hanging with her goldendoodle, Jasper.

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tinU nosredneH MR.

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Henderson Unit Director, Mr. Edward, is passionate about helping the outcast build meaningful connections with the world around them. He is making a difference at Boys & EDWARD Girls Club, by being for youth, what he wished he had when he was younger.

Edward was born in Apopka, Florida, to Edward Sr. and College provided the consistency Edward needed to learn Florence Sands, construction worker and school bus more about himself and to become the man he wanted to be. driver. He is one of four siblings and the only boy. Edward’s During his time at Evangel, he played sports, met his wife, time with his parents was tragically cut short and, by the made lifelong friends and earned his bachelor’s degree in time he was nine years old, he found himself lost without recreation. them. “Life really got rough after that,” he said.

After graduation, he worked for the Branson school district, Edward said Apopka was an area peppered with crime. As before returning to Evangel to coach football and track & he bounced between family member’s homes, he was field for eight years. often aware that wherever he stayed, drugs, guns and large sums of cash were always in the next room.

One of the things that Edward values most in life is family, “Grandma's house was the hub for all 19 of her grandkids, and he uses his impeccable work ethic to build a secure life so there was always someone coming or going,” Edward for them. Once, while Edward was still in college, he visited a said. “And oftentimes, so were my things.” professor’s house for dinner. “For hours everyone conversed, laughed, and had fun,” Edward said. “There wasn't a T.V. or Sports eventually changed things for Edward. His game in sight…they truly enjoyed each other's company.” He involvement in high school athletics provided him new knew this was something he wanted for his future family. opportunities. As he neared graduation, he wanted to pursue college and play football, but being a firstHe also aims to build a sense of family at Boys & Girls Club. generation college student presented unique challenges. Because he moved around so much as a kid, Edward said he He was sure he wouldn’t be accepted into any programs, never really felt wanted. He works hard to make sure every until he received a call from Evangel University offering Club kid feels wanted and accepted. He finds joy in helping him a spot on their team. “I took everything I had in youth build confidence and cultivate a sense of community. savings, bought a ticket, packed two bags, and came to “It makes you feel good when you can have an impact on the Springfield, MO, sight unseen,” he said. negative self-talker,” he said. “There is no better feeling than to see them happy and feeling good about themselves.”

tinU evargsuM MS.

KAREN

While serving up favorites like her famous beef stroganoff and tater tot casserole, Musgrave Unit chef, Ms. Karen, shows her passion for mentoring youth by also serving up love and advice by the bowlful.

Ms. Karen has been a part of the Club family for over 12 years. She joined the team after having worked in the healthcare industry for over 20 years. She said it was her own experience as a Club parent that drew her to the opportunity.

Originally from Gulfport, Mississippi, Karen’s family traveled a lot when she was a child. Growing up was not always easy and home was not always a positive place. “You didn’t talk about that stuff then,” she said.

Her childhood experiences help shape her interactions with youth. “Because of my experience, I’m able to notice when kids are struggling,” she said.

“She is very dependable and always has a smile for the kids,” said Musgrave Unit Director, Steve Wallace.

“As a matter of fact, most kids and staff call her mom.”

Karen currently serves dinner to an average of 70 kids each evening, but during a traditional year, she serves over 280 meals every day.

Serving nightly meals has allowed Karen to build caring relationships with all of the staff and members at Musgrave. She recalls having mentored many Club members over the years, some of which are now young adults, pursuing their dreams.

“I work here because I love the kids and staff,” she said. “I also love making sure kids get to eat before going home.”

She is very dependable and always has a smile for the kids...As a matter of fact, most kids & staff call her mom.

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Blue Ambassa

doors Blue AmbassaDOOR Feature Jon Risdal

"Jon was chosen as a Blue AmbassaDOOR for so many reasons. He is an avid supporter of our mission, he works so hard to find meaningful ways to support kids in this community, and he is a quality human being. As a long-time member of our Board and regular volunteer, Jon is the epitome of someone who "opens doors" for the kids who need us most."

- BGCS CEO, Brandy Harris Courtney Simpkins Hall recent Stephen Eden Holt honorees Antonia Herron Don Smith

Erik Frederick Ron Hulsebus Whitney Keith Maurice Moss Lauren Hardcastle

The Blue AmbassaDOOR program recognizes the countless staff, volunteers, and advocates who help make Boys & Girls Club what it is. Blue AmbassaDOORs are assets to Club operations and they open doors for kids and families on a regular basis. They are selfless and do #whateverittakes to make the world a better place for kids.

Van Mitchell Crystal Sharp Sertoma Chili City Utilities Cook-off Committee Tyler Robertson Sarah Hassan Kelsey Brabo Youlanda Herron Debbie Herren

Karla Pyle Jessica Cullen Lindy Keegan Crystal Magers Jon Risdal

Vital Farms' mission is to bring ethical food to the table. They do everything they can to improve the lives of people, animals, and the planet through food. Vital Farms' mission extends beyond the dinner table to the communities in which it operates.

What began as an ambitious vision to produce sustainable food at scale, is now a transformational business that includes over 250 farm partners and products sold in over 18,000 stores.

Vital Farms planted its roots in Springfield, MO five years ago. Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield was incredibly blessed to explore a new partnership with the company this year.

In addition to a monetary donation, the Vital Farms team has spent time teaching Club members about ethical food sourcing, environmental conservation, and what it means to be a responsible consumer. They are changing the world one child and one chicken at a time.

"We believe wholeheartedly in the mission of the Boys & Girls Club and believe in the immense potential of its young members. The Club members we've met have greatly inspired us and we look forward to continuing our partnership."

- Vital Farms Representative

DOING MORE THAN RAISING HONEST FOOD.

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MR. JOHN CELEBRATES OVER 20 YEARS AS GUITAR INSTRUCTOR John Strickler has been teaching guitar lessons at Boys & Girls Club for 23 years. The local guitarist has an extensive Curriculum Vitae, including Jazz festivals all across the country and paid performances with The Fifth Dimension and the Springfield Symphony, to name a few. His patience for teaching and passion for music is making a lasting impact on Club members. Recently, we sat down with Mr. John for a little Q and A.

How did you first get connected to Boys & Girls Club?

"I was living in Denton, Texas while finishing up a masters degree in jazz studies. My (then) fiancé, who was living in Springfield, told me the Boys & Girls Clubs were looking for a guitar teacher. In the fall of 1998 I began teaching, and I have continued to this day."

How old were you when you first started playing guitar?

"My older brother had taken some lessons and I was always interested in it. When we moved to Springfield, he and my cousin formed a garage band. Needing a bass player, my brother bought me my first bass guitar, at what was then called Skaggs Drugstore, for thirty-five dollars. I believe I was eleven when I started."

What do you enjoy most about giving guitar lessons at BGCS? "There are so many reasons I love the Boys & Girls Clubs, but the biggest would have to be the kids. What makes the Boys & Girls Clubs different is, I am catching talent at a very early age. I can spot it pretty quickly and can encourage and nurture it. In addition, I often have the same student for many years at the Clubs."

Why do you think music is a valuable skill for kids to learn?

"Art enriches our lives and is a reflection of our culture. In the case of music, the attention to detail, patience, creativity, and humility are a few valuable attributes. The ability to reason in a musical way helps in every other academic endeavor... But the most recent revelation I have had is watching someone change moods in the span of less than an hour. I have seen individuals whose demeanor seems to turn around after a little while playing the guitar. They often get totally absorbed in it. Those are great moments."

What has been your proudest moment as a guitar instructor?

"There is no single proudest moment for me. When I see anyone make progress on the guitar, I consider that a win."

Photos by Russ Bray and Erin Hillery

1202 FO TOHSPANS A

CLUB BLUE IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE. Doubled membership, from 15 to 31.

Raised $5, 718 through the second annual Glow Golf Tournament.

Participated in ten volunteer projects.

Hosted a strategic planning meeting to prioritize initiatives. .

Interested in Joining?

OUR FOCUS: Club Blue members focus on volunteering, fundraising, socializing and networking. They support the Club, develop new ways to engage the community, and they like to have fun!

krowteN slanoisseforP gnuoY ehT

OUR MISSION: Developing community leaders to serve as ambassadors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield.

OUR VISION: We envision an inclusive community of businesses and professionals inspiring empathy who share a desire to listen, serve, and mentor so that Springfield can better meet the needs of the kids who need us.

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youth month of the

celebrating youth destined to be great

Youth of the Month is a recognition program that focuses on acknowledging and making Club members aware of their own leadership abilities and exposes them to leadership experiences.

Youth of the Month winner, Breanna, has been a Club Featured Winner member for 12 years. She says her favorite thing about being a Club member is the long-lasting connections Breanna she’s made with friends and staff.

The Club has given her a better understanding of the world and has allowed her to experience a diverse group of people and perspectives. Her experience at the Club has helped her develop her voice and use it.

Not only does Breanna set a good example at Boys & Girls Club, but she is a leader in the community and at school. She works as a server at a local restaurant, participates in a drum and bugle corps and is an accomplished artist.

She believes good leaders inspire others. She hopes to be a leader who creates an environment where everyone can succeed, not just a few.

2021 Winners

Cherokee 19

Tayia

Nathan

Madison

Jackson

Ashton

Madison

DeMarco

Breanna

Our Members

WE BELIEVE EVERY KID DESERVES A PLACE. A PLACE TO FEEL SAFE. A PLACE TO FEEL CONNECTED. A PLACE TO BELONG.

Photo by Erin Hillery

CAYDENCE

Club member, Caydence, is proof that great moments are possible when kids have Clubs and Clubs have supporters like you. When asked which staff member is most special to her, Caydence expressed that she couldn't pick just one. She is grateful to have a home away from home, filled with many caring adults. At the Club, she's all smiles, especially when she is creating something in the art room or playing with her best friends in the gym.

MALANI

A hot meal. Someone who believes in you. A chance to try something new. Thank you for giving Club members like Malani moments like these during another challenging year.

Malani dances like no one is watching in a game of freeze dance with Ms. Kayden, and hula hoops to her heart's content in her favorite spot at the Club, the gym.

Photo by Shelby Nelson

DIANTE

DAVIN

This is Davin's first year at the Boys & Girls Club. Thanks to generous support from community members like you, he has found a home away from home. He goes home each day, "over the moon." His mom says that Davin sometimes struggles to realize his own potential. "Everyone at the Club seems to see it, and you have changed his opinion about himself," she says.

Club member, Diante, graduated high school this year, ready for the workforce. Positive Club mentors have taught him it's OK to be himself. Some of his favorite memories include playing teen vs. staff basketball at Boys & Girls Club.

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Our Sponsors

BGCS offers daily access to a range of programs in six core program areas: Character & Leadership, Sports & Recreation, The Arts, Health & Life skills, Education, & Workforce Readiness. These programs are made possible by:

THANK YOU FOR MAKING GREAT MOMENTS POSSIBLE.

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As the end of 2021 fast approaches, you may be wondering how your support can change a child’s life. Great moments are possible when kids have Clubs and Clubs have you. Thank you for making great moments, and great futures, possible.

Photos by Lily Cota & Erin Hillery

SUPPORT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF

Ways to Give

Scan this QR Code to give a gift online.

Visit our website at bgclubspringfield.org

SPRINGFIELD

Send a gift via credit or debit card.

Information below.

Send a gift via check.

Information below.

CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS (ONE TIME OR RECURRING) Please charge $_______ per month to: OR charge a one-time gift of $_______ to my: VISA

MASTERCARD

Monthly charge date: 5TH

20TH

AMERICAN EXPRESS

DISCOVER

PAYPAL

Credit Card Information: Card Number: Security Code: Signature:

GIFT BY CHECK I have enclosed my gift of $_______ payable to the BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SPRINGFIELD PERSONAL INFORMATION (COMPLETE FOR BOTH CHECK OR CREDIT CARD) Name: Billing Address: Phone:

Email:

Please mail to: Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield---1410 N. Fremont Springfield MO 65802 Please consider the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield in your will or estate plans. For more information on how to share your legacy contact Didem Koroglu at 417.862.9249 (x115) or dkoroglu@bgclubspringfield.org

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Springfield, MO Permit No. 16

1410 N. Fremont Ave. Springfield, MO 65802

Photos by Shelby Nelson, Erin Hillery, Nicole Brunette