bgc_martin_county

Intent to apply to the Nita M. Lowey 211st Century Community Learning Centers

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:01:28 GMT

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County hereby notifies the local community of our intention to apply to the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grant Program through the Florida Department of Education to support our of school time (OST) programming for students attending the following schools: Port Salerno Elementary, Pinewood Elementary, Seawind Elementary, Hobe Sound Elementary, Warfield Elementary School, Dr. David L. Anderson Middle School, Murray Middle School, Indiantown Middle School, and Martin County High School. In addition, area private school students are eligible to attend.

The Boys & Girls Clubs will submit the application to the Florida Department of Education by April 22, 2026. If granted, funds will be used to support additional learning time for students attending these schools and area private schools.

A copy of the submitted proposal will be made available to the public on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County website following submission and may also be requested directly from the organization.

Questions or public input about the 21st CCLC program and grant proposal may be directed to our administrative office at (772) 545-1255.

Songwriters & Storytellers 2026

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:27:20 GMT

Where Country Meets Compassion:

A Night for Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County!

The third year of Songwriters & Storytellers promises to be an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and community, all in support of Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County . This unique event brings together some of the most talented songwriters from Nashville and beyond, sharing the stories behind their chart-topping hits in an intimate and captivating setting. Guests will enjoy a night of soulful performances, heartfelt connections, and the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of local youth. We have an incredible line up with an opening act for cocktail hour, the songwriters round and finish the night out with dancing with one of our local favorite bands. Building on the incredible success of its debut year in 2023, this year’s Songwriters & Storytellers is set to shine even more brilliantly, creating a powerful harmony of music and purpose that will resonate throughout our community for years to come. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring celebration! Please join us as a sponsor or as a ticket holder to help support the mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County. The future of our children is our future, and we have the chance to make it brighter for our community. For more information about this event and sponsorship, please contact Meg Shirey at specialevents@bgcmartin.org or 772-545-1255.

Songwriters & Storytellers 2024 Highlights

For more pictures, please click here !

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please click the button below:

Truist Foundation Helps Create Career Opportunities for Local Young People with Generous Grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 20:14:31 GMT

STUART—The door to opportunity will open even wider for local young people seeking to sharpen their employment skills thanks to a generous grant from Truist Foundation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC).

BGMCM’s Workforce Development Programs—created in conjunction with business leaders and offering in-depth insights on a variety of in-demand trades, vocations and professions—received a $60,000 grant from Truist Foundation.

Committed to creating economic mobility for all, Truist Foundation prioritizes strengthening small businesses and opening pathways to career opportunities.

By focusing on job‑ready skills and real‑world career exposure, BGCMC aligns with Truist Foundation’s mission to build career pathways that equip individuals for middle‑skill jobs and upward economic movement. The Foundation focuses on helping workers navigate employment, access reskilling or upskilling opportunities, and secure sustainable, living‑wage jobs.Thanks to its support, the BGCMC will be better positioned to help young people

· Strengthen their career readiness

· Increase their access to job opportunities

· Carve out sustainable pathways to their own economic mobility

The grant funding will support BGCMC’s skilled trades training, career exploration, virtual training, culinary arts, drone piloting, and Manufacturing 4.0 coursework, which provides hands‑on learning experiences and the chance to earn credentials relevant to a prospective employer. The grant will also help more youth and young adults receive enhanced support to overcome barriers to employment, education, or professional growth.

“On behalf of everyone at BGCMC—our staff, our Board, and most importantly, our youth—we are deeply grateful to Truist Foundation for believing in our mission and investing in our future,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, President & CEO of BGCMC. “This grant will have a transformative impact on our workforce readiness offerings and help open doors to stable, meaningful careers for so many teens and young adults in our community.”

Through this grant, BGCMC’s Workforce Development Programs directly support Truist Foundation’s goals by equipping local youth and young adults with the skills, training, and support needed to succeed in the workforce—creating real career pathways and potential for economic mobility in Martin County.

“At Truist, our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities,” said Truist Treasure Coast Market President Steven Rivera. “That purpose comes to life through our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County to expand workforce readiness, helping teens and young adults gain job‑ready skills, industry‑recognized credentials and exposure to in‑demand careers. We’re proud to invest in programs that open pathways to stable, meaningful work and upward economic mobility.”

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

For more than 30 years, BGCMC has provided a safe, nurturing, and opportunity-rich environment for young people across Martin County. Through our Workforce Development Programs, we strive to ensure that every young person, regardless of background, has access to the training and resources needed to thrive.

About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation’s leading initiatives – the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.

Fletch's Perspective December 2025 - Friends & Neighbors of Martin County

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 20:12:14 GMT

Keith Fletcher

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, President & CEO

This is the season for believing—and in a community as kind as Martin County, it’s not difficult to do.

Even in the last-minute rush of the holiday season, the giving spirit locally is alive and shining through. That generosity can show up in wonderful and surprising ways. I’ll give an example in a moment.

But first, we recently held our annual holiday relief effort Operation Merry & Bright. Civic groups, church groups, small-business owners, retirees and more volunteered in droves to assist our staff in the massive effort. Preparing food packages. Organizing toys. Wrapping gifts. Basically, doing everything necessary to ensure thousands of local children and their families can share in the celebration of the holiday.

While you might expect extra goodwill during the holidays, Martin County thankfully embodies this spirit year-round. I recently shared this point with the Business Development Board of Martin County in its monthly newsletter Martinomics. “There’s a commitment (to others) here that really makes Martin County special. It’s hyper-realized during the giving season, but it plays out over the course of the year.”

That’s especially important as food packages remain our highest priority this coming year. We’re grateful for the community’s recent response to local instances of heightened food insecurity following cuts to federal assistance programs. Your support helped ensure local families in need got the essential food supplies they rely on. Such needs persist, so if you feel called to help us meet them, please visit www.BGCMartin.org to contribute.

It’s longstanding BGCMC practice to send all club members home with backpacks full of food every Friday so they can eat healthfully over the weekend. Everything we provide, including our services, are completely free to club members.

The healthy meals and snacks they get afterschool at the clubs are among the most reliable nutrition they receive. Nearly nine in 10 children in our care qualify for Martin County School District’s free/reduced lunch program. So, we don’t just provide food, we equip them to make healthy decisions.

From the vegetables they grow in the club gardens to the recipes, cooking tips and kitchen skills they learn in our culinary program—all tailored to lead to viable careers in hospitality—we emphasize principles of healthy choices and self-sufficiency.

Such independence is further instilled through our youth workforce development programs, which include industry-led and directed training in HVAC, welding, electrical, construction and much more. The program helps kids acquire durable, in-demand skills for the local job market and lets business leaders share their knowledge in shaping the future workforce.

Not all our contributors need be business leaders nor share employment tips, per se.

One woman approached us wanting to teach kids at our Port Salerno Club how to crochet. We agreed, but I was admittedly doubtful that such lessons would appeal to middle schoolers. But by sharing her passion from an authentic place, the kids responded with an excitement that’s been contagious, making crocheting one of the club’s most popular activities. It’s a reminder that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

And that’s why this time of year—and anytime of year—it’s easy to believe in Martin County that anything is indeed possible. Happy Holidays, everyone!

To read the full article and more, click here.

Youth of the Year 2026

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 16:55:33 GMT

Join us Thursday, February 26, 2026!

Each year, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County proudly hosts our Youth of the Year Ceremony, a signature event that celebrates the leadership, character, and resilience of our outstanding Club members. This inspiring evening recognizes youth who exemplify academic success, strong character, and a commitment to service, and who serve as role models for their peers and our community.

The Youth of the Year Ceremony is a FREE , community-wide event, and everyone is welcome to attend. Held at our Greater Stuart Club, the evening is designed to be both meaningful and welcoming. Guests will enjoy a mocktail hour, followed by a buffet-style dinner prepared by our talented Culinary Team, showcasing the skills our members are developing through hands-on learning and workforce readiness experiences.

Beyond the celebration, Youth of the Year represents the heart of our mission: empowering young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. The honorees share their stories, reflect on the impact of the Club in their lives, and highlight the importance of safe spaces, mentorship, and opportunity.

By bringing together families, supporters, and community members, the Youth of the Year Ceremony honors individual achievement while reinforcing our collective commitment to the next generation of leaders.

To RSVP to the ceremony, please email specialevents@bgcmartin.org

YOUTH OF THE YEAR 2026

FINALISTS

Thank you to our incredible sponsors!

2025 Ceremony Highlights

Congratulations to Mildred C. of the Cole-Clark Club in Hobe Sound!

Our ceremony was held on Feb 27th, 2025 with a delicious dinner served by our Culinary Team and an amazing performance from the Hobe Sound Dancers, and speeches from previous Youth of the Year winners. Each of this year's candidates presented their speeches and Mildred C. took home the honor of being the 2025 BGCMC Youth of the Year! She will now go on to compete at the state level! Good luck Mildred, and congratulations to all of our candidates!

Ceremony Highlights

To see our full gallery of photos, please click here!

Tee Fore Two Golf Tournament 2026

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 19:19:25 GMT

Golf Tournament at Sailfish Point

Benefiting:

Tee Fore Two 2025 Highlights

For more photos from the event, please click here !

Fletch's Perspective October 2025 - Friends & Neighbors of Martin County

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 13:49:09 GMT

Keith Fletcher

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, President & CEO

This column is a follow-up to my previous Fletch’s Perspective showcasing the incredible work of Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County therapy team.

“Incredible” isn’t too high of praise, especially considering the obstacles they must overcome to provide care, the comprehensive efforts necessary to establish and maintain trust, and the cooperation required of our partners in the process.

If you think therapy is popular today, you’re at least partly right. Even still, the state of mental health counseling exists in two largely separate cultural hemispheres. Studies show as much as a 10-percent gap along racial lines among adolescents able to access therapy.

Fortunately for children in Martin County, BGCMC therapy team is available to deliver trauma-informed, solution-focused, confidential therapy. Best of all, they’re highly skilled at navigating and clearing the significant barriers to care, which include:

Cost: Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the tenacity of our grants team, therapy is offered at the same rate as all BGCMC services—completely free of charge.

Location and transportation: Our clubs are intentionally based in the hearts of communities with the highest needs such as East Stuart, Port Salerno, Indiantown and Hobe Sound. Plus, we operate a network of buses to pick up and drop off the kids—also at no cost.

Specialized training: Our therapy team and entire staff remain trained in cultural competency curriculum and undergo ongoing professional development. Many of our staff members grew up in the communities they serve, making them uniquely attuned to the circumstances of our club members and living examples of how to rise above them.

Stigma: Recognizing this as by far the toughest obstacle, we employ an advanced, holistic, four-tier intervention structure to reduce stigmas around therapy, which are especially pronounced in minority communities. Briefly stated, our certified therapists—and entire staff—are trained to identify and respond to early signs of trauma. This encompasses engaging with the member’s family, teachers and coaches, offering group and individual therapist-facilitated mentoring, and coordinating with trusted mental health partners as needed.

Our mental health partners anchor Tier Four, which is activated if long-term treatment is needed. This dynamic is vital and therefore rooted in tremendous levels of mutual respect and appreciation.

That’s because the vulnerabilities shared and breakthroughs achieved in therapy sessions are only possible thanks to the patience, care, and professionalism of our therapy team and the sense of safety and security our members feel—many for the first time in their lives—in the comfort of our clubs.

It all boils down to trust—carefully initiated, steadily built and steadfastly guarded.

To read the full article and more, click here.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County tackles summer hunger

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 17:57:45 GMT

Students prepare and deliver meal kits to peers this summer

For Hometown News Newsml@hometownnewsmediagroup.com Oct 7, 2025

INDIANTOWN – This summer, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County launched an innovative model to help fight childhood hunger in Indiantown, serving approximately 211,000 meals to children.

Throughout the summer, families could pick up free weekly meal kits every Friday for their kids, each containing seven breakfasts and seven lunches.

This marked the first year Indiantown qualified as a rural community under federal guidelines, opening the door for flexible summer meal options like this one.

What made this program especially unique was its student involvement. Through the Clubs’ student culinary training program, youth members prepared, packed, and helped distribute the meal kits—gaining hands-on experience while supporting their own community.

“We are so excited to have successfully launched this program with our summer activities this year,” said Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. “These students gained invaluable life skills through this program, including culinary training and empathy for others. They were able to help their peers who might be experiencing a more difficult time this summer.”

The grab-and-go model was offered as a convenient solution for families in rural communities who often experience additional challenges such as transportation when accessing summer meal sites.

“Indiantown is a region that immensely benefited from these noncongregate flexibilities,” said Sky Beard, director of No Kid Hungry Florida. “Many families, especially those in rural communities, experience additional hardship over the summer. We are grateful to support the remarkable work the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County accomplished. It was exciting to be a part of such an impactful program that made a real difference in the community.”

Families in Indiantown could drive through and pick up free grab-and-go meal kits every week at Big Mound Park. Each kit was delivered using a refrigerated truck to keep the breakfast and lunch food safe and fresh.

Funding from No Kid Hungry Florida supported the development of this summer meal model. These expanded services are part of Florida’s Summer BreakSpot program, administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

To read the full article, please click here.

Fletch's Perspective September 2025 - Friends & Neighbors of Martin County

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 19:21:31 GMT

Keith Fletcher

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, President & CEO

Everyone gets annoyed with long wait-times and automated responses when on hold with a large corporation’s customer help line. We all tend to recognize that smaller class sizes usually foster better learning environments.

These scenarios share a conclusion in common: People rightly place great value on individualized attention that prioritizes their needs and concerns.

When it comes to caring for the mental health of our members, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County takes a comprehensive and highly personalized approach. Credit goes to our therapists—led by a licensed clinical social worker and composed of credentialed counselors who provide trauma-informed, confidential, solution-focused therapy.

While there’s much greater awareness today about the mental health challenges many young people endure, the numbers still bear repeating: A 10-year study published by the CDC in 2023 reports as many as one in five children aged 12-17 being diagnosed with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Forty percent of high school students reported a persistent sense of hopelessness. Twenty percent seriously considered suicide. Nearly one in 10 attempted it.

Many children in our care come from difficult home environments. As high as 87 percent hail from low-income households. While limitations of finances, transportation and insurance hinder access to care, the stigma around mental-health counseling does much more so. Fortunately, BGCMC’s creative, consistent approach is overcoming such obstacles.

It begins when the kids walk through our trademark Blue Doors. Club environments by design instill a sense of comfort, acceptance, stability and encouragement. Our therapists build on this backdrop with our four-tier intervention structure.

Tier One enlists not only our certified therapists but the entire staff (teachers, case managers, youth development professionals) in identifying early signs of trauma and knowing how to respond, when necessary, and through a properly informed lens. Also emphasizing youth life skills, this level is vastly layered, incorporating year-around staff training, school-data collaboration, family mental health awareness and more.

Tier Two invites members exhibiting early signs of mental-health conditions (isolating or moderate behavioral outbursts) into our H.E.R.O. (Helping Each Other Realize Opportunities) program, a mentoring program facilitated by therapists in concert with case managers.

Should behavior worsen, the master’s level therapists—employed full-time at every BGCMC club and highly trained in crisis response and one-on-one treatment plans that contemplate the impact of trauma and present workable, sustainable solutions—intervene during Tier Three.

The fourth and final tier connects members to long-term treatment and medication management with trusted mental-health partners.

Through the virtue of extended time together in the club environments, our therapists forge close bonds with the members, becoming consistent examples of positive mentors in their lives. This natural dynamic enabling greater insights than an hour of clinical time traditionally reveals. The wholistic approach incorporating the entire family carries over at home and can positively alter longstanding patterns and reorient how conflicts are resolved.

Best of all for our families, every aspect of this professional care is free.

I’m incredibly proud of the remarkable work our therapists perform. They care for hundreds of kids in a fashion that maintains the fun atmosphere of the clubs for everyone while remaining connected enough to know when to pivot to small groups, individualized therapy or next steps if needed.

They do a lot with a little while making sure the children receive even more in return.

To read the full article and more, click here.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MARTIN COUNTY HOSTS STATEWIDE GATHERING OF LEADERS AT FLORIDA AREA COUNCIL EVENT

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 17:34:23 GMT

FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS OF MARTIN COUNTY AUGUST 2025

Stuart, Fla., (August 1, 2025) –

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC) proudly welcomed leaders from Boys & Girls Clubs across Florida for the 2025 Florida Area Council event, held June 11–13 at the beautiful Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa. The annual convening brought together CEOs, board volunteers, and key staff from Clubs throughout the state for three days of collaboration, inspiration, and strategic planning.

The gathering was led by Dede Brooks, former BGCMC Board Chair and current Florida Area Council Chair, whose motivating remarks set the tone for the event. Brooks emphasized the importance of board engagement, regional collaboration, and amplifying the collective impact of the Boys & Girls Club Movement.

On June 12, attendees visited BGCMC’s Greater Stuart Club, which opened in Fall 2024 as the organization’s flagship location. Located on a 3.6-acre site behind the former Martin County School District headquarters, the 39,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility features a 15,000-square-foot public gymnasium, a performing arts studio, a commercial kitchen, and modern classroom spaces. In addition to serving youth, the Club now supports young adults up to age 24 through workforce credentialing and other career-focused initiatives. During a special luncheon, guests toured the facility and learned more about BGCMC’s innovative Workforce Readiness programs, Mental Health services, and creative youth development offerings.

The event also celebrated excellence across the Boys & Girls Club network. BGCMC was honored to receive two prestigious awards:

l Elizabeth Ainslie, BGCMC Board Chair, was recognized as the Beverly Burton Board Member of the Year.

l BGCMC’s Readers Theatre Program was named Arts & Education Program of the Year.

“We were thrilled to host our peers from across the state and share the impactful work happening here in Martin County,” said Keith Fletcher, President & CEO of BGCMC. “This event served as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we come together to support Florida’s youth.”

Participants left reenergized and united in their commitment to shaping great futures for the children and teens they serve every day.

To read the full article and more, click here.

Fletch's Perspective August 2025 - Friends & Neighbors of Martin County

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:12:45 GMT

Keith Fletcher

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, President & CEO

In about 10 years’ time, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC) has exponentially enhanced the quality of our services, significantly expanded the number of children we serve, and consistently achieved improved outcomes for our members in academics, school attendance, overall behavior, graduation levels and workforce preparation.

This is due overwhelmingly to the generosity of our community, the dedication of our staff and the skill of our grants team in attaining—and maintaining—applicable state and federal funding.

One such funding source is 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC). Federally sourced and passed through the states, 21st CCLC funds are an excellent example of how to target grant assistance to those most in need, ensure local oversight and uphold accountability measures.

Administered with local oversight, 21st CCLC, broadly speaking:

Empowers families to choose the afterschool program that’s right for their child, enabling BGCMC to provide nearly 700 children daily (and annually nearly 7,000 more through our outreach) with healthy meals and snacks, certified academic support, enrichment programs, field trips, workforce trainings and more—at no cost to the family.
Improves learning by funding math, science and literacy teachings and academic enrichment opportunities—after school and over the summer—

for students at lower-preforming Title 1 schools.

Builds the future workforce through programs in conjunction with industry experts that prepare young people for in-demand professions such as HVAC, marine mechanics, drone piloting, construction, robotics, and computer coding—to name just a few.

Locally, the numbers tell the story. Over 2023-2024, 21st CCLC helped BGCMC:

Employ 43 certified teachers
Provide 19,000 hours of instruction uniquely tailored to the students
Serve 11 Martin County schools
Teach more than 1,400 young people, of which 74 percent raised their attendance rates, 91 percent showed improvement in their grades, and 94 percent increased their English Language Arts scores on state assessments
Support 135 positions
More than 2,200 children all told benefit directly from the fund.

Thank you for assisting us in delivering hope and help to our community’s most vulnerable children and families.

Fletch's Perspective July 2025 - Friends & Neighbors of Martin County

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 17:25:16 GMT

Keith Fletcher

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, President & CEO

This is due overwhelmingly to the generosity of our community, the dedication of our staff and the skill of our grants team in attaining—and maintaining—applicable state and federal funding.

Administered with local oversight, 21st CCLC, broadly speaking:

Empowers families to choose the afterschool program that’s right for their child, enabling BGCMC to provide nearly 700 children daily (and annually nearly 7,000 more through our outreach) with healthy meals and snacks, certified academic support, enrichment programs, field trips, workforce trainings and more—at no cost to the family.
Improves learning by funding math, science and literacy teachings and academic enrichment opportunities—after school and over the summer—

for students at lower-preforming Title 1 schools.

Builds the future workforce through programs in conjunction with industry experts that prepare young people for in-demand professions such as HVAC, marine mechanics, drone piloting, construction, robotics, and computer coding—to name just a few.

Locally, the numbers tell the story. Over 2023-2024, 21st CCLC helped BGCMC:

Employ 43 certified teachers
Provide 19,000 hours of instruction uniquely tailored to the students
Serve 11 Martin County schools
Teach more than 1,400 young people, of which 74 percent raised their attendance rates, 91 percent showed improvement in their grades, and 94 percent increased their English Language Arts scores on state assessments
Support 135 positions
More than 2,200 children all told benefit directly from the fund.

Thank you for assisting us in delivering hope and help to our community’s most vulnerable children and families.

Martin Commission Meets Boy & Girls Clubs Winner 2025 Youth of the Year is Mildred C

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:50:40 GMT

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County introduced its 2025 Youth of the Year winner Mildred C. to the community during the June 17 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. From left are Cole-Clark Club Post Secondary Manager Michael Bouzi, BGCMC Director of Marketing and External Affairs Meghan Shirey, Mildred and Commission Chairwoman Sarah Heard.

By Donald Rodrigue For Hometown News

STUART — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County introduced its 2025 Youth of the Year winner, Mildred C., to the community during the June 17 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.

BGCMC Director of Marketing and External Affairs Meghan Shirey began the presentation with a brief history of the organization’s Youth of the Year program, which is part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s annual competition. All county winners compete in regional and statewide events, and the Florida winner advances to the national competition.

“The Youth of the Year event recognizes the incredible achievements of some of its most distinct and inspiring members,” she said. “Youth of the Year candidates are celebrated for their academic discipline, spirit of good citizenship and record of volunteerism; commitment to making healthy choices, avoiding vaping, drugs and other dangerous patterns; exhibiting leadership and support to their peers; and pursuing education, training and career paths to contribute to a better world.”

Shirey noted that the BGCMC serves nearly 1,000 children daily across its five clubs in the county, and about 7,000 children annually through additional programs.

“It should be noted that to earn even consideration for Youth of the Year, the candidates must make extraordinary efforts consistently, comprehensively and with an unquestionably clear commitment to excellence,” she explained. “Local winners advance to regional, state and national competitions, and I’m honored to say that our Youth of the Year placed in the top four in the entire state of Florida. So, it is my honor to introduce to you Mildred C.”

Mildred, an incoming junior at South Fork High School this fall, began her speech by describing how a family tragedy led her from Palm Beach County to the Cole-Clark Club in Hobe Sound.

“Throughout my time on this Earth, I’ve learned the further you travel down the road of life, the richer your journey becomes, with wisdom, strength and growth,” she said. “One of the biggest challenges I encountered was when my dad tragically passed away after getting deported. It was a very hard time for my family. My mom had to support my two brothers and me, playing both parental roles. Despite the hardships, she always stayed strong for us.”

Mildred told the board how her mother’s decision to move the family nearly threw her for a loop.

“When she made the decision to move from Jupiter to Hobe Sound, I was devastated,” she explained. “I felt we were finally figuring things out, and now we’re leaving our home. But this was where the Boys & Girls Club became my second home. I’ve been going to my club since fifth grade, and it changed me for the better. My club environment gives people a new beginning and a helping hand when needed.”

Emphasizing that the staff at the Cole-Clark Club were “all so kind and people you can always go to,” Mildred described how she arrived an introvert but wasn’t permitted to remain that way.

“Not long ago, I was a shy person. I’d never talk,” she said. “I’d just go to the club, sit on my phone, and that’s it. I was afraid of what people might think of me, so I found it easier to stay in my own bubble. However, the staff would motivate me to participate in fun, engaging activities to find myself and make new friends. Even though I didn’t make it easy for them, they never gave up on me.”

This year’s Youth of the Year winner insists that Boys & Girls Clubs are much more than what some describe as an after-school babysitting service.

“My club provides opportunities that go beyond a simple daycare,” she said. “For instance, my mom is a single mother raising three kids, so money was tight. I feared not going to college but didn’t want to put that burden on my mother. However, in sixth grade I earned my very first scholarship in my club, covering four years of college. This meant the world to me and my family. ‘Great futures start here’ is a phrase I’ve often heard throughout my club. I am living proof that the Boys & Girls Club wants to ensure that this happens.”

At age 14, Mildred joined the club’s culinary team, which has enabled her to learn new skills while also earning a paycheck. Now, she can not only buy her own personal items but also help her mother financially.

“There are so many different paths I could have taken — some maybe better than others, but some could have been a real catastrophe for me,” she concluded. “But the path that led me to the Boys & Girls Club has placed me down a brighter path toward my dreams and aspirations. I know if I ever get knocked down, I can count on my club to pick me right back up.”

After the applause died down and Commission Chairwoman Sarah Heard posed for a photograph with Mildred, she offered a final comment.

“Mildred will go far, won’t she?” Heard said to her colleagues on the dais.

“Yes, she will,” Commissioner Stacey Hetherington responded.

The Youth of the Year program was established by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1947 to honor the achievements of outstanding young people and recognize their community service efforts, academic success and commitment to healthy lifestyles. Its goals are to promote character building and leadership qualities in youth. The competition culminates each year with the selection of the National Youth of the Year.

Read the whole article, here.

Accomplished Leader in Education Joins Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 13:44:38 GMT

HOBE SOUND—The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is proud to announce the newest addition to its senior leadership team.

Dr. Timothy “Tim” Aitken starts as Director of Club Operations & Experiences July 1. An established leader with a proven record of turning around underperforming schools, he will bring to the role more than 25 years of experience as an educator—encompassing positions as diverse as classroom teacher, middle-school principal, district administrator and adjunct professor.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County family,” says Dr. Aitken. “It’s a blessing to join a team with a vision and mission—to improve the life trajectories of the children, families and communities we serve—that deeply resonates with my core values. This opportunity represents more than just a job to me; it aligns with my calling. I’m honored to help advance these initiatives, which are genuinely transforming lives.’

In addition to overseeing club operations on a day-to-day basis, Dr. Aitken will handle the clubs’ safety and security procedures, school-based partnerships and mental-health programs as well as oversee several moves to new facilities as various clubs’ expansion plans get underway.

“The great thing about an educator and leader of Dr. Aitken’s caliber is that he has the background and history of achievements to make an immediate impact upon arrival,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, president and CEO of BGCMC. “He’s turned around struggling schools and earned statewide recognition for outstanding student performances in math. Best of all, he embraces a constructive approach to leadership that aligns nicely with the culture of encouragement that we instill in our staff and uphold at our clubs.”

While principal of David L. Anderson Middle School in Stuart, Dr. Aitken led a comeback campaign that lifted the school from a state rating of “D” to an “A.” Under his leadership, the school received the Governor’s Award for Math Student Achievement, placing in the top five percent statewide for improved learning gains.

Serving as District Administrator for School Improvement at Martin County School District, Dr. Aitken worked with colleagues on the design and implementation of data-driven action plans to streamline operations. He also scaled key practices to improve outcomes for learners at every level.

Holding a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy and a doctorate in educational leadership, Dr. Aitken serves as an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University’s ELITE Program, mentoring future school leaders.

A graduate of the esteemed Florida’s Chancellor’s Leadership Academy and the National Institute of School Leadership, he’s given presentations at local, regional and national conferences. He frequently speaks about systemic school reform, improving instructional protocols, cultivating professional learning communities and building collective efficacy.

“We’re thrilled to add Dr. Aitken to the BGCMC team and know he’ll continue making a positive impact on the lives of many Martin County children,” says Fletcher.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is committed to enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Through a wide range of programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character, BGCMC provides a safe and nurturing environment where youth can thrive and build a great future.

Truist Bank Provides Financial Literacy Education to Jensen Beach High School Students in Partnership with Boys & Girls Club of Martin County

Fri, 09 May 2025 16:48:21 GMT

Martin County School District

Truist Bank Provides Financial Literacy Education to Jensen Beach High School Students in Partnership with Boys & Girls Club of Martin County

In an exciting step toward equipping students with essential life skills, Truist Bank ’s “Life, Money, and Choices” financial education program was recently introduced to the students of Jensen Beach High School . The interactive program, designed to teach high school students about managing their finances, was hosted at the school as part of Truist's nationwide initiative to provide hands-on financial learning.

The event allowed students to step into real-world scenarios that simulated everyday financial decisions, from managing budgets to handling health, housing, and education costs. Each participant received a personalized financial profile, which included factors like occupation, income, and family composition. Students moved through various interactive stations, making decisions about their financial future. They recorded their choices and learned the immediate consequences of those decisions in a real-world context.

“Life, Money, and Choices” is designed not just to teach financial theory but to empower students with practical knowledge they can use right now and throughout their lives. The program covered key aspects of personal finance such as budgeting, managing expenses, and planning for major life milestones like buying a home or paying for college. Students also gained valuable insights into the importance of savings, credit, and insurance.

The Truist initiative was part of a wider effort to bring financial literacy education directly into schools, providing students with the tools they need to make informed, responsible financial decisions. This partnership with Jensen Beach High School was made possible through collaboration with the Martin County School District and the Boys & Girls Club of Martin County .

Through the program, students at Jensen Beach High School gained a deeper understanding of financial independence, which will undoubtedly serve them well as they prepare for life after graduation.

Songwriters in the Round Returns Next Month - Stuart Magazine

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 15:41:29 GMT

Songwriters in the Round Returns Next Month

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County will host the Second Annual Songwriters in the Round at the Hobe Sound Farmers Market April 12

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County will host the Second Annual Songwriters in the Round, presented by Beth and Steve Svopa and Brown & Brown Insurance, April 12. The fundraising dinner and dancing event will take place at the Hobe Sound Farmers Market beginning at 6 p.m.

Set among a country-style barn and decor, guests will enjoy cocktail hour amid an outdoor farm as local musician Kurt Stevens performs. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County Culinary Program students, will serve appetizers from the “Fork in the Road” food truck.

Then, dust off your boots and prepare for a night in Nashville as the Hobe Sound Farmers Market transforms into a country bash and “behind-the-music” concert. Nashville’s singer/songwriters, including Brice Long and Phillip White.

The Andrew Morris Band will perform after dinner, inviting guests to boot scoot and boogie the night away under the twinkle lights. In addition, there will be a silent auction, V.I.P. meet and greet, and photo opportunities.

Proceeds from the evening will support the Boys & Girls Clubs’ Workforce Development Program, which is designed to nurture essential employment skills among the Clubs’ members and help build brighter futures. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County provides hands-on learning through the Skilled Trades program, career exploration and virtual training, culinary programs, and Manufacturing 4.0. The initiative’s goal is to ensure that every young individual has equal access to resources and career opportunities after graduation.

Tickets are $300. For more information, visit bgcmartin.org/songwriters2025 .

Lowe’s Foundation Grows Skilled Trades Career Opportunities Through Nearly $9 Million in Gable Grants to Community-Based and National Nonprofits

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:17:53 GMT

New funding expands foundation’s roster of funded partners to 52 organizations offering scalable training programs in dozens of states

MOORESVILLE, N.C., Feb. 27, 2025 – The Lowe’s Foundation today announced nearly $9 million in Gable Grants to strengthen 15 nonprofits on the front lines of a growing skilled trades workforce movement. From Alaska to Mississippi, each organization is helping prepare new tradespeople as rising wages fuel more career opportunities. Over the past 12 months in construction alone, average hourly earnings have risen 4.4%, according to Associated Builders and Contractors.

“We listen closely to contractors and know that many candidates don’t have the necessary skills to fill the wide range of open trades positions,” said Janice Dupré, Lowe's executive vice president of human resources and chair of the Lowe’s Foundation. “Through modern training methods, these nonprofits are unlocking the workforce’s potential while building an economy that rewards skills, not just titles or four year degrees.”

Since 2023, the Lowe’s Foundation has awarded over $34 million in Gable Grants to help educate and advocate for the next generation of skilled tradespeople. The grants support training programs focusing on carpentry and construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and appliance repair.

“We are grateful for the support of the Lowe’s Foundation and their Gable Grants that will help fund the training of the next generation of skilled trade professionals,” said Jim Tobin, CEO of the National Association of Home Builders. “All of these deserving grant recipients play a pivotal role in helping to strengthen the residential construction workforce, and we stand in support of their efforts.”

The new Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants support the following community-based nonprofits:

Alaska Works (Anchorage, Alaska) will expand its free, hands-on construction training program in Anchorage, Fairbanks and the Mat-Su region. The expansion includes additional funds for carpentry, plumbing and electrical training to include building maintenance and additional support for participants.

Hope Renovations (Carrboro, North Carolina) plans to double its number of skilled trades graduates by offering more cohorts at its Raleigh and Durham locations. Its pre-apprenticeship program empowers individuals to enter the construction industry while offering critical home repairs for adults aging in place.

Latino Academy of Workforce Development (Madison, Wisconsin) will support various cohorts of students through a bilingual skilled trades program featuring industry-recognized safety certifications, blueprint reading, financial education and more. For over a decade, the nonprofit has worked closely with employers and regional workforce development boards to support over 10,000 individuals in south central Wisconsin.

Moore Community House (Biloxi, Mississippi) will build on its construction program with an electrical 101 course, specific to residential construction. The nonprofit will also grow its pre-apprenticeship course through modules that introduce masonry, flooring, roof framing, HVAC and plumbing.

Next Step of West Michigan (Grand Rapids, Michigan) will equip its new training facility to continue construction on dozens of tiny and small homes through a seven-week training program. The nonprofit offers on-the-job training and employment opportunities in construction, carpentry and wood product manufacturing.

Nontraditional Employment for Women (New York) plans to recruit and train more than 300 individuals annually for building and construction trades careers. The grant will also support individualized employment plans, peer support and mentoring events as the nonprofit expands its size and operations.

North Alabama Homebuilding Academy (Huntsville, Alabama) will reach hundreds of new aspiring skilled trades students across Alabama through new satellite programs and a 16-session course. The course culminates with a job fair featuring local employers who have immediate hiring needs and is supported by the Huntsville Madison County Builders Association, a chapter of the National Association of Home Builders.

SER Metro-Detroit Jobs for Progress (Detroit) will expand ReBuild Detroit, a free eight-week apprenticeship readiness training program licensed by the state of Michigan. The program offers industry recognized credentials, including OSHA 30, and career pathways in the skilled trades through SER’s extensive network of employer partners.

Trade Institute of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh) will increase the capacity of its 10-week, tuition-free masonry and carpentry training program by 25% while exploring expansion beyond Pittsburgh. The grant will also support new instructors and case managers to help remove barriers to employment through holistic services like life coaching and therapy.

Uncommon Construction (New Orleans) will enhance its alumni Career Pathways program, develop certification curriculum for adults and complete renovations to its new training facility. The organization offers on-the-job training to support safe and affordable housing in the area.

Additionally, the Lowe’s Foundation has awarded a Gable Grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) as a new national nonprofit partner. BGCA will use its grant to enhance skilled trades job readiness programs for young adults (ages 16-24) at three pilot club locations in Hobe Sound, Florida; Madison, Wisconsin; and Seattle.

The foundation has also renewed partnerships with national nonprofits Goodwill Industries International, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and SkillsUSA. These partnerships will continue to support a variety of skilled trades training programs, including wraparound services and targeted workforce development in communities impacted by natural disasters.

The next Gable Grant application cycle for community and technical colleges will run from March 1 to March 31. To learn more about eligibility guidelines and the pressing challenges facing the skilled trades, visit Lowes.com/Foundation.

About The Lowe’s Foundation

The Lowe’s Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) organization founded by Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW), is helping develop a community of skilled tradespeople to build and revitalize our homes, neighborhoods and infrastructure for the future. From 2023 through 2028, the Lowe’s Foundation is investing $50 million to help prepare 50,000 people for skilled trades careers through grants to community and technical colleges, community-based nonprofit organizations and national nonprofit partners with a strong local presence. To learn more about the Lowe's Foundation, visit Lowes.com/Foundation and follow on Instagram, X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Songwriters in the Round 2025

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 20:41:00 GMT

Where Country Meets Compassion:

A Night for Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County!

The second year of Songwriters in the Round promises to be an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and community, all in support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. This unique event brings together some of the most talented songwriters from Nashville, sharing the stories behind their chart-topping hits in an intimate and captivating setting. Guests will enjoy a night of soulful performances, heartfelt connections, and the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of local youth. We have an incredible line up with an opening act for cocktail hour, the songwriters round and finish the night out with dancing with one of our local favorite bands. Building on the incredible success of its debut year in 2023, this year’s Songwriters in the Round is set to shine even brighter, creating a powerful harmony of music and purpose that will resonate throughout our community for years to come. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring celebration! Please join us as a sponsor or as a ticket holder to help support the mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County. The future of our children is our future, and we have the chance to make it brighter for our community. For more information about this event and sponsorship, please contact Colette Beland at Colette@PBSpecialEvents.com or 561-222-9345 .

Songwriters in the Round 2023 Highlights

For more pictures, please click here !

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please click the button below:

Tee Fore Two Golf Tournament 2025

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 21:30:18 GMT

Golf Tournament at Sailfish Point

Benefiting:

Tee Fore Two 2024 Highlights

For more photos from the event, please click here !

Youth of the Year 2025

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 16:04:50 GMT

YOUTH OF THE YEAR 2025

Congratulations to Mildred C. of the Cole-Clark Club in Hobe Sound!

Ceremony Highlights

To see our full gallery of photos, please click here!

YOUTH OF THE YEAR 2025

FINALISTS

Thank you to our incredible sponsors!

and Kathy Parsons

Click here, to see highlights from last year's ceremony!

Holidays to be ‘Merry & Bright’ for 3,000 Boys & Girls Club youth

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:55:28 GMT

HOBE SOUND — The gymnasium at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hobe Sound was a bevy of activity on Dec. 18 as more than 100 “elves” wrapped toys to be given as holiday gifts for members of five clubs in Martin County.

The wrapping party – which included a breakfast for all the volunteers – was the culmination of the Boys & Girls Club’s “Operation Merry & Bright,” which started more than a month ago with opportunities for residents to donate gifts.

“Over the last month, we must have collected over 3,000 toys,” Meghan Shirey, director of marketing and external affairs at the Hobe Sound club.

More than 40 businesses from Hobe Sound north to Jensen Beach had collection boxes where customers could drop off toys. Club workers then inventoried the assortment and divided them into age-appropriate categories.

In addition, financial contributions were collected to enable the club to buy boxes of food -- fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy pantry items, prepared meals, and snacks – for families which can be used while the clubs were closed from Dec. 24 through 27, Shirey said.

Once wrapped, the gifts were next taken to the clubs on Dec. 20 and 23 which service 11 elementary, middle and high schools in Martin County. The gifts would be distributed to youngsters to take home for unwrapping on Christmas Day.

“We believe every child deserves to feel the warmth and wonder of the holiday season,” Keith Fletcher, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Martin County, said in a press release. “Operation Merry & Bright is not just about gifts, it’s about fostering a sense of togetherness, hope, and belonging for our families. But this entire effort is truly a gift that keeps on giving, as our community partners and donors who volunteer tell us that nothing puts them in the holiday spirit quite like this event.

“They love sharing in the uplifting atmosphere of the wrap party as they connect with neighbors, organize and prepare the presents and recreate some of that Santa’s Workshop magic in our club. The result is an unforgettable holiday season for the children and families we serve,” he said.

Although Willie Autrey lives in Okeechobee, he came as a volunteer through AmeriCorps, a federal program for volunteerism in local communities.

“This is my first year with (AmeriCorps),” Autrey said. “It’s euphoric. Gives us all a sense of enlightment.”

By his own admission, he is not an expert package wrapper. “My family usually does all the wrapping,” he said.

Jensen Beach resident Courtney Tompkins, while carefully wrapping one of six Darth Vader action figures, for boys ages 6 to 8, said she is “big into philanthropic causes and I love to give back. There are a lot of kids who need gifts this year.”

Tompkins previously worked at a Boys & Girls Club in Starkville, Mississippi as a grant writer, she said. She now is a sourcing specialist on the supply team with Next Era Energy, which had a half-dozen of their employees come out for the morning party. She considers herself to be “top tier” when it comes to wrapping packages, she said.

To read the full story, click here.

Reaching New Heights: Annual Benefit 2025

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 17:44:50 GMT

Board Chair

Kathryn Parsons

Host Committee

Elizabeth & Lee Ainslie - Ann & Steve Bartram

Maria & Wael Bayazid - Dede & Michael Brooks

Nancy & Pete Buck - Elaine & Claiborne Deming

Max & Jim Farrell - Weezie & John Gates

Christina & Ron Gidwitz - Keith & Rodney Goldstein

Ellen & Richard Knight - Shari & Mark Newman

Kate & Claude Nielsen - Kathryn & Geddes Parsons

Anne & Chris Reyes - Sue & Phil Rooney

Tracy & James Rutherfurd - Eleanor R. Seaman

Allison & Mike Troy - Patsy Warner

Andree & Jack Welsh - Laura Traphagen & Catherine Yelverton

Special Guest William Reeve

Annual Benefit 2025 Highlights

Click here to see more photos in our gallery.

Our Sponsors:

The Rooney Family

In Memory of John Whitney Payson

The Payson Family

Mr. & Mrs. William

&

Solange Brown

Mr. & Mrs. John Sullivan Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. J. Tomilson Hill III

Mr. Kendrick R. Wilson III

&

Ms. Ann Jackson

Stuart Boys & Girls Club aims to help families for generations in sleek new building

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 19:55:19 GMT

by Keith Burbank

Treasure Coast Newspapers

STUART — A sleek new building opened last month in East Stuart because of the need to help children there and in the surrounding area.

The Boys & Girls Club of Martin County officially opened the greater Stuart club on Sept. 3, at 551 Southeast Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., after a look at the area's demographic data.

"We look at the data, and our mission statement compels us to move in a direction of serving the kids who need us the most," said Keith "Fletch" Fletcher, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Martin County.

Some details

The 39,000-square-foot club features a 15,000-square-foot gym, performing arts studio, commercial kitchen and classrooms. Including furniture, equipment and other items, the building cost about $18.5 million and was paid for by donors.

"I like that we have more space to do stuff," said 10-year-old Katelynn Landsman, a student at J.D. Parker Elementary School in Stuart.

Shiny and cute is what 10-year-old Maria Leal, also a J.D. Parker Elementary School student, said about the new space. She also likes that she has more space to do things.

Traditional plus a gym

"It's built like sort of an ecosystem of inspiration," Fletcher said.

The Stuart club is traditional in that it offers academic support, promotes good character and citizenship, healthy lifestyles and offers music, art, dance and sports, he said. And a gym with 270 bleacher seats.

"I haven't been in Martin County as long as some, but I do know that the residents of East Stuart have long been promised an air-conditioned indoor gymnasium," Fletcher said.

The gym is available for community use, he said.

Programs for learning

The club also features a registered apprenticeship program in home building and home building skills. Students can follow up and get certifications in carpentry; plumbing; electrical; welding; and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning.

"The idea is that you're going to complete those certifications for free, and you're 22 years old, you have no debt, and you have a journeyman's license," Fletcher said.

Also, "we have an entire lab dedicated to advanced manufacturing" that can train kids for jobs that pay $40 per hour, he added.

"We've been smart about this," Fletcher said.

The club also offers drone certifications, sewing and digital music production, but, he said, the core premise of the building is viewing high school graduation as a launchpad, rather than a destination.

How it's helping youth

"It's where we're going to help you take off and change the circumstances for your family's lineage, generationally," he said. "That's what we're aspiring to do."

Children pay nothing year-round to be a part of it, he said.

The Boys & Girls Club of Martin County is unable to do that in a shared space, Fletcher said, which has been the case in the past.

How many are served

"It is the largest club that we have to date," said Meghan Shirey, director of marketing and external affairs for the Boys & Girls Club of Martin County. "It has the capacity to serve on a daily basis up to 600 students. We typically serve around 300 at one time."

Who it's serving

"We're targeting two schools in the community, said Devonte Lawson, the director of the greater Stuart club.

Those are J.D. Parker Elementary School, where about 200-plus kindergarten through fifth graders receive services, Lawson said.

"And Stuart Middle School, which is directly behind us, adjacent to our building, and we serve about 50-60" students, he said.

To read the whole article, please click here.

Teens Earn Construction Industry Certificates

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 15:26:14 GMT

BGCMC Workforce Center PACT provides practical career path for many

By Michelle Maguire, Piper’s Landing Community and PLWGA Member

On February 6, 2024, the Piper’s Landing Women’s Golf Association (PLWGA) held a charity golf tournament and lunch for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGC). A member of the Piper’s Landing administrative staff, David Landsman, had reached out to the women’s golf association for help in raising a minimum of $7,000 to enable fifty K-5th grade JD Parker Elementary School students who are members of the BGC Palm City Club to go to Sea World in Orlando over the summer. Deborah Lovequist and Nancy Wong, co-chairs of the event, asked each woman in the community to donate $100 to play in the golf tournament. Eighty women participated in the event and eleven other women made donations for a total of $9,055 raised for the field trip.

During the luncheon, Dr. John Millay, BGC Senior Vice President, spoke about the organization’s mission to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. There are currently four club locations in Martin County with programs and services for different age groups but all focus on Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles and Character & Citizenship to prepare kids ultimately for further education and careers. Each of these approaches help with the children’s after school homework, physical activity and nutritional guidelines.

Lela Abbate, Director of BGC Palm City Club, reported on the excitement of all the kids when she announced the field trip to them on February 16th. PLWGA President Leslie Robinson responded “We are very happy to be able to give these deserving children an opportunity for an enriching day of fun and learning which they might not get to experience otherwise.”

For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, visit bgcmartin.org or call 772-545-1255.

Piper’s Landing Holds Golf Fundraiser for Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County - Sends Members to SeaWorld

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 20:39:53 GMT

Piper’s Landing Holds Golf Fundraiser for

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

By Michelle Maguire, Piper’s Landing Community and PLWGA Member

For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, visit bgcmartin.org or call 772-545-1255.

21st Century Community Learning Center Application Information

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 18:30:16 GMT

21st Century Community Learning Center Applications

To read the applications, please click the links below.

Jensen Beach High School

Stuart Club

Strong support networks are essential to mental wellness. But such networks must be built.

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 19:24:10 GMT

Fletch’s Perspective

Social Services Team

With more than 600 members in our clubs daily and more than 6,000 kids impacted annually by our outreach programs, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGC) staff is well versed in helping our members resolve all kinds of conflicts that arise among them.

But some situations have little to do with the trivial differences between two quarreling members and reflect a deeper concern.

This is where our Social Service Specialists come in. Led by licensed social worker Laura Contrera and composed of similarly credentialed as well as master’s level counselors, the team provides individualized, trauma-informed, confidential counseling to our members and their families for free.

Perhaps most importantly, the team operates proactively, creating community conversations aimed at destigmatizing mental health matters.

“This is an invaluable service provided to club members as we can meet them where they are at,” says Laura, “thereby reducing the barriers to accessing services.”

She employs a comprehensive approach called the “Four-Tier Program” that anticipates each level of intervention.

Tier One: Certified teachers provide weekly programming encompassing social-emotional learning where participants learn to recognize signs and symptoms of trauma and how to administer Mental Health First Aid.

Tier Two: Club members exhibiting troubling behavior enroll in H.E.R.O. (Helping Each Other Realize Opportunities), receiving one-on-one and group mentoring through activities that break down patterns of isolation, improve social skills and encourage engagement.

Tier Three : Master’s level counselors conduct behavioral interventions and crisis de-escalation measures in one-on-one counseling sessions often involving tailored treatment plans.

Tier Four: Trusted community partners visit the clubs to provide services as well as referral information to parents or guardians of club members in need of more formal psychiatric assessments.

Strong support networks are essential to mental wellness. But such networks must be built. So the Social Service Specialists organize events with our members and their families that:

Address current trends
Instruct on identifying signs and symptoms of concern
Separate facts from myths
Advise steps for emotional/social self-care
Reveal how to speak with people contending with mental health challenges.

Regular training keeps our Social Service Specialists sharp and attuned to the needs of our members. They earn certifications in Youth Mental-Health First Aid and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), a suicide prevention technique.

Sobering national statistics remind us how vital this work is. According to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in six young people ages 6 to 17 experience a mental health disorder. Even more alarming, suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10 to 14.

This is our why—why we’re so committed to offering a top-tier team of highly educated and dedicated professionals to perform such services.

The wholistic health of the young people entrusted to our care requires vigilance and knowledge, gentleness and strength. The Social Service Specialists possess these traits and so much more in spades. While their efforts remain largely lowkey—especially when compared to our recognition of members’ achievements in academics, athletics, leadership and career skills—their contributions to the outcome are immeasurable.

To read more, click here!

This program is proudly funded by the Florida Blue Foundation, the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, and by the Children's Services Council of Martin County.

Tee Fore Two Golf Tournament 2024

Sat, 25 May 2024 17:37:23 GMT

Golf Tournament at Sailfish Point

Benefiting:

Single and Foursome tickets

SOLD OUT!

You can still purchase reception tickets and other items below!

Stay tuned for highlights from the event!

Our Sponsors:

Tumbler Sponsor:

Golf Towel Sponsor:

Beverage Cart Sponsor:

Helicopter Ball Drop Sponsor:

Chip, Terry & Lenka Lewis

Golf Ball Sponsor

Bauman Family Foundation

Boxed Lunch Sponsor:

Hole Sponsors:

Allen Herskowitz in honor of

Sue Herskowitz

Brenda Thibaudeau

In-Kind Sponsors

Stuart Car Wash & Detail Center

Donation Forms

When you invest in your education and improvement and show initiative, employers notice and are included to give you a shot

Mon, 20 May 2024 15:31:17 GMT

Fletch’s Perspective

During this time of pomp and circumstance, caps and gowns and commencement speeches, I’d like to honor a very special graduate who’s quite literally in a class by himself.

Reagan Poletti, 18, is the first person to graduate from an exciting new Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County program—our Home Builder Institute Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT).

Available at our new 3,200-square-foot workforce center at our Hobe Sound club, PACT instills vital lessons on the building trades by incorporating performance-based learning opportunities. The course combines instructions in vocational and academic skills, career-development techniques, and on-the-job training.

PACT participants earn a recognized pre-apprenticeship certification. Upon completion, they can pick from select trades such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing or HVAC, gaining advanced training and earning additional certifications along the way.

Reagan deservedly holds the claim of inaugural graduate, but soon more will follow his example. During our summer enrichment session, we’re availing key elements of the program to younger members.

This fall, we’ve secured arrangements at local high schools for interested students to participate in PACT through a hybrid program that takes place at our club facilities as well as on school properties. We’re also in conversation with a partner to formalize job placement opportunities through the apprenticeship model.

Before things really take off, it’s worth a moment’s pause to recognize what Reagan has accomplished—and we know this is just the beginning for him and so many others. When our flagship Stuart club opens in the fall—complete with 15,000 square feet of advanced workforce development labs featuring certified instructors and guest experts in a variety of industries—it will provide the perfect pipeline for future PACT participants.

BGC is serious about dramatically expanding the access Martin County high school students enjoy to gainful, purposeful, and meaningful preparation on their paths to employment that will be fulfilling—financially and much more so.

Reagan Poletti, first ever graduate from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County Home Builder Institute Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT). He's pictured in the center with Greg Burnell, the program's skilled trades instructor.

Thanks to the creativity of the BGC team and our network of business leaders, we’re nimble and connected enough to adapt to ensure the lessons reflect the evolving dynamics of the industry and the marketplace.

When speaking to prospective employers, the short supply of qualified, motivated prospects is a frequently stated concern. So while their journey to qualified status is just beginning, program graduates such as Reagan are demonstrating the grit and willingness to gather and sharpen the skills needed to compete.

When you invest in your education and improvement and show initiative, employers notice and are included to give you a shot. That’s one PACT you can count on.

Keith Fletcher's opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

To read more, click here!

Sometimes, you get the lift you need from something as simple as a new pair of shoes

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 19:06:26 GMT

Fletch’s Perspective

When you’re trying to move up in life, it’s important to put your best foot forward. That’s tough to do when your shoes are in poor shape.

Thanks to several key partners and generous supporters, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is expanding on our ability to ensure that local children in need gain the skillsets and the footwear they need to step out in confidence.

It begins with a wonderful national organization called Shoes from Susan. The inspiration traces to Susan Ellen Caruso who grew up during the Great Depression. Despite the difficult times and constant want, her mother encouraged her with this simple reminder: “You are never truly poor if you have a good pair of shoes.”

Growing up, Susan moved to Florida and went on to work as an elementary school teacher serving children with special needs. She later became a social worker and even counseled the children of alcoholic parents. After her death in 2013, her four sons created in her honor this nonprofit dedicated to providing children in need with shoes.

Our friends at the Community Foundation of Martin and St. Lucie Counties connected us with this great organization. A big “thank you” goes out to this incredible organization, which provides invaluable support to area nonprofits.

Today, we’re able to provide 200 BGC members—our largest group yet—with new pairs of shoes. Rather than simply collecting their shoe sizes and presenting them with a box, the incredible BGC staff—always attentive to the sensitivities of such situations and committed to creating fun experiences—arranged to make everything special. Over spring break, they brought members of our Indiantown, Port Salerno, Hobe Sound and Palm City clubs to Rack Room Shoes in Stuart and turned everything into a shopping trip.

It's a widely accepted (and to be fair, a widely documented) stereotype that women love shoes. But it’s also pretty much true of everyone. Countless male friends and colleagues of mine proudly identify as sneakerheads.

Something about a fresh pair of kicks makes everyone feel good. The opposite might explain why we all dread slipping on those less-than-fresh bowling alley shoes. (Although currently wearing a “boot” after an ankle injury, I’m a little envious of those right now; at least they match.)

This universal sense of satisfaction is reflected in feedback gathered from children enduring tough financial circumstances; they share that the highest degree of self-consciousness they feel comes from the condition of their shoes.

BGC invests into every aspect of our members—starting first by encouraging their sense of self-worth. Our emphasis on academics, good citizenship, and nutrition and healthy lifestyles further increases their knowledge, confidence and ability to focus. Our litany of culinary, technology, trades and entrepreneurial training further equips them to overcome the challenging environments most know all too well and enter the work force with competitive, in-demand skills.

Sometimes, you get the lift you need from something as simple as a new pair of shoes. They’re perfect for staying grounded, going in the right direction, and jumping over any obstacles that arise on their road to success.

Keith Fletcher's opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

To read more, click here!

Youth of the Year 2024

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 20:58:41 GMT

YOUTH OF THE YEAR 2024

Youth of the Year celebrates Martin County's most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Our ceremony was held on February 29th where Jomar Z. was crowned the 2024 Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County Youth of the Year!

Congratulations to all of our candidates!

Thank you to all of our sponsors and attendees!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Publix

Thank you for your support!

YOUTH OF THE YEAR 2024 FINALISTS

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Michael Chambers

BGMC Board Member & BGCA Alumni

Local Produce Available For Purchase at Clubs

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:09:19 GMT

Together with Kai Kai Farms, we are working to solve common obstacles in our local food systems and ensure more families in Martin County have access to nutritious meals!

Stop by and pick up fresh produce from local farms at our Cole-Clark Club in Hobe Sound , Bill & Barbara Whitman Club in Indiantown and John & Marge Bolton Club in Port Salerno . Please use the link below to pre-order.

Produce boxes can be pre-ordered online at https://www.payerexpress.com/ebp/KAIKAIFARM/ for only $20 per box, or $10 per box with SNAP/EBT. They'll include approximately 10lbs of a seasonally available and fresh produce.

Thank you to our partners at Kai Kai Farms for making this possible.

A Reflection Of The Importance Of Holiday Giving This And Every Year

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 20:33:05 GMT

Fletch's Perspective

How Florida Club Teens are Transitioning from the Classroom to Culinary Careers

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 15:27:22 GMT

Featuring Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. Published November 29, 2023.

By Em m e R a u s

Sr Writer & Editor - National Staff - National HQ - Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (Hobe Sound, Florida)

In Southeast Florida, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County have a strong understanding of their community’s needs. From working with schools to help students graduate to culinary arts training in their commercial kitchen, learn more about their commitment to preparing the next generation for a prosperous future that supports their local economy.

Supporting Students in the Club & the Classroom

With an all-star team of 38 certified teachers, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is on a mission to prep young minds for the future – starting during school hours. Teaming up with their local school district, the Club identifies areas where they can give students that extra edge to meet Florida's academic standards.

Through a data-sharing agreement with the school district, the Club monitors students' attendance, behavior and academic performance. With this information, the staff creates targeted afterschool programs that capture the interest of students, sparking their curiosity, creativity and enjoyment – and it's successful! Students in these programs have demonstrated greater interest in school by attending class more frequently, improving their grades and staying on track to high school graduation.

"Through our tremendous partnerships, a wonderful board and an appetite for innovation, we’ve undergone a renaissance to rewrite the future and build youth resilience. Every one of our Clubs offers robotics, dance, all sorts of sports, chess, music and arts programming. We’re also still the only Club in the state of Florida with a licensed clinical social worker and credentialed case manager on the floor.”

-Keith "Fletch" Fletcher, President & Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

Martin County Clubs are also unique in how they’re able to support youth during school hours. Through their partnership with AmeriCorps, rotating specialists work alongside teachers at County schools, ensuring more students get the academic attention and support they need to thrive.

Serving Up Community Meals & Culinary Career Skills

Whether teens are itching for college, trade school or the job market, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County have their back. Caring mentors offer personalized support to teens aiming for college, including help with personal statements, FAFSA and budgeting. They also assist teens in entering the workforce, such as providing resume help, offering opportunities to learn skilled trades and earn certifications for high-demand career fields.

"We first met with the economic development council to learn what industries and opportunities are coming to Martin County. Then we marry student interest with economic need by launching workforce programs that are appealing to teens, whether it’s getting a drone certification, using virtual reality to learn about carpentry or plumbing, or getting a behind the scenes look at the medical field.”

Keith "Fletch" Fletcher, President & Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

One the Club’s most popular offerings is a commercial kitchen and food truck, which employs 36 young people earning $15 an hour.

Through the Fork in the Road program , members spend nine weeks learning essential skills for culinary careers – like sanitation, food handling and cooking techniques – under the guidance of Chef and Director of Culinary Operations, Dan Bettencourt. Participants also build entrepreneurial skills, such as budget balancing and supply chain management. Over 45 teens have graduated from the program so far, all earning a ServSafe food handler certification that allows them to work in any commercial kitchen.

In addition to hands-on career training, Martin County Club members use the kitchen and its resources to prepare food for all Club sites plus other youth service providers in the area, such as the local early learning center. They’ve even catered weddings!

Improving Job Prospects for Teens & Adults

To help address their community’s economic needs, Martin County Boys & Girls Clubs are excited to open new workforce development collaboratories. These spaces will provide career exposure, STEM labs, robotics and more to students during their school day and after school hours. They’ll also offer job training and certification opportunities to adults at night and on weekends. Best of all, all programs and services are completely free of charge!

"The space is so perfectly located for our community, which means we can get more families involved beyond having just the kids coming by. By keeping our pulse on the whole community, we are making a big difference.” 

Dr. John Millay, Senior Vice President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

Operation Merry & Bright Wrapping Day

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:47:44 GMT

Join us on December 15th from 9 am until the last present is wrapped, around noon, for Operation Merry & Bright Wrapping Day!

We're hosting this event at the Cole-Clark Club in Hobe Sound, where we'll be wrapping Christmas gifts for every member of our community. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers.

Cole-Clark Club in Hobe Sound

11500 SE Lares Ave. Hobe Sound, FL 33455

To sign up as a volunteer, please fill out the form below:

We're excited to spread holiday cheer and make sure every gift is beautifully wrapped for our community members.

Join us for a heartwarming day of giving and festive spirit!

Newfield Farm Gives locals the opportunity to get their hands dirty and enjoy home-grown harvest- and that’s only the beginning

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 18:14:25 GMT

Stuart Magazine

To read more, vi sit:

https://issuu.com/pbmg/docs/stu_1223?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ

Benefit 2024

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 21:07:48 GMT

Co-Chairs

Christina Gidwitz

Martha Lamphere

Anne Reyes

Host Committee

Elizabeth & Lee Ainslie - Michelle Andrews & Scott Bush

Ann & Steve Bartram - Maria & Wael Bayazid

Dede & Michael Brooks - Nancy & Pete Buck

Heidi Cox & Jay Seyfert - Elaine & Claiborne Deming

Robert Dow - Max & Jim Farrell - Tiffany & Marshall Field VI

Weezie & John Gates - Keith & Rodney Goldstein - Stephanie & John Harris

Karen & John Krehbiel - Ellen & Richard Knight

Whitney & Steve Lessing - John Madigan - Barry MacLean

Molly & Bill McKenna - Shari & Mark Newman

Kate & Claude Nielsen - Kathy & Ged Parsons - Sue & Phil Rooney

Tracy & James Rutherfurd - Eleanor Seaman - Lauren & Vaios Theodorakos

Laura Traphagen & Catherine Yelverton - Patsy Warner

A word of gratitude to our generous community as new Stuart Club on pace to open next year

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 16:27:02 GMT

Fletch’s Perspective

The wise among us note that we invest our time and money in what we prize most.

By that standard, this community should take a bow for prioritizing its future by pouring into its children—particularly those in need.

At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, we get to witness the incredible outcomes this commitment produces. It will soon result in an exciting milestone—a state-of-the-art facility designed to change lives for the better for generations to come.

We recently gave a presentation to Stuart residents about the flagship club we’re currently constructing on a 3.6-acre site behind the former Martin County School District headquarters (and one-time Stuart High School).

The $17 million project is strategically positioned to offer easy afterschool access for students from neighboring Stuart Middle School as well as from the local East Stuart community. The facility will provide increased convenience for the families of Stuart children who attend J.D. Parker Elementary, which we’ve served at our Palm City club for several years. It’s also readily accessible for the Rio/Jensen community, which we’re eager to avail of our expanding workforce development programs.

The club—which will span 39,000 square feet—will include in addition to a gym that the local community can enjoy a collection of workforce labs encompassing 15,000 square feet.

The labs will be equipped to prepare young people for exciting and profitable careers right out of high school. In addition to building upon our already successful culinary/hospitality program, we’ll offer certifications in such skilled fields as HVAC, home construction, virtual reality, supply-chain management, automation, cloud computing and drone operation.

Partnership empowers everything we do, and we’re excited to team with the chambers, Economic Council, Business Development Board, and private employers to tap into their knowledge, networks, and willingness to donate their time to sharpen the future workforce, innovators and entrepreneurs.

Best of all, the club is projected to open during the 2024 school year!

Still, the needs of the youth we serve persist today. Fortunately, we’re also blessed with an incoming class of AmeriCorps members. We also recently recognized these mentors committing to serving their community in exchange for a modest stipend, college scholarship and the enduring value of making a difference.

Since deploying our AmeriCorps mentors into local middle and elementary schools, we’ve witnessed measurable results as reading comprehension, math and science scores have significantly improved.

After more than 35 years in operation in Martin County, we’ve refined what we do best while remaining nimble and responsive to the needs that emerge. We serve today nearly 5,000 youth ages 6-18, representing nearly a quarter of Martin County’s school-aged children.

The needs of our members are pronounced. Nearly 90 percent come from low- and moderate-income households. That same number of our membership qualifies for free/reduced school lunches.

Such figures, however, only define their current circumstances. Their potential is limitless. Every day, we recognize and remind them of this truth. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of this community, when we finally cut the ribbon on the new club, we’ll also be cutting them loose to fully realize it.

Keith Fletcher's opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Sushi Class

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 13:35:08 GMT

Join us for a sushi class led by the talented teens from Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. Enjoy passed hors d'oevres made by the same young chefs! It's a food-filled event you won't want to miss!

$25

Cash Bar Available

Thursday, November 2nd, 2023

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Cole-Clark Club in Hobe Sound

11500 SE Lares Ave.

Hobe Sound, FL 33455

Vision, guidance and execution earn BGCMC board of directors esteemed award from state council, national chapter

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 17:04:22 GMT

Fletch’s Perspective

Nothing, as the saying goes, is written in stone. We strive to instill this simple truth—so often obscured by difficult circumstances—into the hearts and minds of the children we serve at Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC).

When equipped with education, opportunity, expectations and guidance, our members can rise above the limitations life seemingly handed so many of them.

Of course, good guidance is key and it stems from good leadership. Thankfully, we’re blessed with both at the BGCMC board, which is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Florida Area Council recently awarded our corporate board the vaulted recognition of Board of the Year for the State of Florida. That’s no small achievement. In Florida alone the Boys & Girls Clubs Alliance encompasses clubs operating on 243 sites in 46 counties and serving nearly 215,000 children. With this award, our board advances to regional and possible national opportunities for additional recognition.

Our Executive Board, Board of Directors and President’s Circle consists of many incredible individuals. Each one boasts resumes brimming with significant accomplishments locally and in many cases nationally. With individual achievements too numerous to list, their collective efforts share vital traits and characteristics, including:

Resolved decision-making amid crisis and adversity: Such skills mattered most when we adopted policies and practices to reopen during covid and provide our members with safe, beneficial and free activities and academic instruction so parents could return to work.
Studying important issues, challenging assumptions, and addressing difficulties: All proved vital in the board’s approach to pursuing the best ways to serve the East Stuart community, which our incoming flagship Stuart club will enable us to do.
Trusting themselves, trusting each other and trusting their team: This allows everyone to arrive at the best directions possible and execute strategies while leaving room to self-correct as needed. Such a dynamic is seldom if ever easy, especially with so many highly qualified and accomplished leaders around the table. But the mission of serving local children in need—and expanding on those we reach—provides the unifying cause they never lose sight of.
Inspiring themselves and others to greatness: This innate and self-motivated quality makes our board members superb ambassadors for BGCMC members, opening doors to incredible, lifechanging opportunities for our members. Best of all, they’re all too willing to roll up their sleeves and get directly involved in whatever needs to be done.

Even the board’s no doubt sage tendency of providing guard rails to ensure my accelerator approach to things remains on track, there’s a balanced blue-sky environment that encourages innovation, creativity and freedom to disrupt the status quo to meet our members need with expediency.

I can comfortably speak for the entire BGCMC team in stating that we’re honored to follow leadership that’s so sincerely committed to rejecting the narratives of low expectations often placed upon our members—and rewriting the possibilities before them. This is how one generation of leadership creates and shapes the next.

Keith Fletcher’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Making a Positive Impact on the Community is a Win-Win for the Economy Too

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 19:35:09 GMT

Martin County Business Development Board Investor Profile

Dreaming big or envisioning a community that is better for EVERYONE is at the core of what Keith “Fletch” Fletcher is all about. In fact, it’s what keeps him awake at night, and motivated during the day- especially when the days are long and difficult.

“Martin County is a very special place, very special,” says Fletcher, President, and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. “It’s beautiful, the people are friendly, and the quality of life is first-rate. But for many others that’s simply not the case, and there’s still a lot of work that still must be done. And that’s not going to be accomplished by run-of-the-mill programs or wishing it away.”

Jokingly referencing his favorite superhero Wolverine, the hugely popular hero archetype from the X-Men series, Fletcher is willing to do whatever it takes to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the community. As such, he’s laser focused on making sure his growing team relies on real-time data and evidence-based programming. They’re ready to respond, shift, and change course at a moment’s notice based on the data and the ever-evolving needs of the community. And importantly, to never take a single approach when helping kids and their families succeed.

Take for example their Culinary Pathways programming. Launched in 2021, Fork in the Road was the first of its workforce development and career readiness programs. Tapping into the natural entrepreneurial spirit of Club members, kids who hunger to learn more, or perhaps dream of opening their own restaurant or food truck can enroll in the multi-level program to learn important industry skills such as: sanitations practices, knife skills, food handling and not just how to cook.

Upon graduation, students are ready to enter the workforce in a high-demand industry. The program also serves as a hub for various career pathways, while simultaneously teaching life skills like financial planning, time management, and goal setting. Truly empowering their entrepreneurial spirit and dreams.

Since launching, nearly 200 students (Club members and high school students) have successfully graduated from the program. Teens receive their SERV Safe Certification and are gainfully employed on the food truck, and work in their brand new, state-of-the-art commercial kitchen preparing USDA meals for the more than 2,000 enrolled Club members and their families, 5 days a week.

The food truck also serves as a consumer-facing outreach vehicle. Whether catering at a community or private event, or showcasing healthy cooking, the food truck and its students whet the appetites of many about the program. Another life lesson served, community relations.

To date the food truck has appeared at dozens of events around the community from Indiantown to Jensen Beach and everywhere in between. Proceeds from the food truck support the culinary program and Club operations.

“We’re at the crossroads of making a positive impact on kids and families, helping them become happy, healthy, well-rounded individuals and productive citizens, while creating a positive impact on the economy, one that will last generations. If our kids do well, we ALL do well. “

Click here to read the original post on the BDB's website.

When funding shortfall threatens school-supply drive, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County rallies community to fill the gap--and backpacks--with needed items

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 00:20:41 GMT

Fletch Perspective

“But would you let them pack your parachute?”

We all know trust is inherent in every partnership, but when it comes to considering its strength, this thought exercise is usually worth pondering.

After all, could there be a greater mix of exhilaration and uncertainty than the moment while skydiving before pulling the ripcord to release the parachute?

As a seasoned skydiver I can attest that it’s a welcome rush of both relief and adrenaline. Very different from experiencing—as I did recently—that free-fall feeling of facing important expectations amid an unwelcome surprise.

In the waning days of summer before the start of the new school year, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC) learned that fewer nonprofits were able to support the annual supply drive for Title 1 students—the designation granted to children of low-income families who qualify for federal assistance. Of the thousands of children who make up our membership, more than 600 meet this qualification.

Thankfully, we were able to call upon our business partners. Instead of packing parachutes they stuffed backpacks—600 of them, in fact—giving generously to ensure children in need received essential school supplies.

With the right partners, almost anything is possible. No matter the scope of need, the shortage of time or the uncertainty of success.

Special shout-outs to O’Donnell Impact Windows & Storm Protection, Patty D Photography, Capstone IT, Blazin Amazin Treatz, Hotwire Communications, Ignite Sports, and Guaranteed Garage Doors & Repair for helping equip the kids.

Such equipping takes on many forms. It started as early as last school year thanks to our AmeriCorps members. The mentors with this BGCMC program deploy into schools whose students most need assistance in literacy, math, and science. Last school year AmeriCorps members served:

530 elementary students, with 92 percent showing significant improvements on literacy assessments.
770 middle-school students, with 96 percent maintaining or increasing their attendance, 80 percent making notable progress in math and English and 85 percent improving their classroom behavior.
Hundreds more students by involving them in community partnership efforts with the Red Cross, City of Stuart, Mattamy Homes at Newfield, SafeSpace, Operation Merry & Bright and local food programs.

While our AmeriCorps mentors invested their time, our supporters—ranging from retired philanthropists to small-business owners to community leaders to individuals like yourself—made it all possible through their treasure, time, and talent.

Thanks to you, they could start the first day of school feeling prepared, proud to reach in their new backpacks for that notebook their teacher asked them to open up. Whether you did so yourself or through your gift, you packed their parachutes, and made it possible for them to leap with boldness, savor the view, land safely—and look forward to doing it all over again.

'It makes a difference': Boys and Girls club of Martin County hold backpack drive for students in need

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 16:23:51 GMT

WPBF 25

HOBE SOUND, Fla. — The Boys and Girls Club of Martin County is making sure students have the necessary supplies for the new school year.

Volunteers spent Tuesday morning stuffing some hundreds of backpacks with paper, pens, pencils and other must-have school supplies.

President and CEO Keith Fletcher thanked them for their much-needed support.

Fletcher said nine of the 10 families they serve qualify for free and reduced lunch, so buying school supplies can be a burden.

"And we're taking that burden away, making sure kids show up on day one full of hope, inspiration and aspiration and ready to conquer the world," Fletcher said. "Because we think it makes a difference."

Officials said their four clubs provide, for free and year-round: after-school care, summer care, breakfast, lunch, tutors, sports, dance and other activities.

Fletcher said their clubs are over capacity, and there's a waiting list.

"We now serve close to 6,000 kids a year which makes us far and away outside of the school district the largest youth service provider in Martin County," Fletcher said. "It has nearly tripled in the past five years."

Buoyed by donations from local businesses such as O'Donnell Impact Windows & Storm Protection, Patty D Photography, Capstone IT, Blazin Amazin Treatz, Hotwire Communications and Guaranteed Garage Doors & Repair, BGCMC is assembling volunteers alongside its staff Tuesday at the Hobe Sound location in a mass mobilization to stuff backpacks with school supplies for delivery the following day.

Dr. John Millay joins Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 16:43:09 GMT

HOBE SOUND—Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC) is proud to announce the hiring of Dr. John D. Millay—who served as Martin County School District’s first-ever appointed superintendent—as its senior vice president.

“I’m thrilled to have such an accomplished organizational leader, administrator, innovator and game-changer join our team,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, president and CEO of BGCMC. “I’ve had the privilege of working with superintendents across the country and can say unequivocally none blend strategic thought and meaningful action as effectively and naturally as Dr. Millay. The value he’ll deliver to our partnership with the school district and the expansion of our in-school mentorship program, AmeriCorps, will undoubtedly achieve new heights.

“Most importantly,” added Fletcher, “he puts kids and families first—always! And that’s the most essential quality this organization looks for in a leader.”

Dr. Millay will handle direct day-to-day supervision of key departments in the nonprofit, including finance, compliance, benefits administration and safety and security for each of the five clubs. He’ll also manage BGCMC’s academic initiatives, school-based partnerships and mentorship program AmeriCorps and play a pivotal role in overseeing ongoing construction of the Stuart flagship club.

“I am beyond excited to serve the students and families throughout all of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County,” says Dr. Millay. “As president and CEO, Keith Fletcher—under the guidance of a visionary leaders on the board of directors—has assembled a talented team of student-focused staff that I look forward to working with.”

Appointed to helm the Martin County School District in September 2020, Dr. Millay prioritized building relationships and adjusting practices to meet the needs of our diverse community while maintaining a strong, fiscally sound budget. Academic improvement has been centerstage with an intense focus of improving the district’s reading, math and Career Technical Education/Vocational programs.

During his tenure the district has implemented more than $100 million dollars in construction projects as well as adding the infrastructure to make the school district one of the safest in the country.

Most recently, Dr. Millay helped pass a new millage rate that will generate more than $50 million dollars in the coming four years to enhance staff salary, recruitment and retention needs. The district was recently named the 2022-2023 Cambridge International District of the Year within the Small District Programs.

Prior to his arrival in Martin County, Dr. Millay—also a proud father of three adult children—enjoyed a 27-year career serving children and public schools in Kentucky, including 14 years as a high-performing superintendent.

During his time in Kentucky, Dr. Millay taught graduate level coursework as an adjunct professor for both Western Kentucky University and the University of Louisville, and also served the Kentucky Department of Education as a mentor for new superintendents.

Under his leadership, the Meade County School District earned the Kentucky Department of Education’s 2019 Best Practices Awards for its professional development and special education models. Dr. Millay was also named the recipient of the Kentucky Department of Education’s 2019 Innovation and Excellence in Educational Leadership Award for his leadership in promoting career pathway models and business/industry partnerships.

Inaugural Tee Fore Two Golf Tournament to benefit Boys & Girls Club and SafeSpace

Mon, 15 May 2023 20:08:32 GMT

Luminaries

Boys & Girls Club of Martin County is growing!

Mon, 08 May 2023 20:06:44 GMT

Treasure Coast Insiders

On this week’s Treasure Coast Insider, Anna Valencia Tillery with White Glove Moving talks clubs and food. Of course, it is all for a good cause…the children! Joining Anna, Meghan Shirey with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County helps spell out their mission coupled with opportunities to support. How does golf sound just in time for Father’s Day at the Sailfish Point on June 9th? Or, hiring their teen operated food truck that develops these kids skills and talents; how perfect for lunch and learns or team events!

2023 Tee Fore Two

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 14:38:32 GMT

Golf Tournament at Sailfish Point

Benefiting:

Sponsors:

Beverage Cart Sponsor

Golf Ball Sponsor

Tumbler Sponsor

Kathy & Ged Parson

Helicopter Ball Drop Sponsor

Boxed Lunch Sponsor

Hole Sponsors

Dede & Michael Brooks

Carol Webb & Don Wemlinger

Carol & John Wagner

Jim & Widget Webert

Monever & Norm Chambers

Allen Herskowitz in memory of Sue Herskowitz

Jan & Jessica Malasek

Donation Forms

Groundbreaking on Flagship Facility

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 19:14:45 GMT

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County breaking ground on long-anticipated new club in Stuart

STUART—Community leaders will gather to celebrate a major milestone in the nearly five-year journey by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC) to bring a flagship facility to one of the region’s areas of greatest need.

At 4 p.m. March 27, BGCMC will host a groundbreaking ceremony on property at Southeast High School Avenue, right behind Stuart Middle School, 575 S.E. Georgia Ave., Stuart.

“As great as it is to celebrate the groundbreaking, we’re focused on getting to the ribbon cutting,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, president and CEO of BGCMC. “We’re eager to establish a facility with the size and resources to assist the City of Stuart, local nonprofits and faith-based partners in helping make a positive difference in the lives of local children and families across the area but specifically in East Stuart.”

BGCMC sought a partnership with the Martin County School District on the property to ensure easy access from neighboring Stuart Middle School—where 45 percent of the students are classified as low income—and nearby East Stuart, where 30 percent of youth reportedly live in poverty with annual family incomes less than $15,000.

The result of a nearly $17 million capital project supported by generous philanthropists, business leaders and the community at large, the new facility will mark BGCMC’s fifth club and will serve as many as 500 local kids per day.

BGMCM currently works with many of the kids in the East Stuart area, providing transportation to take members to and from its Palm City Club. The centrality of the new facility—and its abundance of exciting features and programs—aims to appeal to an even wider group of young people.

Spanning 38,000-square-feet on 3.5 acres, the new facility will feature a 7,000-square-foot full-sized gym with two indoor basketball courts, kitchen, dining area, recording studio, classrooms—all traditional features at BGCMC club—as well as 15,000-square-feet of workforce labs equipped with materials and technologies to train club members to earn certifications in HVAC, welding, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, computer coding, drone piloting, spatial-reality and so much more.

Kids in the community who join the new club will enjoy its benefits and programs for free—as is the case with all BGCMC members. Even if they’re not members, many kids in the area and across Martin County know the community commitment and culture of BGCMC.

That’s because its AmeriCorps mentors already serve in local elementary and middle schools to help struggling students. Such involvement makes a measurable difference. At nearby J.D. Parker Elementary—where 100 percent of students are considered low income and qualify for free and reduced lunch and test scores consistently fare poorly—students mentored by AmeriCorps members recorded a 79 percent increase in reading, math and science in the 2021/2022 school year.

Even now, BGCMC—which counts more than 500 children among its members and serves nearly 6,000 more in its outreach programs—is shaping the future workforce with its acclaimed culinary program. Club members as young as elementary- and middle-school- age learn kitchen and sanitation skills and even help operate a food truck enterprise in which they manage every facet—menu creation, food prep, cooking, catering, serving, marketing—except driving the truck.

With curriculum and instruction overseen by certified teachers, the workforce programs at the incoming club will also rely on partnerships with local business leaders. This ensures a level of training that goes beyond the textbook and can result in ready employment opportunities, which Fletcher describes as “the original and ongoing purpose of the workforce lab programs.”

The ease of access to such resources in an environment of such need poses the potential to leave both an immediate and lasting legacy of positive change, says Thelma Washington, executive director of the Gertrude Walden Child Care Center who’s dedicated nearly four decades to working for the betterment of East Stuart.

“This will help break that generational curse,” says Washington. “They can get out of regular school and go right over, and actually finish up with a skill and step right out and get a job. Not everyone is college material. Not everyone is going to the school of their choice. But they can have a Plan B—and it can turn out to be their Plan A. Every parent wants better for their kids and the Boys and Girls Club is actually offering to help see that it can happen.”

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

For more than 30 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County has provided award-winning programs designed to guide and inspire young people ages 6-18 to learn, grow and mature in route to becoming successful adults. Each of the four clubs enjoys strong partnerships with local schools and communities. Such cohesion ensures that Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs complement and enrich the curriculum our members learn in class and remain attuned to the challenges and opportunities they face on a day-to-day basis. The clubs offer opportunities for fun, fitness, S.T.E.A.M. activities, and certified teachers work with club members on everything from tutoring and homework help to specialized courses that prepare them for careers in various trades.

A Night of Music at Songwriters in the Round

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 15:20:15 GMT

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County will presents the first annual country-theme music event April 1 at Colab Gardens in Stuart

Songwriters in the Round” Country extravaganza

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 19:33:50 GMT

Boys & Girls Club of Martin County brings Nashville to Stuart.

Songwriters in the Round

KTiedemann@bgcmartin.org (Karli Tiedemann) — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 21:31:47 GMT

April 1, 2023 | 6:00pm | Colab Farms - Stuart, FL

Tickets Are SOLD OUT!

Dust off your boots and join us at this first-of-its-kind event to the Treasure Coast – brought to you by The Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County. “Songwriters in the Round” is a unique, intimate musical experience that offers a “behind-the-music” concert that spotlights some of the best of Nashville’s singer/songwriters. This incredible acoustic performance will also include the stories behind some of your favorite country music songs. This special evening will take place at Colab Farms in Stuart.

During cocktail hour, you will get a taste of one of the special programs offered by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County – the Culinary Program and our famous food truck “Fork in the Road.” Launched in 2021, “Fork in the Road” is the centerpiece of our workforce development and career readiness portfolio for teens, which includes our Culinary Training and Certification Programs. Dinner will be a delicious Farm-to- Table delight, catered by the Chef’s Table.

The songwriters will take the stage at 7:30 and will share their talents for a 90-minute set while you enjoy dinner and dessert. After a short presentation about how the Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County are changing lives, we will welcome the Tom Jackson band to the stage and invite you to kick-up your boots for some great dancing.

Please join us as a sponsor or as a ticket holder to help support the mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County. The future of our children is our future, and we have the chance to make it brighter for our community.

Benefit 2023

KTiedemann@bgcmartin.org (Karli Tiedemann) — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 18:38:41 GMT

Titanium Sponsor:

Silver Sponsor:

Kimberly and Bradford Dimeo

Kathy Parsons, Chair of the Board

and

Keith "Fletch" Fletcher, President & CEO

Invite you to honor our past chairs at our 2023 Benefit.

Past Chairs:

Diana “Dede” Brooks - Leo Galanti - LaDonna Greiner

Charles Moore - Leonard Platt † - Peter Pauley † -

Clifford Rollins † - Eleanor Seaman - Joanne Wagner-Hughes

William Whitman - Thomas Wilkinson - Frederick C. Witsell, Jr. †

Host Committees

Elizabeth & Lee Ainslie - Ann & Steve Bartram

Maria & Wael Bayazid - Nancy & Pete Buck - Heidi Cox & Jay Seyfert

Keith & Rodney Goldstein - Ellen & Richard Knight

Martha & Gil Lamphere - Whitney & Steve Lessing

Kate & Claude Nielsen - Tracy & James Rutherfurd

Laura Traphagen & Catherine Yelverton - Patsy Warner

For more information, please email SpecialEvents@bgcmartin.org or call 772.545.1255

Take Heart in Art

KTiedemann@bgcmartin.org (Karli Tiedemann) — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 14:57:53 GMT

Take Heart in Art is one of Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County's newly added events. Guest will enjoy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails as they explore the Elliott Museum as well as special displays from a select group of carefully curated artist. The artists' works will be available for sale with a percentage of proceeds benefitting the organization.

Elliott Museum

825 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996

Date & Time

Thursday, February 16th, 2023

6 PM

About the Artist

The following artworks are samples of their works, the artists' could have different pieces for purchase at the event.

Katie Gianni

Katie Gianni is an award-winning, South Florida artist creating eye-catching, ornate paintings using various types of ink and acrylic mediums on paper and canvas. Inspired by aboriginal and Art Nouveau styles, each one of her paintings are adorned with metal leaf or gold ink, with intricate patterns and lines in white. Her work focuses on local and exotic wildlife, as well as colorful abstract pieces.

Julia Kelly

As a fourth-generation impressionist, a member of The Oil Painters of America and The American Watercolor Society, Julia Kelly has been painting and exhibiting her work for over forty years. Capturing in vibrant colors and compositions, scenes from New England, The Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, The Caribbean, Alaska and Florida. She work in both large format oils and watercolors.

Dan Mackin

Dan Mackin world-renowned artist famed for painting scenes from his exotic trips to the rainforests of South America, South Pacific, the Caribbean and Asia. From 1971 to 1973 he sailed a small boat to Central America during which he lost his camera overboard and started recording his travels by drawing and painting scenes. Dan Mackin has always had a fascination with tropical foliage and water. This, coupled with his great enjoyment creating art that led him into the art profession. In 1992 he began devoting his full attention to painting.

Mackin has collaborated with Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys singing group and depicted eight of Wilson's songs on canvas. His prints and posters sell in more than 3,000 stores throughout the world. Mackin is one of 29 artists in the world to have a Disney License.

Jacquelyn Roesch - Sanchez

Jacquelyn Roesch-Sanchez began her career in the arts as a Fiber Artist. Through a series of amazing opportunities and happy circumstances, she began to make wearable art using a knitting machine and multiple colors of viscose thread that she has collected for over 35 years. Roesch-Sanchez was fortunate to become one of the artists at Julie: Artisan Gallery on Madison Avenue and 67 ^th Street, where her work was sold to celebrities such as Yoko Ono and Elizabeth Taylor. In 2015, Roesch-Sanchez retired to the Treasure Coast where she set up her studio once again, to make wearable art, inspired by the beautiful natural surrounds found in Florida.

Dr. Phil Schein

Dr. Philip Schein, a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs board, is a medical oncologist and pharmacologist, and has held major positions in the field of cancer research including the presidency of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and a White House appointment to the National Cancer Board. Most recently he has served as Chairman of the Board of the Center for the Advance of Science in Space, the organization that manages the US National Research Laboratory on the International Space Station.

Dr. Schein's interest in photography began in earnest when his young family was growing up in Bethesda, Maryland and expanded further when digital photography advanced in technology and quality. His compositional interests include abstraction, reflections and landscapes. He has studied with Bruce Barnbaum and Jack Dykinga, has won several photography contests and been featured in galleries in the Philadelphia region.

Don Wilks

To hone his art, years ago, Don Wilks studied with Peter Pacquette, who taught him the techniques of working with clay and metal, as well as welding, soldering and shaping rigid materials. He was privileged to come under the tutelage of Frank Eliscu. Eliscu was an internationally known sculptor who has many important municipal, commercial and private commissions to his credit, including the Heisman Trophy. Eliscu was his main mentor regarding techniques of movement and sculpture. Wilks also studied at the Museum of Fine Arts School in Boston, MA and is a member of the National Sculpture Society.

Youth of the Year - 2023

KTiedemann@bgcmartin.org (Karli Tiedemann) — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 18:47:33 GMT

Youth of the Year celebrates Martin County's most inspiring teens and their incredible journeys. Join us for dinner and an award ceremony like no other to hear their stories of leadership, service, and academic excellence.

Thursday, February 23rd

St. Mary's Church

6 pm

Presenting Sponsor

Fresh and local produce available for purchase at Clubs

KTiedemann@bgcmartin.org (Karli Tiedemann) — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 16:58:02 GMT

Together with United Farmers Alliance, we are working to solve common obstacles in our local food systems and ensure more families in Martin County have access to nutritious meals!

Stop by and pick up fresh produce from local farms at our Cole-Clark Club in Hobe Sound , Bill & Barbara Whitman Club in Indiantown and John & Marge Bolton Club in Port Salerno . Pre-Orders are strongly recommended, but walk-up orders are also welcome.

Produce boxes can be pre-ordered online at www.ufa.farm/shop for only $20 per box, or $10 per box with SNAP/EBT. They'll include approximately 10lbs of a seasonally available and fresh produce. A la carte items are also available online, including eggs, milk, honey, elderberry syrup, etc.

More information at www.ufa.farm/shop

Thank you to our partners at the United Farmers Alliance for making this possible.

Business Development Board of Martin County (BDB) for designating Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC) as the 2022 Nonprofit of the Year.

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 15:10:51 GMT

Fletch’s Perspective

It’s not yet Christmas and we’ve already received a wonderful gift.

We’re deeply appreciative of the Business Development Board of Martin County (BDB) for designating Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGC) as the 2022 Nonprofit of the Year.

The annual Martin County Business Awards ceremony showcases the variety, creativity, and incredible capabilities of local employers. Some of this year’s examples included a broadband provider that specializes in delivering internet service to underserved areas (Blue Stream Fiber), a manufacturer of parts for motocross racers (WMR Competition Performance), and an entrepreneur whose technological inventions equip the US Navy to wage electronic warfare (John Justak of Advanced Technologies Group).

Learning more about the ingenuity and achievements of such private sector standouts made me especially grateful that the BDB devotes an award category to nonprofits. Doing so recognizes the robust local nonprofit industry, which fortunately reflects the immense generosity of our community as well as, sadly, its persistent need.

As many as one in five young people (under age 18) in Martin County live in poverty. More than 8,000 children live in households with incomes below the federal poverty level. As much as 25 percent of children have endured the hunger pangs of food insecurity. Nearly 44 percent of the more than 18,000 students in the Martin County School District qualify for free and reduced lunch.

Thankfully, organizations such as Banner Lake Club, House of Hope, Hobe Sound Community Chest, Elev8Hope, Martin County Police Athletic League and so many more labor alongside BGC in our shared commitment to improving the present-days lives and futures of local children in need.

At BGC, 90 percent of the kids in our care qualify for free and reduced lunch. So, while we feed each one multiple times a day and send them home every weekend and holiday with backpacks full of food, we also want them to be strong, independent and self-sustaining. That’s why we’re preparing them to bring knowledge, poise, and marketable skills to the workforce.

A professionally administered culinary program, food truck enterprise, drone-certification courses and skills training comprise just some of the ways in which BGC is developing our future workforce. Not unlike the BDB, whose motto states, “A stronger economy is everyone’s business,” we believe encouraging the cultivation of more capable and prepared young people is in everyone’s best interest.

In addition to strengthening our economy, every child who realizes their potential and escapes the cycle of poverty for possibility and productivity represents a future contributor to our community. Who knows? They just might one day become the next great entrepreneur who enables immense employment opportunities and transformative charitable giving.

Or, more simply but just as powerful and meaningful—they might also become the next trustworthy employee, loving spouse, devoted parent, and reliable neighbor.

In either case, the result of such prioritization and investment in young people is the gift that keeps on giving.

TCPalm’s Luminaries Highlights Collaboration Between Nonprofits Through “Two-Minute Teach”

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 14:20:36 GMT

Stay up to Date with Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County’s Holiday Festivities

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 20:47:01 GMT

Fletch’s Perspective

Before every Thanksgiving dinner growing up, we would pause—no doubt like many of you—before saying grace to recite what we were thankful for.

Age (and I like to think wisdom) have taught me the value this practice. In fact, the privilege of working with children and families in need—who often count as blessings the simplest things many of us take for granted—reminds me daily of its importance.

When counting my top professional blessings, I start with the kindness of our community and the caliber of colleagues in the nonprofit space who give and live to lighten the burden of the less fortunate and ensure their holiday season shines bright.

The City of Stuart and NAACP of Martin County host the 21st annual Miracle on 10th Street from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 17 at Guy Davis Park. Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is excited to support this event, which will provide gifts to children ages 4 to 12. To contribute, call the NAACP at (772) 215-2411 or (772) 288-5340.

We’re excited to host our Winter Wonderland Day at our Hobe Sound club Dec. 20 in conjunction with children from our partners the Hobe Sound Early Learning Coalition and Banner Lake Club. Attendees will enjoy music, food, gift wrapping, gift giving and time with Santa himself. We’ll make sure every club member receives backpacks full of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy pantry items, prepared meals, and snacks to ensure they don’t go hungry over holiday break.

To contribute, you can leave toy donations at drop-off locations participating in our Operation Merry and Bright. For more, visit www.bgcmartin.org .

Thankfully, we’re far from the only organization collecting and providing toys and other essentials to local children in need. United Way of Martin County offers Toys for Tots collection sites at area businesses for here www.unitedwaymartin.org .

The Angel Tree by the Salvation Army of Martin, St. Lucie & Okeechobee Counties collects toys and clothes for more than 1,700 children in need. Follow and support their efforts at salvationarmyflorida.org/martincounty.

In addition to the generosity of individual donors and businesses, dedication of fellow nonprofit colleagues, and children and families we get to serve, I’m thankful for the BGCMC team.

We’re blessed to provide a host of resources and programming on academics, healthy lifestyles, good citizenship, workforce development and more. But club life, as we call it, is underscored by a simple goal: Creating an atmosphere of safety, stability, support, and acceptance for the children in our care. My incredible staff makes that a reality daily.

This is a foundational blessing—and one I seldom if ever considered growing up. Looking back, I know it made all the difference. Together, all of us working in the nonprofit arena help provide it to those for whom it’s been most absent.

That’s something we can all say grace over.

Happy Thanksgiving.

For more article from the November 2022 Friends and Neighbors of Martin County click below.

Rep. Snyder: Sacrifice, commitment and love of country define character of those who answer call to serve

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 20:24:45 GMT

Fletch’s Perspective

“A body of people engaged in a particular activity.”

That’s one of the definitions of “corps.” And it’s one we all certainly instinctively understand, but I personally benefited from being reminded of this broader definition by Rep. John Snyder during his inspiring talk to Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County’s newest cohort of AmeriCorps members before conducting their swearing in.

It was an honor to host Snyder, who knows well the more commonly recognized definition of “corps,” as he served in Afghanistan in the U.S. Marine Corps. He drew appropriate parallels in acknowledging each AmeriCorps member’s commitment to their country and community, willingness to face risk in service to others and the significance of what they will achieve by working in unison for a higher calling.

During the earliest days of the covid crisis—even as our clubs closed down—our AmeriCorps members organized, staffed and served tens of thousands of free meals to children and families in need of nourishment. Amid the transition to online learning, our AmeriCorps members got involved, employing important techniques to minimize learning loss for at-risk students struggling with the adjustment.

In 2019, we undertook an effort to place as many AmeriCorps members as possible in area elementary and middle schools to assist students struggling with reading, math and science. Even as the virus slowed our subsequent deployments, our AmeriCorps members achieved great results.

Last school year AmeriCorps helped 135 students at Port Salerno Elementary, 91 percent of whom improved from interim 1 level to interim 4—an excellent improvement. Of the 60 students we helped at JD Parker, 79 percent jumped from interim level 1 to 4.

We now have a good-sized class of 37 AmeriCorps members. Serving for a year in exchange for a modest stipend and college scholarship, each member will take part in our expanded reach. AmeriCorps members will position in all five Martin County middle schools and Hobe Sound Elementary in Hobe Sound, Port Salerno Elementary, JD Parker in Stuart and Warfield Elementary in Indiantown. Members will work closely with all students in need of help, not only those who attend one of our four clubs.

We know that individualized attentiveness makes a difference. It’s not just the investment of time, but its intentional approach that produces quality outcomes. Trust is built, enabling learning and retention. Consistent encouragement is offered along the way, inspiring confidence.

Showing up, day in and day out, giving their best no matter their own concerns, and modeling loyalty and reliability—these virtues often prove as impactful to a child’s ability to learn as the school lessons themselves. As a unit functioning as one corps, each mentor is helping a child triumph over adversity in their own battles, training them in the skills necessary to lead an overcoming life.

And it all begins with the AmeriCorps pledge. Asking them to raise their right hand, Snyder started off and members followed, their promise resounding throughout the room.

“I will get things done for America. To make our people safer, smarter and healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Faced with apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground. Faced with adversity, I will persevere. I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond.

“I am an AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done.”

BGCMC reimplementing award-winning Character Counts! program in Martin County

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 13:22:40 GMT

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC) is partnering with the Martin County School District on broader implementation of Character Counts!—the esteemed national initiative emphasizing the core virtues essential to guiding moral and ethical behavior.

In addition to providing office space to its advisory committee and augmenting its staff with support personnel, BGCMC will draw on its network to help broadly disseminate Character Counts! materials in area schools.

“We’re so excited to work with the Martin County School District and the team of Character Counts! to help advance these timeless truths,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, president and CEO of BGCMC. “From small acts of kindness to heroic acts of selfless sacrifice, Character Counts! upholds both the values and courage needed to make a positive influence on the people around us. Instilling these values in the next generation is perhaps the most lasting way any of us can make a meaningful difference in the world today.”

In conjunction with National Character Counts Week, BGCMC and the school district will host a kickoff event honoring the program from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Palm City Chamber of Commerce, 2701 SW Cornell Ave., Palm City.

Character Counts! focuses on the Six Pillars of Character - trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Each pillar is taught to students, accompanied by lessons, activities, and role-playing scenarios. It is currently the country’s largest character development initiative used in thousands of schools, youth organizations and communities, reaching millions of students and their families in the United States and several other countries.

High school students who demonstrate the Character Counts traits throughout the year will be eligible for the renowned Joe Kordick Award to use towards Post-Secondary Education expenses.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

For more than 30 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County has provided award-winning programs designed to guide and inspire young people ages 6-18 to learn, grow and mature in route to becoming successful adults. Each of the four clubs enjoys strong partnerships with local schools and communities. Such cohesion ensures that Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs complement and enrich the curriculum our members learn in class as well as remain attuned to the challenges and opportunities they face on a day-to-day basis. The clubs offer opportunities for fun, fitness, and S.T.E.A.M. activities, and certified teachers collaborate with club members on everything from tutoring and homework help to specialized courses that prepare them for careers in a variety of trades.

About Character Counts!

CHARACTERCOUNTS! goals are to teach and model core values known as the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. With an array of success stories in schools and youth-service organizations, CHARACTERCOUNTS! Has become by far the most widely implemented character-education framework in the nation. Visit www.CharacterCounts.org for more information.

Beginner Remote Pilot Program Launches at Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 13:30:10 GMT

A new Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County program launches Sept. 24 and it’s sure to elevate the future career prospects of local young people to new heights.

Plus, for the purpose of this Friends & Neighbors column, its pun potential is, well, truly next level.

I’m referencing our new Beginner Remote Pilot Program. Created in conjunction with Indian River State College, the program introduces and immerses participants to the drone industry. Moreover, its curriculum—complete with hands-on sessions to train and sharpen those fine-motor skills so essential to maneuvering the aircraft—is a prerequisite to the follow-up course offering an FAA remote pilot certification.

BGCMC designed the course specifically for beginners ages 16-18. (The FAA-certification course requires a minimum age of 16.) The five-week course takes place from 8 a.m. to noon at IRSC’s Chastain campus in Stuart. One cohort begins Sept. 24 and a second starts Oct. 29. All necessary equipment will be provided. For more, please call (772) 545-1255

Once widely considered a curiosity or novelty, today drones (also referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles) represent a rapidly growing industry. Originally a tool of the military and law enforcement, aerial photography by drone is increasing ubiquitous in real estate, agriculture, firefighting, construction inspection, film production and more.

The global commercial market is nearly $14 billion with growth rates forecast at nearly 60 percent by the end of the next six years. The opportunities appear limitless. The sooner we prepare young people to compete in this space, the greater the service we provide them.

Drone certifications rank among coding, spatial reality, and other advanced technologies we’re planning to avail not only to BGCMC club members but also young people countywide. Such training complements our food truck, food prep and cooking program, which enables kids as early as middle school to earn certifications ideal for establishing great jobs and potential careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Much of substance is said these days about the labor crisis, youth inertia and the overall erosion of our collective work ethic. At BGCMC, we aim every day to defy the negative trends and surprise the critics. Thanks to our partners and diverse future workforce development programs such as these, the future of our members, and the workforce they’ll energize and define, looks as bright and big as a cloudless blue sky—conditions ideal in which to soar.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County Now Offering an Adult Basic Culinary Course

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:07:29 GMT

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is now offering an Adult Culinary Courses at no charge for Martin County residents, 19 years of age or older, who are embarking on a culinary career or changing career paths. The class is designed as a pre-employment training with graduates obtaining Level 1–ServSafe Certifications and Level 2–Line Cook Certification. Training will occur at the Cole-Clark Club in Hobe Sound’s newly furnished custom commercial kitchen. The first program will begin September 20 ^th , 2022, for five weeks meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays for two hours starting at 10 am. Registration is needed before September 9 ^th , 2022.

This is a wonderful opportunity to gain experience in basic culinary skills, kitchen etiquette and menu preparation in a friendly environment. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn and grow. All equipment will be provided, including a chef jacket/apron.

“The culinary program is the first of our many planned workforce development and career readiness initiatives. The commitment of our team to spearhead a pre-employment training course will fuel our local business partners with skilled employees and benefit the entire community” explained Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, BGCMC President and CEO.

Additional classes will be offered throughout the year. Space is limited, so registration is required one week prior to classes beginning. Please visit www.bgcmartin.org/workforce-development or call (772) 545-1255 to register.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

For more than 30 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County has provided award-winning programs designed to guide and inspire young people ages 6-18 to learn, grow and mature in route to becoming successful adults. Each of the four clubs enjoys strong partnerships with local schools and communities. Such cohesion ensures that Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs complement and enrich the curriculum our members learn in class as well as remain attuned to the challenges and opportunities they face on a day-to-day basis. The clubs offer opportunities for fun, fitness, and S.T.E.A.M. activities, and certified teachers collaborate with club members on everything from tutoring and homework help to specialized courses that prepare them for careers in a variety of trades.

Meet the Ones to Watch

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 13:29:49 GMT

The Character Builder: Jeronda Hill

In May, when a racially charged social media post by a group of local middle school students went viral, fully recognized the uproar and aftermath that was in store. “There is so much hatred around this, but these kids are middle schoolers, and their minds can be changed,” says Hill, 39, who is the area director and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging officer at Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County . “Hate is a learned behavior. My reaction was to have compassion for these young people because I believe they were crying out for help. It is time to educate them and others on how to respond to this.” The Port St. Lucie resident has devoted 17 years of her career to nurturing teens and younger kids through her work with Boys & Girls Clubs around the country, and she knows better than most that there is a great deal of work to be done in today’s polarized society. “I’ve learned through my work with Boys & Girls Clubs that by teaching things like civic responsibility, character development, leadership skills, and financial literacy, I can really impact today’s youth. My heart is with teens.” Since she began working with Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County in 2019, Hill has implemented a variety of programs aimed at promoting inclusion and acceptance among both kids and staff. Programs include topics like leadership lessons, diversity acceptance, love and kindness, and courageous conversations. “I love my job,” says Hill, who is also passionate about music and is currently learning how to DJ. “I want to help people become leaders. I like to be close to the mission and train people of all ages and generations to accept the differences in others.”

Shot on location at the Bill & Barbara Whitman Boys & Girls Club in Indiantown

To read more, visit: https://www.stuartmagazine.com/stuart-life/people/meet-the-ones-to-watch/

Congratulations to our Copper Key Scholars!

Sun, 21 Aug 2022 14:12:38 GMT

Fletch's Perspective

When reflecting on our life stations and achievements, we all generally recall the circumstances, individuals, decisions, and efforts that influenced and affected our outcomes.

It all comes down to opportunities—everyone which derived from someone who had something to offer, recognized something in us, and took a chance that we would make good on their instincts.

While reading this you’ve probably had the faces in your own personal hall of fame—family members, teachers, coaches, mentors—flash to mind.

For members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC), the opportunities offered inside the clubs vary drastically from what they face outside the clubs. Both can be life-changing—and in very different ways. Preparing them to make the right choice is a comprehensive and ongoing effort.

That’s why we’re so excited about the growth of the Copper Key Scholarship Promise, a newer collaborative program that not only offers kids amazing opportunities but also reimagines how to ensure they maximize what’s presented.

Created in conjunction with House of Hope, Nina Haven Scholarships and The Community Foundation of Martin St. Lucie, Copper Key Scholarship recipients are selected early—sixth- and seventh-grades. They must finish high school—and remain active memberships in our clubs while doing so. After graduation, they receive a full scholarship into a Florida college, university, or vocational school.

This is certainly a great opportunity, but on its own it’s not enough.

The values instilled in the clubs—good citizenship, nutrition and health lifestyles and academics—fortify our kids’ character and ready them for success. But the Copper Key Scholarship takes things a step further, involving their families in the benefits. House of Hope provides the parents/guardians counseling sessions, parent workshops and other tools of self-sufficiency to create more stable home environments and build strong families.

“There are very few programs that focus not just on the child being successful, but also on the entire family unit becoming a success,” says Jeronda Hill, BGCMC area director. “The goal is focusing on breaking these generational curses.”

Scholarship winners include:

Jonathan – 2019

Mildred – 2020

Nakayla – 2020

Valentina – 2021

Misha – 2021

Angie – 2021

Kamar – 2021

Keyon – 2021

Shanti – 2021

Walker – 2021

We congratulate them knowing full well, like so many of the kids in our clubs, that they always had what it takes to make the most of their lives. They just need people who care enough to invest the time and resources that prepare them to answer the door when opportunity knocks.

And when the door of opportunity—as is the case with many of our kids—is closed, they might need helping to unlock it. BGCMC and its partners have just the key—a copper one—to do so.

For more articles from the August 2022 Friends and Neighbors of Martin County visit: https://friendsandneighborsofmartincounty.com/friends-neighbors-aug-21-2022/

The TD Charitable Foundation Provides Generous Gift to Boys & Girls Club of Martin County

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 13:32:45 GMT

Members of the Boys & Girls Club and their families can forget about the dreaded "summer slide," thanks to the generous donation to the Summer Enrichment Program provided by the TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank ®.

The funding supports educational activities in reading and math (many facilitated by certified teachers) that help bridge the summer learning loss. Each day, members participate in interactive lessons, fun activities, and games that ignite their natural curiosity and encourage playful investigation. The program is designed to keep members learning while they are having fun.

“ Across all ages - from kindergarten to high school- our summer programming is incredibly fun and engaging. Action-packed field trips. Digital storytelling. A culinary academy. Junior staff internship programs. Summer learning loss academic games. Wellness - mind and body. Breakfast, lunch, snack. With partners like the generous folks at the TD Charitable Foundation, the entire program is free of charge. That’s the kind of summer all kids deserve. That’s the kind of summer that makes our community special ,” explained Keith “ Fletch ” Fletcher, BGCMC President and CEO.

Thanks to the TD Charitable Foundation, over 650 students are enrolled in Boys & Girls Club of Martin County’s Summer Enrichment Program.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

For more than 30 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County has provided award-winning programs designed to guide and inspire young people ages 6-18 to learn, grow and mature in route to becoming successful adults. Each of the four clubs enjoys strong partnerships with local schools and communities. Such cohesion ensures that Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs complement and enrich the curriculum our members learn in class as well as remain attuned to the challenges and opportunities they face on a day-to-day basis. The clubs offer opportunities for fun, fitness, and S.T.E.A.M. activities, and certified teachers collaborate with club members on everything from tutoring and homework help to specialized courses that prepare them for careers in a variety of trades.

About the TD Charitable Foundation

The TD Charitable Foundation is the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank®, one of the ten largest commercial banking organizations in the United States. Since its inception in 2002, the Foundation has distributed over $282 million through donations to local nonprofits from Maine to Florida. More information on the TD Charitable Foundation is available at https://www.tdbank.com/corporate-responsibility/the-ready-commitment/funding-opportunities/ .

Bank of America Selects Inspiring Young Leaders

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 15:12:08 GMT

Two Treasure Coast high school students are serving the community as Bank of America Student Leaders internship

Two Treasure Coast high school students were recently selected as Bank of America Student Leaders , an eight-week summer internship that offers students that opportunity to serve their communities. Every year since the internship’s inception in 2004, 300 community-focused juniors and seniors from across the country are selected for the internship. The Treasure Coast program emphasizes workforce skills, leadership, and civic engagement with local nonprofits, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County.

Caroline Murphy, a senior at South Fork High School, and Christian Baca, a class of 2022 graduate from Treasure Coast High School, were selected as this year’s Treasure Coast Bank of America Student Leaders.

Murphy volunteers with St. Joseph Carpenter’s Kitchen and the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. After seeing the impact COVID-19 had on elderly members of the community, she got involved with Treasure Coast Hospice and has supported the organization’s grief counseling programs and helped organize fundraising events. Murphys is passionate about education and is a tutor for her peers.

Baca is an aspiring teacher who has established himself as a leader in the community. He is founder and chairman of St. Lucie Public Schools Youth Advisory Council, chairman of St. Lucie Youth Leadership, and president of his school’s National Honor Society.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Baca is committed to fighting discrimination as a mentor to other LGBTQ+ teenagers and a legal aid and translator for immigrants at Gaston Law Firm.

Murphy and Baca are completing a mentor-focused project with Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, where they are teaching music classes and Spanish to younger children. They will also participate in a virtual Leadership Summit, delivered in partnership with the Close Up Foundation. The Summit will include opportunities to engage with congressional leaders, hear from leaders in civil and human rights, and the Stanford University Young Democracy at Home program, which encourages conversation about current issues facing young people today.

Ross Dress For Less® To Help Local Kids Learn In Martin County

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 19:04:28 GMT

In-store fundraiser to provide support to Boys & Girls Club in Martin County

Every year, nearly four million young people are served by Boys & Girls Clubs. To show their continued support in preparing today’s youth for a brighter tomorrow, Ross Stores, Inc. is partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America with a three-week program called, “Help Local Kids Learn.” Beginning July 30th, customers in Martin County can make a monetary contribution at their local Ross Dress for Less (“Ross”) location during checkout to be donated to the Boys & Girls Club in Martin County, through August 21st.

“For the eighth year in a row, Ross Stores is very excited the annual Help Local Kids Learn in-store campaign for the Boys & Girls Clubs. This back-to-school campaign will directly help kids at local Clubs across the country. BGCA and Ross’ strong partnership of many years is rooted in our shared commitment to help young people reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens,” said Fred Shuey, Senior Vice President of Ross Stores.

Campaign Facts:

This back-to-school season, Ross Stores is inviting customers to give at the register to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America from July 30 ^th – August 21st. Ross will match the first $400,000 raised!
100% of the funds raised at each store will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs, with 80% being directed to a Club in the community.
Ross is the national sponsor of BGCA’s Power Hour , a program that provides kids and teens the opportunity to do their homework in a safe place, in-person or virtually, with support from Boys & Girls Club staff.
Every $5 donation helps provide one half hour of homework help for a Club youth.
$15 helps keep a kid safe after school.

About Ross Stores

Ross Stores, Inc. is an S&P 500, Fortune 500 and Nasdaq 100 (ROST) company headquartered in Dublin, California, with fiscal 2021 revenues of $18.9 billion. Currently, the Company operates Ross Dress for Less® ("Ross"), the largest off-price apparel and home fashion chain in the United States with 1,648 locations in 40 states, the District of Columbia and Guam. Ross offers first-quality, in-season, name brand and designer apparel, accessories, footwear and home fashions for the entire family at savings of 20% to 60% off department and specialty store regular prices every day. The Company also operates 303 dd's DISCOUNTS® in 21 states that feature a more moderately priced assortment of first-quality, in-season, name brand apparel, accessories, footwear and home fashions for the entire family at savings of 20% to 70% off moderate department and discount store regular prices every day.

Additional information is available at www.rossstores.com .

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

For more than 30 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County has provided award-winning programs designed to guide and inspire young people ages 6-18 to learn, grow and mature in route to becoming successful adults. Each of the four clubs enjoys strong partnerships with local schools and communities. Such cohesion ensures that Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs complement and enrich the curriculum our members learn in class as well as remain attuned to the challenges and opportunities they face on a day-to-day basis. The clubs offer opportunities for fun, fitness, and S.T.E.A.M. activities, and certified teachers collaborate with club members on everything from tutoring and homework help to specialized courses that prepare them for careers in a variety of trades.

Celebrating AmeriCorps Success in the Martin County School District

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 20:43:15 GMT

Fletch's Perspective

July, 2022

In the last edition of Friends and Neighbors, Tom Campenni, editor and publisher, made some profound and compelling points about the recently released reading results of state testing scores for elementary—namely third grade—students.

We share Mr. Campenni’s concerns about an overall 51 percent reading proficiency level among Martin County third graders. As usual, he has his eyes on the big picture. Fortunately, there’s also a lot of little pictures that provide greater context—and some encouragement—about the academic performance of Martin County elementary students.

A few years ago, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC) forged an agreement with Martin County School District that provides us real-time data into the scholastic performances of our club members. When kids arrive at our clubs’ afterschool, they commence Power Hour (study and homework sessions). Thanks to insights gleaned from the data share, our onsite certified teachers can pinpoint each child’s strengths and needs and effectively guide their instructions.

Findings from the data-share agreement also help kids outside of BGCMC clubs, informing the invaluable service of our AmeriCorps members. Participants in this acclaimed BGMCM service program—who’ve pledged to “bring Americans together to strengthen our communities”—station in local schools with large numbers of struggling students and aim to help improve student reading skills.

Based this year at two elementary schools, AmeriCorps members helped:

135 students at Port Salerno Elementary, 91 percent of whom improved from interim 1 level to interim 4.

60 students at JD Parker Elementary, 79 percent of whom jumped from interim 1 to 4.

Such efforts and results embody the spirit of Mr. Campenni’s observation that we “stop trying to quantify students’ ability and spend more time actually teaching the children to read.”

Like so many parents, educators and—of course, students—we’re pleased to see the Florida State Assessment mothballed. While we’re sensitive to some of the concerns raised about its replacement, FAST (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking), we’re hopeful it achieves Gov. DeSantis’ stated goal of primarily prioritizing the measurement of progress.

This practice—noting and celebrating progress—is vital to all children but of special importance to those in our clubs. For the overwhelming majority of BGCMC members, difficulty and dysfunction define daily home life. So, they crave sincere and genuine praise for their efforts and results.

Thankfully, “sincere and genuine” is precisely what every student—whether club member or not—gets from AmeriCorps mentors. Their daily demonstration of consistency, care and commitment earns respect and forges real relationships with the students, cultivating learning and inspiring their best.

When it comes to student reading proficiency, it’s clear there’s still a lot of work to do. But this one-on-one, rather old-fashioned approach—augmented by the technological advantage our partners at the school district make possible through the data-share agreement—is providing snapshots of the positivity that’s possible. And if we can multiply our efforts—through more mentors and expanded school placement—we can help improve even more futures.

If you or anyone you know are interested in learning more about BGCMC’s AmeriCorps program, please visit www.BGCMCmartinorg/americorps or email us at americorps@bgcmartin.org .

Keith Fletcher’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

TCPalm's Luminaries highlights community summer programs including Copper Key scholars

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 15:32:20 GMT

TCPalm's Luminaries features Dr. Singh joining BGCMC Board of Directors

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 12:39:22 GMT

New High School Brings Hope to Indiantown

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 15:12:26 GMT

Fletch's Perspective

At our recent Youth of the Year awards ceremony, Fredd G., 17, not only received the top recognition, but also an internship with a prominent local architectural firm. Raul Ocampo of ADC Architects in Stuart was in attendance at the event. He was so impressed after hearing about Fredd’s achievements (president of Torch Club and Students Working Against Tobacco, captain of a soccer team, excelling in our Culinary Program), and hearing him speak—that he reached out to me to offer the internship.

“No. 1, it was his demeanor that really stood out,” says Raul, “the way he presented himself, very confidently, as someone who believes in himself. That no doubt comes from the structure around him—that has to do with his family and Boys & Girls Clubs and what they mean in his life.”

Another quality that caught Raul’s attention. Fredd’s dreams of becoming an architect.

“Here’s a kid who at 17 already know what he wants to do with his life—although I knew at 15, so I got him beat by two years,” Raul jokes.

Raul’s firm—which works with Boys & Girls Clubs in Martin, St. Lucie, and Palm Beach counties—will offer Fredd opportunities to learn the dynamics of development, grow familiar with essential industry software and visit construction sites to see how plans on paper come to life.

One of those construction sites might be our new flagship club in Stuart, which Raul is helping us create. The new club will feature workforce labs. In forums facilitated by local employers, innovators and entrepreneurs, the kids will learn about key trades and technologies and even earn certifications vital to attracting good job opportunities.

When provided the place, proper preparation and people who care, kids can attain the knowledge, achievements, and confidence that will position them to attract good opportunities. If they continue to put in the love and the work—over many days and nights—success will indeed be the result.

And it will be a success that the community who believed in them and invested in them will share.

For more articles from the April 2022 Friends and Neighbors of Martin County visit: https://friendsandneighborsofmartincounty.com/friends-neighbors-april-3-2022/

4-Star Rating Awarded for Ninth Consecutive Year

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 19:02:27 GMT

Charity Navigator Awards Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County prestigious ranking for another year.

In its 30-year commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of children each year, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County understands that the nonprofit sector is continually advancing and expanding, this is especially true as the community moves past the pandemic. And due to the increasing demand for donations, astute donors are yearning for greater accountability, transparency, and concrete results.

Recognized by Forbes, Business Week, and Kiplinger’s Financial, Charity Navigator recently issued a new rating for Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. “We are proud to announce we’ve earned our ninth consecutive 4-star rating,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, BGCMC President and CEO. “This is Charity Navigator’s highest possible rating and indicates that our organization adheres to industry best practices and executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way.”

Attaining a 4-star rating verifies that the organization is exceeding industry standards and outperforming many other charities in the same area of work. This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets BGCMC apart and demonstrates to donors, funders, and the community their steadfast dedication to the mission.

As the migration toward digital payment continues to accelerate, driven by the pandemic and the increased interest in digital currencies, BGCMC is expanding its portfolio to also include contributions of cryptocurrency.

“This is an emerging trend among nonprofit organizations in key markets around the country and some of our donors were inquiring about making the option available,” says Fletcher. “We’re excited to embrace crypto contributions for the tax benefits they can provide our donors, while at the same time, lean into innovation and how we can better serve future generations.”

“Martin County is blessed in so many ways, including that it’s home to many titans of industry who care generously about the community,” says Fletcher. “It isn’t just the wealthy retiree who might see the benefits of crypto giving. There is a generation of millennials and Gen Z’s that are leading extremely digital lives and have adapted their finances, accordingly, often investing in cryptocurrency. Leading the crypto trend, they’re looking for new and innovative ways to reap the benefits of investment while making difference in their community.”

When someone donates crypto to charity, they receive a tax deduction for its fair market value and avoid the capital gains tax that accompanies first selling it and then donating cash. Reports show nationwide that as many as 60 percent of millennials keep digital currency in their investment portfolios, testifying to the long-term feasibility of nonprofits counting on this mode of giving. More information on crypto donations and a widget to easily make a gift to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County can be found at www.bgcmartin.org/crypto .

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

For more than 30 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County has provided award-winning programs designed to guide and inspire young people ages 6-18 to learn, grow and mature in route to becoming successful adults. Each of the four clubs enjoys strong partnerships with local schools and communities. Such cohesion ensures that Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs complement and enrich the curriculum our members learn in class as well as remain attuned to the challenges and opportunities they face on a day-to-day basis. The clubs offer opportunities for fun, fitness, and S.T.E.A.M. activities, and certified teachers collaborate with club members on everything from tutoring and homework help to specialized courses that prepare them for careers in a variety of trades.

TCPalm's Luminaries features Green Market and Kid-preneurs'

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:26:38 GMT

Longtime Val McNeely Recognized on National Stage

Thu, 26 May 2022 18:37:48 GMT

Martin County Resident and Boys & Girls Clubs Board Member

Celebrated at National Conference with Lifetime Achievement Award

(MARTIN COUNTY) MAY 2022 – It’s the highest acclaim the Boys & Girls Clubs movement can bestow to celebrate outstanding service from a volunteer leader. Earlier in May at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America national conference in Chicago, this tribute was granted to longtime board member Val McNeely.

McNeely received the James L. Newland Lifetime Achievement Award in Board Leadership for demonstrating “extraordinary service and devotion to the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs, both locally and nationally,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, President, and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County.

Fletcher cited McNeely’s commitment to ensuring the highest possible safety standards for young people attending BGCMC Clubs, as well as establishing a fund to improve Club infrastructure, enhance security measures, and support programs dedicated to the members’ emotional growth and well-being.

“No one person has been there for our organization more frequently than Val McNeely,” says Fletcher. “Whether it was a safety concern or an opportunity for growth, Val wasted no time in finding or creating solutions. Her nimble, innovative style is an excellent example of leadership in action. And she deserves a great deal of credit for forging the foundation of our incoming flagship Club in Stuart and the state-of-the-art workforce collaborations it will offer our members.”

“It's impossible to overstate the value of the positive environments in our Clubs. They exude an intentional balance of safety, security, warmth, and welcoming,” says Kathy Parsons, BGCMC Board Chair. “Which is more important than ever when so many of our Club members live in challenging environments exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic.”

Looking ahead to the opportunity to serve even more children and families in Martin County, BGCMC is planning for a new state-of-the-art Club in the heart of Stuart, on property leased from the Martin County School District. In addition to offering a gym, classrooms, creative space, and all the features associated with a traditional Club environment, the incoming facility will feature workforce laboratories equipped with the technologies and tools needed to prepare members for a variety of trades, vocations, and specialties. Through partnerships with local employers, members will not only gain new skills and in some cases, certifications, but also build relationships essential to employment opportunities in the local workforce.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

For more than 30 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County has provided award-winning programs designed to guide and inspire young people ages 6-18 to learn, grow and mature in route to becoming successful adults. Each of the four clubs enjoys strong partnerships with local schools and communities. Such cohesion ensures that Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs complement and enrich the curriculum our members learn in class as well as remain attuned to the challenges and opportunities they face on a day-to-day basis. The clubs offer opportunities for fun, fitness, and S.T.E.A.M. activities, and certified teachers collaborate with club members on everything from tutoring and homework help to specialized courses that prepare them for careers in a variety of trades.

Local Boys & Girls Clubs to collaborate and provide a temporary home to students

Fri, 20 May 2022 20:25:23 GMT

New Indiantown High School Finds Temporary Home at Bill & Barbara Whitman Club

Thu, 19 May 2022 19:10:19 GMT

Treasure Coast Business Brief features Keep Martin Beautiful Award Winners

Wed, 18 May 2022 13:26:13 GMT

Congratulations to our own Paula Smith for her award and dedication to the Indiantown Community.

Celebrating Champions of Education at Blue Jacket Society Ceremony

Wed, 18 May 2022 13:21:45 GMT

Fletch's Perspective

March, 2022

May To our seasonal residents readying to return north before the weather heats up, the notion of a jacketing ceremony this time of year anywhere in the south—save The , Masters, maybe—might seem odd.

But at our AmeriCorps program’s recent Blue Jacket society, the only things warmed were the hearts of all in attendance.

That’s because this annual tradition—held by participating Boys & Girls Clubs AmeriCorps programs across the nation—incorporates a moving surprise element. And our most recent ceremony was the most touching I’ve ever had the privilege of participating in.

For a modest stipend, our AmeriCorps members devote long hours to, among other community service projects, helping children at Martin County elementary and middle schools improve their reading, math, and science. Upon initiation into the corps, they receive a Blue Jacket. At our April event, AmeriCorps members Pascual Francisco and Vashti Jones and program directors Kyle Arnold and Samantha Anderson spoke about how the chance to serve transforms lives, including their own.

Next, local leaders of distinction were awarded Blue Jackets. Then those recipients were asked to share—without the benefit of foreknowledge to prepare—more about someone who’s inspired them to achieve excellence.

Our recipients included Tony Anderson and Marsha Powers, both school board members, Dr. Alessandro Anzalone, president of Indian River State College’s Chastain Campus, Eula Clarke, Stuart commissioner, David Heaton, executive director of Children’s Services Council of Martin County, Bonney Johnston of the William & Helen Thomas Charitable Trust, and Dr. Tracey Miller, Martin County School District’s assistant superintendent of academics.

Although caught a bit off-guard, each one offered heartfelt recollections of the people who always remained in their corner, requesting—sometimes demanding—but always expecting the best of them. The stories reflected their diverse life experiences. Struggle. Want. Immigration. Language and cultural challenges. Setbacks. Detours. The opportunity to accept a helping hand. The responsibility to lend a helping hand.

Keeping Our kids safe and preventing youth suicide

Wed, 18 May 2022 13:14:25 GMT

Signs of suicidal thoughts or actions should never be ignored or taken lightly. By recognizing the warning signs, listening, talking, and taking action, you could save a life.

Is my child, okay? Learn the warning signs of stress in children.

Wed, 11 May 2022 17:37:08 GMT

How to Tell if Your Kid is Struggling – Plus 5 Ways You Can Help

Talking with your child about mental health

Fri, 06 May 2022 14:21:00 GMT

If you sense your child is struggling with their social and emotional well-being, here are some tips to help you start a conversation about mental health.

Treasure Coast Business Brief features new board members

Thu, 05 May 2022 19:29:56 GMT

New board members and transitions annouced.

New Board Chair and Members Announced

Tue, 03 May 2022 17:33:49 GMT

President of Cleveland Clinic Martin Health joins Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County Board of Directors

(MARTIN COUNTY) APRIL 2021 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is pleased to welcome Rishi P. Singh, MD, to its Board of Directors. President of Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, North and South Hospitals, staff surgeon at the Cole Eye Institute, and professor of ophthalmology at Lerner College of Medicine in Cleveland, Dr. Singh is a towering figure in medicine and highly regarded for his many achievements inside and outside of the operating room.

“Dr. Singh is an extraordinarily gifted, and successful individual and we’re incredibly excited to welcome him to our board of directors,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, CEO of BGCMC. “Already dedicated to the Boys & Girls Clubs movement from his involvement in Cleveland, he’ll find himself in good company among many other diverse and vastly accomplished fellow board members such as incoming Board Chair Kathryn Parsons and Diana Brooks, Immediate Past Board Chair, both of whom have made—and continue to make—an immeasurable difference in the lives of thousands of Martin County children.”

Ellen Libby Ph.D. also joins the Board. Dr. Libby, an author, lecturer, and psychotherapist with more than 35 years of experience has devoted her professional life to the social and emotional well-being of individuals and families. Other transitions include the advancement of Kathryn Parsons to Board Chair, and Diana Brooks will now be Immediate Past Board Chair following years of service distinguished by record-setting fundraising for the organization despite challenges and interruptions caused by the pandemic and launching Building Great Futures- an exciting and comprehensive campaign for the youth of Martin County.

“So many of the children we serve are still enduring tremendous hardships due to various circumstances, including the pandemic,” adds Fletcher. “We should all feel very blessed that our Club members have in their corner such highly successful, respected, and generous leaders committed to ensuring the children get the encouragement, care, and opportunities they so deserve and dream of.”

Henry Saxon, regional service director of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, notes key qualities in the leaders on the Martin County chapter board of directors that exceed even their most celebrated professional achievements. “It’s not just about their resumes; it’s about their character,” Saxon says. “These people could be doing just anything, yet they are dedicating their time and effort to serving children in need of safety, patience, acceptance, knowledge, and opportunity. Drs. Libby and Singh will fit in well and we look forward to what they will accomplish together next.”

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

For more than 30 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County has provided award-winning programs designed to guide and inspire young people ages 6-18 to learn, grow and mature in route to becoming successful adults. Each of the four clubs enjoys strong partnerships with local schools and communities. Such cohesion ensures that Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs complement and enrich the curriculum our members learn in class as well as remain attuned to the challenges and opportunities they face on a day-to-day basis. The clubs offer opportunities for fun, fitness, and S.T.E.A.M. activities, and certified teachers collaborate with club members on everything from tutoring and homework help to specialized courses that prepare them for careers in a variety of trades.

The State of Mental Health of our Youth, from Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Mon, 02 May 2022 13:54:38 GMT

At Boys & Girls Clubs, just like in schools, afterschool programs, and in homes across the nation, we hear the same thing: kids are having behavior challenges, kids are feeling stressed, and kids are showing signs of struggling with their mental health.

Treasure Coast Business Brief names Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County President & CEO Keith Fletcher as a leader to watch

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 15:46:10 GMT

Fresh and local produce available at Clubs

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 16:53:51 GMT

Together with United Farmers Alliance, we are working to solve common obstacles in our local food systems and ensure more families in Martin County have access to nutritious meals!

Stop by and pick up fresh produce from local farms at our Indiantown Club on Thursday, April 28, from 3-5 p.m ., or our Hobe Sound Club on April 29, from 3-5 p.m . Pre-Orders are strongly recommended, but walk-up orders are also welcome.

More information at www.ufa.farm/shop

Thank you to our partners at the United Farmers Alliance for making this possible.

Stuart Magazine profiles Youth of the Year event and winner, Fredd Galvez.

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 19:26:35 GMT

Fletch's Perspective: Friends & Neighbors April 2022

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 16:57:18 GMT

From Friends and Neighbors of Martin County

Another quality that caught Raul’s attention. Fredd’s dreams of becoming an architect.

“Here’s a kid who at 17 already know what he wants to do with his life—although I knew at 15, so I got him beat by two years,” Raul jokes.

And it will be a success that the community who believed in them and invested in them will share.

For more articles from the April 2022 Friends and Neighbors of Martin County visit: https://friendsandneighborsofmartincounty.com/friends-neighbors-april-3-2022/

NEW! Carnivale on the River

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 13:54:43 GMT

Inspired by Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County and St. Lucie County and what they are doing to launch a new work-ready program for teens in both Counties, Treasure Coast Alliance is hosting an exciting new event!

Carnival on the River

Saturday, April 9, 6-10 pm

210 SW Atlanta Ave.

Stuart, FL 34994

Event proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs as they launch a new and exciting joint program for the youth of St. Lucie and Martin Counties. Working alongside industry professionals and experts, teens enrolled in this new program will explore career opportunities and learn the skills necessary to excel in those high-demand fields.

Carnivale on the River is a fun and exciting way to support these organizations and the work they do while having fun and being entertained by themed dancers, fire performers, music, and food from the Fork in the Road food truck.

To purchase tickets, click here.

Carnivale on the River would not be possible without the generous support from the business community. Event sponsors include:

Southern Eagle Distributing Inc.
A&G Pools
Property Transfer Services
The Stracuzzi Team ReMax
Cross Country Mortgage
All Area Roofing
Hometown Financial Services
Fairwater Title
DBJ Inspections
White Glove Moving USA
Compass Mortgage
Title Services of Florida
Kona Ice
Cardita Formal Wear
Turtle Reef
ECP Event Rentals & Design
Prime Lending The Coastal Group

**Please consider Uber/Lyft and/or carpooling to the event***

Treasure Coast Business features Youth of the Year

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 16:33:25 GMT

Prayer Breakfast - Thursday, March 10, 8:30 a.m.

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 22:27:20 GMT

RSVP tbatt@bgcmartin.org or 772-545-1255

Join us in coming together to celebrate the blessings of our community and pray for thriving and bright futures for Martin County’s youth.

Meet Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County and learn about the bold new vision to serve the youth in our community, especially those who need us the most in the heart of Stuart- East Stuart.

Preview the plans for the state-of-the-art Boys & Girls Club and Workforce Development Collaboratory that will positively transform lives of our youth.

RSVP tbatt@bgcmartin.org or 772-545-1255

TCPalm's Luminaries features Youth of the Year

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 21:09:27 GMT

Give a man to fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 19:38:15 GMT

Fletch's Perspective

Friends & Neighbors, March 6, 2022

“Give a man to fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”

There are no disputing these simple, well-known words of wisdom, which best encapsulate how charities, social service agencies and even individual philanthropists can effectively empower the people they serve to soon serve themselves.

Today, “fishing,” entails a sophisticated and fast-evolving array of career opportunities ranging from trades to emerging new technologies. And the proverbial “man” should ideally be a boy or girl, as the sooner the lifesaving lessons of independence are imparted—particularly to children enduring difficult circumstances among society’s margins—the better their odds of beating the grim statistics playing out around them in real time.

This is why the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC) is investing in the creation of a new flagship club in Stuart. This week, we’ll be hosting an event outlining the capital campaign to support construction of the club.

The club location is both convenient and strategic—on Martin County School District property as a neighbor to Stuart Middle School. Even though we provide free transportation to any club member who needs it, this new club will be an easy walk not only for the middle school students afterschool but particularly children living in East Stuart.

The community’s needs are significant. The median household income in East Stuart is $29,000, about half the county average. Nearly 20 percent of the adult population never earned a high school diploma. More than 50 percent of residents over 16 are out of work.

Specialized programs at the incoming Stuart club aim to drastically change this. By partnering with professionals from local businesses, we’ll be offering a robust litany of trade and vocational curricula, including hospitality and culinary training, to prepare young people for in-demand jobs. We’ll also offer a host of certifications for various skills, including coding, drone operations, multi-media production and more.

Members—whether in elementary-, middle- or high-school—will gain access to age-appropriate lessons and insights from our certified educators as well as established professionals that will place them on pathways to rewarding careers. These opportunities, more importantly, will transform their futures.

But before exposure to the “fishing lessons,” kids who enter the new Stuart club will also experience a world of fun and friendship—as well as the comfort of regular, reliable healthy meals and snacks. They’ll also learn the practices of good citizenship, the pursuit of academic improvement, and experience the accountability and encouragement vital to absorbing not only career lessons—but instilling the belief that they matter—and can pursue and achieve their passions and purpose.

Keith Fletcher’s opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

Youth of the Year - 2022

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 16:41:44 GMT

Caleb Wesco confirmed as Keynote Speaker for Youth of the Year

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 18:35:33 GMT

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is Excited to Announce

Renowned Motivational Speaker Caleb Wesco

As Keynote for Youth of the Year Celebration

(MARTIN COUNTY) Feb. 28, 2022 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is beyond excited to announce a keynote speaker for the Youth of the Year award dinner and celebration, Caleb Wesco. The annual event will be held live on Thursday, March 10, 6-8 p.m. at St. Mary's Church, Ross Hall. 623 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart.

Palm Beach County native and Boys & Girls Club Alumni Caleb Wesco is known for his most energetic, educational, and inspiring keynote engagements and presentations. Since becoming a dynamic motivational speaker more than ten years ago, he has traveled to 45 states and international destinations like London and Zimbabwe, sharing his motivational message with as many people, especially students, as he can. He has been featured five times in Teachers Matter Magazine and on local television as a speaker and philanthropist.

"I'm committed to inspiring people, motivating them, and helping them unlock the best version of themselves," says Wesco. "With that commitment, everything else will fall in line."

"Wesco's motto is Let's Get Motivated ," says Jeronda Hill, BGCMC Area Director and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer. "Incredibly engaging and energetic, he encourages the audience to get the MOST out of life. And we are thrilled he can come and inspire our Youth of the Year, Class of 2022 and event attendees."

The annual Youth of the Year is one of BGCMC's signature programs recognizing members who exemplify the Boys & Girls Club's mission. A celebration of the extraordinary achievements of Club teens, those who earn the Youth of the Year title embody core club values of good character and citizenship, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles.

BGCMC Class of 2022 includes:

Nereida A., representing the Bill & Barbara Whitman Club, Indiantown
Javien E., representing the John & Marge Bolton Club, Port Salerno Club
Fredd G., representing the Cole-Clark Club, Hobe Sound

Nereida , a junior at Southfork High School, has served as a Keystone Club advisor, Junior Staff, soccer aide, and community volunteer. Nereida credits the Club for believing in her and as a result, helping her blossom into a strong young woman and emerging leader. "My Club has taught me the importance of giving back," she says. "I lead my peers in keeping our neighborhood clean, helping with the soccer program, and helping with the arts program."

Javien has served as vice president of SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco), Torch Club member, and Honor Roll student. "The Club has helped me mature from being closed-off," he said. "It has allowed me to open up and grow as a person. I want to help younger members and my siblings because I am passionate about being involved in the Boys & Girls Club because I know it helped me grow up into the leader I am today."

Fredd is president of the Torch Club and SWAT, Team Captain, Culinary Assistant, and poet. He is an immigrant from Peru and understands the importance of perseverance while having an open mind and a kind heart. Fredd feels that great leaders influence others to be better and that his Club leaders always remind him to be a positive influence wherever he goes. "I am lucky to be a part of Boys & Girls Clubs," says Fredd. "I always look forward to coming to the Club, and they always make me feel better. The Club has given me the greatest council and support I would ever need."

Youth of the Year would not be possible without the community-minded and generous support of sponsors. Presenting & Blue Carpet Sponsor is The Arati Hammond Team at Keller Williams Real Estate. Thrive sponsors inlcude Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, PNC Bank, Publix Super Markets Charities, Casco Tools, and Carol Webb.

Tickets for the program are $75 per person or $125 for two tickets and are available online at www.bgcmartin.org/YOY2022. Sponsor opportunities remain and may also be found online or by emailing marketing@bgcmartin.org.

About BGCMC

For more than 30 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County has provided award-winning programs designed to guide and inspire young people ages 6-18 to learn, grow and mature in route to becoming successful adults. Each of the four clubs enjoys strong partnerships with local schools and communities. Such cohesion ensures that Boys & Girls Clubs' programs complement and enrich the curriculum our members learn in class and remain attuned to the challenges and opportunities they face on a day-today basis. The clubs offer opportunities for fun, fitness, STEAM activities, and certified teachers work with club members on everything from tutoring and homework help to specialized courses that prepare them for careers in various trades.

WFLX covers 5th Club in Martin County, first in Stuart

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 02:58:22 GMT

Boys & Girls Clubs expanding in Martin County

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is planning a major expansion to provide new learning and sporting experiences for an entire community.

Soon, a brand new Boys & Girls Club will be built behind Stuart Middle School.

Read the story here.. .

TCPalm covers the VIP Preview event announcing plans for new Club in Stuart

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 02:58:19 GMT

Boys & Girls Clubs launches campaign to build East Stuart branch, opening 2024

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County unveiled its plan Wednesday to open the area's fifth branch, building a 38,000-square-foot space for afterschool programs and a new workforce development center.

The latest club, on Southeast High School Avenue directly behind Stuart Middle School, is expected to be operational by January 2024 and will cost $14 million, said the nonprofit's President and CEO Keith Fletcher.

Read the rest of the story and see photos here...

WPTV interviews Keith "Fletch" Fletcher about building a new Club in East Stuart

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 02:58:17 GMT

Boys & Girls Clubs expanding in Martin County

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is planning a major expansion to provide new learning and sporting experiences for an entire community.

Soon, a brand new Boys & Girls Club will be built behind Stuart Middle School.

Read the story and watch the video here...

Mike Fitzgerald from WQCS Interviews Jeronda Hill

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 02:04:36 GMT

Area Director and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Officer Jeronda Hill recently was featured on the popular WQCS magazine show In Focus with Mike Fitzgerald. Listen to the interview and learn more about her important role in the organization and Youth of the Year 2022.

Click here to listen to the episode.

Annual Benefit - 2022

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 18:38:49 GMT

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

International Women and Girls in Science Day recognized in Clubs

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 18:29:25 GMT

Fletch's Perspective

Thank you, Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, for making the opportunity possible.

First, they’ll receive a file detailing the conditions of their patients. They’ll then don scrubs, cover their shoes, wash their hands, put on gloves and step into the operating room.

After assessing each patient, the surgeons will perform the prescribed procedures, ranging from wound treatments to organ transplants to tumor removals. Along the way, they’ll face heart failures and flatlines—forcing them to scramble and revive their patients before continuing the lifesaving procedures.

What sounds like an episode of Grey’s Anatomy is an unforgettable educational experience for the kids at Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC). And it just might inspire a few careers in medicine.

It all takes place Feb. 11. What debuted last year at only our Hobe Sound club as a centerpiece of International Day of Women and Girls in Science—originally intended to introduce particularly girl club members to careers in health and science—has since expanded to every member of all four clubs.

This immersion experience—which casts our members as a surgical team conducting a challenging operation—is made all the more meaningful and realistic thanks to our pre- and post- “op” lesson plans and the support of Cleveland Clinic Martin Health.

We’re extremely grateful for the generosity of the hospital, which donated the operating gowns, caps, gloves, and key pieces of equipment to enhance the sense of realism.

For the backdrop, club classrooms are transformed into operating rooms. The “patients” consist of life-size paper cutouts, complete with laminated paper organs. The “surgery” consists of a process that requires members to recall recent anatomy lessons as well as solve age-appropriate math questions, in which right answers correspond with necessary steps to treat the patient.

There’s even a heart monitor that surprises the “surgeons” by beeping loudly when the patients’ vitals fail, prompting the “doctors” to perform emergency CPR.

The aim of the lesson—in addition to introducing more girls to such fields—is to spark greater curiosity about science. That’s exactly the interest it had on participants at the Hobe Sound event.

“It inspired me to study about science more,” says Amir.

Deanna, 8, agreed.

“I told my mom and dad that I want to know more science,” she says. “Then for my birthday, I got a book about NASA. I’m hoping for my next birthday I get another book about science, because I finished that one.”

That’s the thirst for knowledge that we hope to awaken at BGCMC, because its sincere pursuit will produce not only professional satisfaction, but untold societal benefits.

See original post.

Palm City Chamber of Commerce Selects Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County As Non-profit Organization of the Year

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 04:22:28 GMT

(MARTIN COUNTY) Feb. 8, 2022 – The Palm City Chamber of Commerce awarded Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County 2022 Non-profit of the Year last Saturday, Feb. 5, at their annual Installation Gala.

"2022 represents the first time the award was given and begins a new tradition for the Palm City Chamber," says Missi Campbell, Executive Director of the Palm City Chamber of Commerce. She goes on to say, "we are incredibly proud of Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County because their vision, passion, and perseverance during the pandemic has led to extraordinary outcomes for the youth they serve and the community as a whole."

Serving up great futures together Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County food truck Fork in the Road can often be seen at Chamber events. Launched in 2021, Fork in the Road is the centerpiece of the Club's workforce development and career readiness portfolio, including Culinary Training and Certification Programs. Since hitting the road, the Fork in the Road culinary program has successfully trained more than 43 Club teams. These teens now hold a SERV Safe food handler certification that qualifies them for an opportunity to work in a high-demand industry.

"We are honored to be the first recipient of this award," says Keith "Fletch" Fletcher, BGCMC president & CEO. "It's proof that truly collaborative partnerships, like the one we have with the Chamber, provide far-reaching opportunities – from kids who need a post-secondary plan to local businesses that need a highly qualified and reliable workforce."

Operation Merry & Bright Brought Smiles and Cheer

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 02:48:33 GMT

More than just a toy drive, for the second year in a row Operation Merry & Bright delivered smiles and backpacks stuffed to the top of necessities, treats and healthy food for Club members to share with their families over the winter break.

Many Martin County children and their families depend on Boys & Girls Clubs for healthy, reliable meals and snacks. That is why BGCMC worked hard to ensure that every child — especially those who needed it most, were fed when the Clubs were closed during the winter holiday break. The food supply was carefully assembled to last throughout the winter break — not just enough food for the child, but enough for their family too. Items included fresh fruit and vegetables, healthy pantry items, prepared meals, and snacks.

Plus, each child also received a new backpack with a wrapped toy, as well as a grade-appropriate book, and essential care items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb and a mask.

But this wouldn't have been possible without support from the community.

In 2020, thanks to an outpouring of community support BGCMC was able to make 40 Martin County family's holiday Merry & Bright. At Santa's most southern workshop, the Hobe Sound Cole Club was transformed into an assembly and distribution center like no other. On Dec. 20, 2021, the Club was transformed again assemble and distribute backpacks and holiday gift package to Club members families.

Stuart Green Market

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 02:20:10 GMT

Club members and staff participate in the Stuart Green Market

On Sunday, January 30 in Historic Downtown Stuart, Club members and staff participated in the Stuart Main Street green market, Market on Main. Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County Club members and staff set up and stocked a market stand with fruit, vegetables, and herbs that they've grown in Club gardens over the past several months.

"Gardens are special places for kids to learn important social skills, life lessons and about healthy lifestyles," says Caitlynne Palmieri, Garden and Food Justice Coordinator. "Despite the bone chilling temperatures, the kids had a lot of fun and were very proud to share their hard work with the community. We appreciate everyone to came out to support us and buy our produce."

Future dates for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County market stand at area green markets will be posted on our event page and on social media accounts.

Celebrating National Mentoring Month 2022

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 16:57:41 GMT

Mentoring programs for youth are needed more than ever – discover 4 tips for being a great mentor below.

4 Tips to Be a Great Mentor

There is a famous quote by Sir Isaac Newton that states, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Even in 1675, Newton understood that we must build upon the wisdom and knowledge of those who came before us to succeed and grow.

Whether it’s helping someone find their passion, motivating and encouraging them to do better in school, or simply teaching a new skillset, mentors can open the eyes of youth to a future they never thought was possible.

Mentorship programs are proven to impact career development, self-esteem, and personal connections. The social support provided by mentors can decrease feelings of anxiety, depression and isolation that may have been brought on or heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are four tips to being a magnificent mentor:

Mentorship is more crucial than ever. As the world adjusts to the many impacts of the pandemic, it is critical youth have access to resources to help combat the pandemic’s effect on their mental health, as well as the impact of social injustice concerns.

A good mentor has the power to change the life of another person and guide them to success. Mentorship programs not only provide adults with tools to become caring and passionate mentors, but also grant youth access to career development, academic, and social-emotional support from those who came before them.

To learn more about how Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County provides caring mentors to kids and teens in our community each year or join a youth mentoring program please contact your local Club.

BGCMC Featured in Friends & Neighbors of Martin County January 2022 Issue

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 03:50:37 GMT

In Friends and Neighbors of Martin County, a monthly government watchdog newsletter, you can read Keith "Fletch" Fletcher's perspective on New Year’s resolution and the good work the AmeriCorps team did at the Treasure Coast Hospice holiday open house.

As you are scrolling to page 8 for Fletch’s column you will come across a lovely tribute to the life of Dr. David Anderson, the first African American elected to Martin County's School Board and namesake of Anderson Middle School.

Click here to read the January 9, 2022 Friends & Neighbors of Martin County.

BGCMC Featured on WQCS

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 01:02:41 GMT

Radio personality Mike Fitzgerald recently featured BGCMC on his popular WQCS magazine program In Focus, with IRSC Public Media.

Click here to listen to the interview.

Operation Merry & Bright

Sun, 26 Dec 2021 00:42:22 GMT

For the second year in a row, young families across Martin County continue to endure unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic.

Facing the possibility that many of their basic needs would be unmet during the holiday season and winter break, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County reactivated Operation Merry & Bright.

“We believe that every child deserves the feeling of joy that a thoughtful gift brings this time of year, and not the pangs of hunger,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, President & CEO of BGCMC. “It is our responsibility to ensure that our Club members and their families don’t go without healthy meals, basic needs, or a wrapped gift over the holidays.”

Enjoy this video summary of Operation Merry & Bright 2022.

Please join us in thanking all our sponsors, community partners, volunteers, and staff that helped us make another holiday Merry & Bright for our Club members and their families.

Sponsors:

Casco Tools & Construction Supply
Reel Graphics Signs & Embroidery
Becker Tree Farm
Meating Street
South State
Scooters
The Garcia Group
Sunshine Land Design
R.K. Hansen Construction Co.
Saelzer Atlas Wealth Management Group of Raymond James
St Luke's Episcopal Church
Church of the Good Shepherd Foundation
Loaves and Fishes of Hobe Sound
Beth Garcia Svopa of Brown & Brown Insurance
Nina L. Ferraro, PA
Elite Gas Contractors
Tami Karol Insurance Agency Inc.

Community Partners:

Care Bags Inc.
ShockSocks LLC
Reich & Mancini, PA
Illustrated Properties
Couture Hair Design
Jensen Beach Community Church
First Baptist Church of Hobe Sound
Target
Ross Dress for Less

New Board Members Announced

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 18:24:49 GMT

Welcome 2021-2022 Board Members!

Front row, L-R: Elizabeth Ainslie, William F. Whitman Jr, Nivin MacMillan, Chairperson-Elect Kathryn Parsons, Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, Chairperson Diana D. Brooks, Anne Reyes, Nancy Buck and Arati Hammond.

Top row, L-R: Michael Troy, Keith Kiley Goldstein, Lisa V. Long, Charles V. Moore, Susan Colby, J.D. Lewis III, Bonnie F. McCausland, Mark Newman, Heidi Cox, Daniel H. Zivney, Eula R. Clarke, John Davison, John R. Reese, Beth Garcia Svopa, Douglas Sherman and Denise K. Ehrich.

Not present: Anthony Anderson, Robert J. Garry, Thomas Hurley, Richard Knight, Jay O. Light, Valerie McNeely, Kate Nielsen, James Riepe, Mark E. Robitaille, Eleanor R. Seaman, Philip Schein MD, Patricia G. Warner and Carol Webb.

We are honored to announce three new board members of diverse background, perspectives, and expertise to the 2022 slate, and to recognize those volunteer leaders that joined the organization during the height of the pandemic.

2022 appointments include : Anthony Anderson, Eula R. Clarke and Keith Kiley Goldstein.

2021 appointments included : Elizabeth Ainslie, Nancy Buck, Beth Garcia Svopa, Arati Hammond, Richard Knight, J.D. Lewis, Mark Newman, and Dan Zivney.

“Always looking to the future, it’s an ongoing initiative of the Club to recruit, appoint and retain board members that are passionate about our mission and vision,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, President & CEO, BGCMC.

In addition to these newest members, the BGCMC would like to acknowledge Charles V. Moore for his exceptional service to the Club with the title of Emeritus Board Member.

The World Is Complicated! Helping Kids Is Simple!

Tue, 04 May 2021 17:15:39 GMT

Help Them Learn, Grow, and Explore!

J.McLaughlin Sip & Shop!

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 16:11:33 GMT

Thank You for joining us at both locations!

You can have a personal shopping experience either virtually or in-person.

The proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County!

Call your favorite store to make your arrangements.

Hobe Sound - 772.402.5118

Sewall's Point - 772.286.7930

Youth Of The Year 2021

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 21:54:43 GMT

Click the image below to view our

Youth Of The Year 2021 Awards!

Youth of the Year is our signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy.

In the 21st-century world and workplace, leadership skills such as communication, goal-setting and teamwork are essential for everyone - especially young people preparing to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. With a grassroots beginning in 1947, Youth of the Year has evolved into a comprehensive leadership development program, which includes:

Youth of the Month – Leadership Recognition Program
Junior Youth of the Year – Leadership Readiness Program, and
Youth of the Year – Leadership Development Program

BGCMC mobilizes ‘Operation Merry & Bright’ thanks to generous donors!

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 16:04:46 GMT

Operation Merry & Bright

J ust when it seemed the stresses, struggles and sorrows of 2020 would deny local children—and several families—many of the simple joys of the holiday season, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC) got involved to help spread holiday cheer.

Enter Operation Merry & Bright.

In this year of extraordinary need, BGCMC employed extraordinary measures to ensure a holiday season that the children will never forget. Every BGCMC member—nearly 400 kids countywide— brought home treats, necessities, and a bounty of delicious, healthy food to share with their families over the winter break.

Thanks to an outpouring of community support, BGCMC donors adopted more than 40 local families—each one burdened with tremendous need—to receive a holiday gift unlike any they could imagine.

“We’re so thankful for this amazing community,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, CEO of BGCMC. “They responded immediately and generously to our calls to help make sure these families experience an unforgettable celebration.

“And I’m especially proud of my staff,” continues Fletcher. “As always, they put their full hearts into gathering gifts for every kid as well as for our adopted families. They serve with love and joy, demonstrating the truth of the season—that it really is better to give than to receive.”

On Monday, Santa’s workshop was busy with BGCMC elves, who spent the day packing food boxes with healthy meals, wrapping gifts, and stuffing backpacks at the Cole-Clark Boys & Girls Club in Hobe Sound. On Tuesday, the gifts, meals and essentials were sent home with children to share with their families.

40 families

Thanks to the generosity of several donors, BGCMC provided each adopted family with presents for every member, including gift cards for the parents or caregivers, age-appropriate toys for each child, and a full holiday dinner—frozen and prepackaged—from Evo Italian restaurant in Tequesta.

‘We got your back’

Every member at all four BGCMC clubs—in Hobe Sound, Port Salerno, Indiantown and Stuart—went home with boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy pantry items, prepared meals and snacks.

Knowing many of the kids depend on the clubs for healthy, reliable meals and snacks, BGCMC made sure they would remain fed. The food supply—or “11 days of Christmas meals”— was carefully assembled to last throughout the 11 days the clubs are closed.

Plus, each received a new backpack with wrapped toys, an age appropriate and educational book and essential care items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb and mask.

Santa Visits the Clubs

Finally, Santa Claus himself visited the Clubs on Monday and met with every club member via Zoom so the children could safely share with him their wish list for this holiday season.

Thanks to the kindness of donors and community partners and the dedication of BGCMC staff, many of their wishes—and so much more—were granted.

27th Annual Benefit & Silent Auction

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 01:39:27 GMT

Thank You For Joining Us!

Our 2021 Annual Benefit was a bit different this year with the same mission.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is serving the families most vulnerable in our community.

Enjoy our show & join us to help ensure #GreatFuturesStartHere!

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Presented By:

Achieve

Believe

Jenkins Landscape Company

Dailey Janssen Architects, PA

Jonathon W. Andrews Florist

Nonprofit Leader honored by Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 21:51:57 GMT

MARTIN COUNTY—Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC), was named Southeast Region New Executive of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). Often called “Rookie of the Year”, the award recognizes one outstanding regional leader with less than three years on the job.

Fletch joined BGCMC in 2018. Since that time his key accomplishments include:

· Led the organization in doubling its service footprint and revenue by securing significant support from the Florida Department of Education and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

· Proactively worked with local and regional partners in pivoting services in response to COVID 19

· Increased efficacy in academic interventions through a transformational partnership with Martin County School District

· Increased the organization’s commitment to the mental and emotional support of its members and their families.

· Launched a workforce development program for teens, including a Culinary Pathways component that will include a state-of-the-art food truck.

· Secured a land lease with the Martin County School District to build a flagship club in Stuart.

· Responded to the food insecurities created by COVID by serving more than 100,000 meals during the spring and summer of 2020.

“In 2017 we set out to recruit a visionary leader and gifted communicator with a diverse background, knack for inspiring the best from staff and colleagues and a proven record of bettering the prospects for marginalized communities,” says Diana Brooks, chair of the BGCMC board of directors. “In short, we sought a transformation leader and that is exactly what Fletch has been for our organization. He’s earned this recognition and we’re excited to see where he leads us next.”

Fletch emphasized the roles of his board, team and community in this success of BGCMC’s accomplishments—before thanking the support of his family.

“CEOs are only as good as their teams, their board and their networks of support,” he says. “This award is an acknowledgment of their partnership, their service and our collective efforts. Our work is about providing families and kids the skillsets and the will-sets to dream big and achieve above and beyond what they imagined.”

“Every member of this movement sacrifice something in service to our kids and families,” he continues. “My family’s support has been incredible. In many ways, this work is also about creating a more just world for my daughters—and everyone—to experience.”

Free assistance for kids fighting ‘COVID slide’

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 20:43:35 GMT

Free academic assistance for kids fighting ‘COVID slide’ through Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County’s AmeriCorps

MARTIN COUNTY—The virus, lockdown and transition to virtual classrooms limited many children’s opportunities to learn. Now, those limits are about to come off.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County’s AmeriCorps members are making sure children particularly vulnerable to potential long-term achievement gaps get the academic help they need—for free.

In partnership with the Martin County School District, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC) is launching No Limit Learning Centers in Hobe Sound, Port Salerno and East Stuart for students in k-5 ^th grades.

“Virtually every adult has endured at least some degree of difficulty during this crisis, so imagine how much more challenging it is for a young child to go through,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, CEO of BGCMC. “Many of the children in our clubs experience hectic home environments, which were enhanced by the pandemic, so the familiar routine of school and our clubs afterschool were the only routine they knew. After the shutdown, little wonder many are struggling academically. But with time, attention and informed instruction—in a safe, fun, one-on-one environment—they can get back to where they were, and go beyond what they ever imagined.”

Observing safe, socially distanced practices, AmeriCorps members will provide personalized academic interventions—balanced with the personal enrichment programs kids enjoy in traditional BGCMC clubs.

Available from school dismissal to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, No Limit Learning offers tutoring tailored to each child’s academic needs—thanks to a data-sharing partnership with the school district that provides real-time insights on their performances. The kids can also enjoy STEM, robotics, arts, sports and recreation. Thanks to the Florida Department of Health’s Child Care Food Program* each student receives daily a snack and dinner for free.

No Limit Learning locations include:

· J.D. Parker Elementary, 1050 S.E. 10 ^th St., Stuart. (To register: 772-486-1143.)

· Port Salerno Elementary, 3260 S.E. Lionel Terrace, Stuart. (To register: 772-341-9658.)

· First United Methodist Church, 10100 S.E. Federal Highway, Hobe Sound. (To register: 772-285-8330.)

In addition, BGCMC provides free transportation for students from Hobe Sound Elementary and Seawind Elementary to the First United location.

AmeriCorps Members also serve in five Martin County middle schools, providing whole-school support through academic interventions and mentoring students in need of extra attention. Even when the virus forestalled the original August launch date, district and BGCMC leadership persisted, refusing to let the pandemic further slow strides made in literacy.

Thanks to these programs, elementary schools in 2019-2020 saw as many as 96 percent of students in the AmeriCorps Elementary Literacy Program improve in one or more English Language Arts (ELA) domains on their iReady mid-year assessments.

In middle schools in 2019-2020, AmeriCorps interventions helped:

· 86 percent of students maintain or improve math grades;

· 81 percent maintain or improve ELA grades;

· 91 percent maintain or improve behavior referrals.

No Limit Learning Centers ensures continued literacy interventions at select elementary schools—and opportunities for similar successes.

Pre-crisis, BGCMC’s AmeriCorps members served as mentors in five elementary five and middle schools. When the virus emerged, the economy stopped and many jobs froze, AmeriCorps members served in BGCMC’s emergency food-relief operation. Every day for four months, they served more than 100,000 free, ready-to-eat meals to children and families in need at stations around the county.

In April, BGCMC created and launched Club Connect, enabling vital mentorship and homework help to children contending with the stress and social isolation of the shutdown. Insights from such interactions alerted BGCMC to the members’ emotional as well as scholastic troubles. In response, BGCMC sharpened plans to position AmeriCorps members to make a maximum impact once schools reopened.

“Club Connect was a life preserver for many kids,” says Fletcher, “and it also confirmed our intents to hone a program such as this to provide individualized attention and help get them academically back on track as quickly as possible. Emotionally and educationally, this is a critical period for countless kids across our county. There’s a lot of lost time to be made up, so we refuse to waste even a moment addressing it.”

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

For 30 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County has provided award-winning programs designed to guide and inspire young people ages 6-18 to learn, grow and mature in route to becoming successful adults. Each of the four clubs enjoys strong partnerships with local schools and communities. Such cohesion ensures that Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs complement and enrich the curriculum our members learn in class as well as remain attuned to the challenges and opportunities they face on a day-to-day basis. The clubs offer opportunities for fun, fitness, S.T.E.A.M. activities and certified teacher work with club members on everything from tutoring and homework help to specialized courses that prepare them for careers in a variety of trades.

*In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Bringing Hope on Sept 11th

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 15:06:00 GMT

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County bring hope on Sept. 11 anniversary through ‘Heart of hands’ artwork

STUART—The artwork now adorning the commission chambers at Stuart City Hall memorializes an occasion most of us will never forget. But for some of the artists who created it, the project was their introduction to the topic.

About 150 kids with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC) created artwork to honor the heroes of Sept. 11. The 7- to 10-year-olds fashioned a heart composed of their handprints in red, white and blue—each one bearing messages of gratitude for law enforcement, firefighters and military.

The creation will hang at city hall through the month of September.

“We were honored to again commemorate this tragic occasion with kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County and we’re heartened by the lessons of courage and words of kindness they draw from the event,” says David Dyess, Stuart city manager. “Even though our chambers see less foot traffic than usual these days, everyone who comes in and looks up at the heart of hands honoring the fallen—and reads the words children wrote—will surely be touched.”

The project was part of BGCMC’s H.E.R.O. Helping Each Other Realize Opportunities, a mentoring/prevention program funded by Children’s Services Council of Martin County that uses fun group activities to foster social competence and self-confidence. In undertaking the task, BGCMC staff carefully navigated difficult subject matter in shedding light on the details of that fated day 19 years ago. While many of the kids had some familiarity with Sept. 11, others knew nothing of the occasion.

Even as they addressed the significance of such a tragedy in which the nation was attacked and many innocent American lives were lost, staff emphasized the heroism, courage and sacrifice of the firefighters, EMTs and police in their response—as well as the role military plays in protecting the nation.

“Each day at every Boys & Girls Club we emphasize the importance of good citizenship and character but these virtues are given even greater voice in the days leading up to the anniversary of Sept. 11,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. “As adults, we can instantly recall every detail of where we were and how we felt that terrible day. I’m regularly amazed at the skill and tenderness with which our professional staff—through honesty and sensitivity—turn that memory into a powerful lesson of hope, unity, patriotism, and the importance of serving our country and each other.”

AmeriCorps wants your Help

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 18:43:37 GMT

HOBE SOUND—From feeding families in need to helping children learn to read, they emerged during the pandemic as a different kind of rapid responders. Now they’re recruiting a new task as the social concerns of a community in crisis continue.

So for anyone looking to rediscover their purpose, experience excitement and uplift the lives of others, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County’s (BGCMC) AmeriCorps program has just the role for you.

The acclaimed national service organization, AmeriCorps, partnered with BGCMC in 2018 and they are now recruiting the third class of Corps members. BGCMC offers 55 spots for anyone seeking to serve the local community and gain valuable work and life experience—all while earning a biweekly living allowance, and receiving healthcare benefits, federal student-loan forbearance, and a post-service education grant.

This motto for this year BGCMC AmeriCorps class is “Find Yourself by Serving Others.”

Traditional BGCMC AmeriCorps members’ tasks of mentoring students in 10 public schools and encouraging citizenship, healthy lifestyles and academic success take on increased significance now. Schools are reportedly readying to reopen amid broad concerns from educational experts that the “COVID slide,” coupled with the summer slide, poses unprecedented learning-achievement gaps for numerous students.

Students from vulnerable communities generally face even higher risks. And Martin County’s prevalence of English-language learners compounds the challenge of bridging the achievement gap.

Fortunately, AmeriCorps counts among its local ranks individuals such as Judith Morales, who mentors students at Anderson Middle.

“AmeriCorps gives me the opportunity to give back to my community while getting the foundation necessary to implement my experiences later in life,” says Morales, who started with AmeriCorps in 2019 while completing her bachelor’s in Human Services from Indian River State College. “AmeriCorps has inculcated my distinctive abilities with a new appreciation for my country.”

Throughout the COVID crisis, BGCMC’s AmeriCorps members worked alongside BGCMC staff members and community partners in sourcing and serving nearly 100,000 meals to families and children, often working with marginalized communities even more impacted by the economic shutdown.

Right now, AmeriCorps members are providing literacy and academic help to some of the more than 102 children at Gertrude Walden Child Care Center in East Stuart.

“It gives the kids that one-on-one time they need to really hone in on the skills they’re not grasping,” says Thelma Washington, executive director at Gertrude Walden. “When you have that one-on-one time and make that connection and give examples the kids can practice, the lightbulb goes off and everyone is happy. I love them and so do the parents.”

Meanwhile, even as the school closures in March cut short their work assisting students with literacy interventions, mentoring and whole school supports in five elementary and five middle schools, they joined other BGCMC team members in helping kids online at the virtual club, Club Connect.

“At the onset the pandemic understandably struck fear in the hearts of many and the economic upheaval only increased the anxiety,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, president and CEO of BGCMC. “But for many others, the overwhelming need ignited a desire to get right out there, get involved in finding those most in need of help, and get busy making a difference on their behalf.

“That’s the profile of the AmeriCorps member,” Fletcher continues, “a willingness to help however possible—and we’re all so grateful for them.”

For eligibility, AmeriCorps members must be at least 17 years old, pass a national service criminal background check, and be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident-alien. Full-timers serve 1,700 hours and part-timers perform 900 hours.

The organization calls for reliability, passion, commitment, a team-oriented spirit and a readiness to make a difference.

Benefits include:

Biweekly living allowance
Healthcare coverage
Childcare benefits as needed
Professional-development training
Federal-student loan forbearance
Segal Education Award upon completion

To apply, visit BGCMartin.org/AmeriCorps or email AmeriCorps@bgcmarting.org.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

For more than 29 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County has provided award-winning programs designed to guide and inspire young people ages 6-18 to learn, grow and mature in route to becoming successful adults. Each of the four clubs enjoys strong partnerships with local schools and communities. Such cohesion ensures that Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs complement and enrich the curriculum our members learn in class as well as remain attuned to the challenges and opportunities they face on a day-to-day basis. The clubs offer opportunities for fun, fitness, S.T.E.A.M. activities and certified teacher work with club members on everything from tutoring and homework help to specialized courses that prepare them for careers in a variety of trade

Concentrating meals service to greatest areas in need

Thu, 28 May 2020 18:51:07 GMT

MARTIN COUNTY—The kids can still log in, and soon, they’ll be able to walk in as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC) begins officially reopening select locations June 1.

More than three months since closing the doors of its four locations, launching a massive meals operations, and transitioning the core of its services online, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is rolling out “Wave 1” of a phased resumption of gatherings for fun, mentorship, good citizenship, healthy lifestyles, and academic enhancement with certified teachers.

“We’ve heard it from every direction—parents, guardians, teachers, even some of our kids—that one of the pandemic’s largest casualties has been how kids learn,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, president and CEO of BGCMC. “The traditional concerns about the summer slide combined with the COVID slide could jeopardize the educational growth of any student. But for kids from at-risk environments who are already academically vulnerable, that one-two combo could prove absolutely devastating.”

Serving no more than a third-percent capacity in each location, both the Hobe Sound and Port Salerno locations are already full. Wave 1 is open only to K-5 students, restricting attendees to regularly attending club members who are struggling academically.

Outlining the litany of rigorous sanitization, safety and social-distancing protocols it will expect of members and staff, BGCMC—which transitioned key services online via Club Connect and served more than 60,000 free meals to the community in its ongoing food-relief effort—hopes to reopen additional clubs and K-12 students in “Wave 2.” That may not come until at least late June or early July. Meanwhile, BGCMC is also adjusting its meals program to exclusively Indiantown.

Meals program

Starting June 1, BGCMC will launch its Summer Meal Program. Members of Hobe Sound and Port Salerno clubs will receive breakfast, lunch and snack. That Friday, the backpack program will begin, with members receiving each Friday a backpack full of healthy pantry food items to bring home and share with family over the weekend.

Meanwhile, the Indiantown club will serve breakfast, lunch and snack to any children 18 and under—whether they’re club members or not—from 10:30 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday.

Club Connect

As club professionals move back into the club settings to work with the kids face-to-face, Club Connect Live will come to a close June 1. Key online programming, however, such as SPARK, Healthy Lifestyles, and Character and Citizenship, will remain accessible.

Attendance policy

With demand outweighing available space, members are expected to show up. Anyone who misses more than three days in a two-week period—unless they fall ill—will see their spot revoked. Members who contract COVID-19 or suffer potential symptoms can arrange to return to their spot upon recovery.

Precautions for staff

Frequent handwashing requirements will include upon entry, after using the restroom, before and after handling food, following outdoor play and before and after any health assessment.

Masks, gloves and maintaining 6-foot distances are required, as are weekly, three-question health surveys. No staff may leave for lunch to dine in at a restaurant, though outside dining and drive-through service are acceptable. Staff will undergo daily temperature checks. Anyone with a temperature higher than 100.2 will be sent home and unable to return until fever-free—without medication—for 48 hours. Any staff with COVID-19 symptoms will be required to get a test for verification and may need to comply with a 14-day quarantine.

Precautions for members

Members must comply with the same requirements as staff, although will provide masks for members. Parents are enlisted in helping regularly check for symptoms. Any child who becomes positive for COVID-19 could not return for 14 days—conditions that would extend to any sibling. Parents or guardians from the household in question would not be permitted to enter the club. They’ll be notified immediately should the child fall ill at a club.

Programs

Club members will remain in groups of nine and assigned to the same club professionals. Transitioning from the gym to outdoors will account for safe social distancing. Between each transition, the area and equipment will be sanitized. Water fountains are closed. Only one member at a time can go to the restroom. Field trips remain cancelled.

Children and families will receive regular notifications on the expectations, policies and programs. Violation of the rules could result suspension from the club until Wave 2. Parents must remain available to respond to any call they receive regarding the child’s behavior, at risk of forfeiture of the spot.

Sanitation

Cleaning procedures will commence while members are present and after they depart. Both germicidal solutions and fogging machines will be employed on the computers The gym and related equipment as well as the game rooms, classrooms, cafeteria, art rooms, rest rooms, lobbies—and all related high-touch areas—will undergo thorough sanitation.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is about investing time into the kids so they can grow, learn and come to understand just how special they are,” says Fletcher. “The clubs themselves serve as safe havens in this process. We’re committed to doing everything need to do to ensure they’re safe from the virus, because we’ve really missed the kids and can’t wait to see them again.”

Intent to Apply / Intención de solicitar – 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Funding

Wed, 13 May 2020 18:58:08 GMT

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County hereby notifies the local community of our intention to apply to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Program through the Florida Department of Education to support our of school time (OST) programming for J.D. Parker Elementary students.

The Boys & Girls Clubs will submit the application to the Florida Department of Education by May 15, 2020. If granted, funds will be used to support additional learning time for students attending J.D. Parker Elementary and area private schools.

The purpose of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is to provide opportunities for communities to establish or expand community learning centers:

Provide opportunities during non-school hours for academic enrichment, including providing tutorial services to help students, particularly students who attend low-performing schools, to meet the challenging State academic standards.
Offer students a broad array of additional services, programs and activities during non-school hours such as youth development activities, service learning, nutrition and health education, drug and violence prevention programs, counseling programs, arts, music, physical fitness and wellness programs, technology education programs, financial literacy programs, environmental literacy programs, mathematics, science, career and technical programs, internship or apprenticeship programs, and other ties to an in-demand industry sector or occupation for high school students that are designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of participating students; and
Offer families of students served by community learning centers opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in their children’s education, including opportunities for literacy and related educational development.

More information about the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program may be obtained by visiting the Florida Department of Education’s website: http://www.fldoe.org/schools/family-community/activities-programs/21st-century-community-learning-center/program-summaries.stml

Questions or public input about the 21st CCLC program and grant proposal may be directed to Jackie Price at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County at (772) 545-1255.

Intención de solicitar - 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Funding

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County notifican a la comunidad local de nuestra intención de postularse al 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Program a través del Departamento de Educación de Florida para apoyar la programación de tiempo (OST) para estudiantes de J.D. Parker Elementary.

Boys & Girls Clubs presentará la solicitud al Departamento de Educación de Florida antes del 15 de mayo de 2020. Si se otorga, los fondos se utilizarán para apoyar el tiempo de aprendizaje adicional para los estudiantes que asisten a J.D. Parker Elementary y las escuelas privadas del área.

El propósito del programa de Centros de Aprendizaje Comunitario del siglo 21 es proporcionar oportunidades para que las comunidades establezcan o amplíen centros de aprendizaje comunitarios:

Proporcionar oportunidades durante el horario no académico para el enriquecimiento académico, que incluye la prestación de servicios de tutoría para ayudar a los estudiantes, en particular a los que asisten a escuelas de bajo rendimiento, a cumplir con los desafiantes estándares académicos del Estado;
Ofrecer a los estudiantes una amplia gama de servicios adicionales, programas y actividades fuera del horario escolar tales como actividades de desarrollo juvenil, aprendizaje de servicio, educación sobre nutrición y salud, programas de prevención de drogas y violencia, programas de asesoramiento, arte, música, ejercicio físico y programas de bienestar, programas de educación tecnológica, programas de alfabetización financiera, programas de alfabetización ambiental, matemáticas, ciencias, carreras y programas técnicos, programas de pasantía o aprendizaje, y otros vínculos con un sector u ocupación de la industria para estudiantes de secundaria que están diseñados para reforzar y complementar el programa académico regular de los estudiantes participantes; y
Ofrecer a las familias de los estudiantes atendidos por los centros de aprendizaje comunitario oportunidades para un compromiso activo y significativo en la educación de sus hijos, incluidas las oportunidades de alfabetización y el desarrollo educativo relacionado.

Se puede obtener más información sobre el Programa 21st Century Community Learning Centers visitando el sitio web del Departamento de Educación de la Florida: http://www.fldoe.org/schools/family-community/activities-programs/21st-century-community-learning-center/program-summaries.stml

Las preguntas o aportes del público sobre el programa 21st CCLC y la propuesta de subsidio pueden dirigirse a Jackie Price, Directora de Subvenciones para Boys & Girls Clubs del Condado de Martin al (772) 545-1255.

As crisis expands, so does Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County food program, adding distribution sites and now feeding parents, too

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 19:06:41 GMT

What started as food relief strictly for children in need is now expanding to families and adding—for at least one week—new pick-up locations in south Martin County.

What’s new:

Since March 17 Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC) has provided free meals to children under age 18—regardless if they ever belonged to a club—at its four club locations (listed below).

Starting Monday, March 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. families are also welcome to pick up free, ready-to-eat meals.

“Many parents, grandparents, guardians and caregivers are telling us how grateful they are to know that their children can now consistently get something to eat—even if they personally have no idea where their next meal will come from,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, CEO of BGCMC. “We wanted to remedy this situation however possible and make sure their caregivers are able to at least get one meal a day.

“We plan on continuing this effort as long as we’re able,” he added.

Meals served:

As of Sunday, BGCMC had already served 5,300 meals. (Menu of items below.)

Additional help:

Feeding entire families isn’t the only way BGCMC is expanding its assistance. Monday through Friday, Martin County School District will roll out its summer feeding program, distributing a meal and snack from 9 a.m. to noon at Warfield Elementary in Indiantown, J.D. Parker Elementary in Stuart, Port Salerno Elementary and Hobe Sound Elementary.

To make it easier for any children in Hobe Sound unable to reach Hobe Sound Elementary (which for many means crossing U.S. 1), BGCMC is lending a helping hand. The nonprofit will transport meals from Hobe Sound Elementary and distribute them to children from 9 a.m. to noon at three Hobe Sound locations, including:

Banner Lake Club, 12212 SE Lantana Ave.
Hobe Sound Mobile Village, 11411 SE Federal Highway
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 8224 SE Pettway St.

Additional locations for evening meals:

BGCMC has been and will continue distributing dinners from 4 to 8 p.m. at its four club locations:

Cole-Clark Club, 11500 SE Lares Ave., Hobe Sound
Bill & Barbara Whitman Club, 17375 SW Palm Beach St., Indiantown
H. Wayne Huizenga Club, 1150 SW Martin Downs Blvd., Palm City
John & Marge Bolton Club, 4731 SE Flounder Ave., Stuart

In addition, each evening from 4 to 7 p.m., BGCMC will distribute meals from Hobe Sound Mobile Village and Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

Delivery to Hibiscus Children’s Center:

BGCMC will also deliver meals each evening to families staying at Hibiscus Children’s Center in Martin County, a shelter for children who’ve been abused, abandoned and neglected.

Scope of operations:

In summation, BGCMC is working from three distribution sites in the morning and its four clubs and two new Hobe Sound sites in the evening, as well as delivering to Hibiscus Children’s Center.

Longstanding need:

More than 85 percent of BGCMC’s nearly 2,000 members come from families who qualify for the Martin County School District’s free/reduced lunch program—twice the countywide average. Annually, BGCMC serves 100,000 meals.

“We know the need is there even during supposed good times,” says Fletcher, “so we had to move—and move quickly—to address the hunger during this crisis.”

Menu:

Breakfasts:

Monday - Wheat Chex / pears / (single serving) milk

Tuesday - Blueberry muffin / pineapple / ss milk

Wednesday - Multigrain Cheerios / applesauce / ss milk

Thursday - Banana muffin / mixed fruit / ss milk

Friday - Rice Chex / tropical fruit / ss milk

Lunches:

Monday - Turkey and swiss on wheat / potato salad / mandarin oranges

Tuesday - Chicken tenders / sweet potato cubes / tropical fruit

Wednesday - Chicken salad on wheat / spinach /tomato wedges / peaches

Thursday - Cheese lasagna with meat sauce / vegetable medley / roll / pears

Friday - Tuna sandwich on wheat / spinach / tomato wedges / mixed fruit

Dinners:

Monday - Chicken alfredo pasta / green peas / pineapple cup

Tuesday - Meatloaf / mashed sweet potato / roll / fruit cocktail

Wednesday - Fried chicken patty / green beans / cornbread / spinach salad

Thursday - Salisbury steak / broccoli / macaroni and cheese

Friday - Fish sticks / mixed vegetables / roll / mandarin oranges

Snacks:

Monday - Goldfish cheddar / 100% juice

Tuesday - Corn muffin / ss milk

Wednesday - Sun Chips original flavor / 100% juice

Thursday - Goldfish Grams / ss milk

Friday – Cheez-Its / 100% juice

Despite closing clubs, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County still providing free meals for any community children in need

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 19:11:29 GMT

MARTIN COUNTY—With precautions around COVID-19 prompting the temporary closure of its four clubs, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is unfortunately currently unable to provide its signature safe havens and positive mentorships for its nearly 2,000 club members.

But that hasn’t stopped it from providing its club members—as well as youth across the county—with free meals.

Starting immediately, the nonprofit organization is launching a food relief effort to minimize the stress and uncertainly further afflicting the vulnerable populations that comprise the bulk of its membership.

“Right now, there’s a shared sense of anxiousness about how the coronavirus impacts and response will continue interrupting daily life,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. “But when you live with hunger and uncertainly about where your next meal is coming from, the anxiousness never goes away. Sadly, that’s a reality for many of our members. They depend on the clubs for meals, and we’re not going to let them down—even and especially during this difficult situation.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County will provide free meals to children under age 18—whether they are club members or not—now through Sunday, March 22. Meals are available for pick up at the four club locations:

Cole-Clark Club, 11500 SE Lares Ave., Hobe Sound
Bill & Barbara Whitman Club, 17375 SW Palm Beach St., Indiantown
H. Wayne Huizenga Club, 1150 SW Martin Downs Blvd., Palm City
John & Marge Bolton Club, 4731 SE Flounder Ave., Stuart

Meals provided include dinner and a snack. Provisions can be picked up drive-through style outside the clubs from 4 to 7 p.m. through Sunday. Those receiving can accept the meals regardless if they arrive on foot, by bike or by car.

While 11 percent of Martin County residents reportedly qualify as food insecure, such numbers are particularly concentrated among the members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. More than 85 percent of the Clubs membership qualifies for the Martin County School District’s free/reduced meals program—nearly twice the average districtwide. Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County serves more than 100,000 free meals to members every year. Membership in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is free.

Additional support

Starting March 23 through March 27, the Martin County School District’s Food & Nutrition Services Department with open its Summer Meals Program, serving breakfast and lunch to children under age 18 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Locations include:

J.D. Parker Rockets, 1010 E. 10th St., Stuart
Port Salerno Elementary School, 3260 SE Lionel Terrace, Stuart
Warfield Elementary School, 15260 SW 150th Street, Indiantown

For individuals needing additional assistance, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County recommends contacting any of its nonprofit partners—House of Hope, The Salvation Army, Love and Hope in Action (LAHIA), Meals on Wheels, the Treasure Coast Food Bank or by dialing 211.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

For more than 29 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County has provided award-winning programs designed to guide and inspire young people ages 6-18 to learn, emphasizing citizenship and good character, academics and healthy lifestyles. Each of the four clubs enjoys strong partnerships with local schools and communities. Such cohesion ensures that Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs complement and enrich the curriculum our members learn in class as well as remain attuned to the challenges and opportunities they face on a day-to-day basis. The clubs offer opportunities for fun, fitness, S.T.E.A.M. activities and certified teacher work with club members on everything from tutoring and homework help to specialized courses that prepare them for careers in a variety of trades.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County closes doors March 16-27

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 19:13:34 GMT

Tracking with school district, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County closes doors March 16-27

MARTIN COUNTY—To help avoid any potential health risks associated with the new coronavirus known as COVID-19, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is closing Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27, 2020.

“At Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, the safety of the youth and families we serve is our highest and most significant responsibility,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, CEO. “But with a heightened awareness and growing concern about the respiratory illness caused by COVID-19, BGCMC is monitoring, planning, and preparing for public health risks that could affect the youth we serve, their families and our staff. That lead to the conclusion that temporarily closing our doors was the safest possible path.”

“We know this is an inconvenience for our youth and their families, particularly in making plans to accommodate work schedules,” Fletcher added. “We carefully weighed this decision and erred on the possibility that contracting the illness would create an even greater hardship on our youth and their families.”

More than 2,000 youth make up the membership at Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County’s four locations in Hobe Sound, Indiantown, Port Salerno and Palm City/Stuart. More than 85 percent of the Clubs membership qualifies for the Martin County School District’s free/reduced meals program—nearly twice the average districtwide. Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County serves more than 100,000 free meals to members every year. Membership in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is free.

Fletcher said the organization acted in “an abundance of caution and following the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, the Florida State Department of Health, and the example of our partners with the Martin County School District and neighboring school districts and Boys and Girls Clubs.”

The organization will continue working closely with local health and school officials and will provide updates in letters home, via email and on our social media, Fletcher said.

“We will assess the situation daily and react swiftly—and communicate comprehensively—to any new developments,” he added. “We appreciate the patience and appreciation of our youth and their families. Our Clubs are basically one big family, and as much as we love spending time together, unfortunately taking this time apart is the best thing to do. But we look forward to this event passing with as minimal impact as possible, and getting back to the enriching time we share.”

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

bgc_martin_county

Intent to apply to the Nita M. Lowey 211st Century Community Learning Centers

Songwriters & Storytellers 2026

Where Country Meets Compassion:

A Night for Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County!

Songwriters & Storytellers 2024 ﻿ Highlights

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please click the button below:

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Fletch's Perspective December 2025 - Friends & Neighbors of Martin County

Youth of the Year 2026

Join us Thursday, February 26, 2026!

To RSVP to the ceremony, please email specialevents@bgcmartin.org

YOUTH OF THE YEAR 2026

FINALISTS

Thank you to our incredible sponsors!

2025 Ceremony Highlights

Congratulations to Mildred C. of the Cole-Clark Club in Hobe Sound!

Ceremony Highlights

Tee Fore Two Golf Tournament 2026

Golf Tournament at Sailfish Point

Benefiting:

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Songwriters in the Round Returns Next Month - Stuart Magazine

Songwriters in the Round Returns Next Month

Lowe’s Foundation Grows Skilled Trades Career Opportunities Through Nearly $9 Million in Gable Grants to Community-Based and National Nonprofits

Songwriters in the Round 2025

Where Country Meets Compassion:

﻿ A Night for Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County!

Songwriters in the Round 2023 Highlights

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please click the button below:

Tee Fore Two Golf Tournament 2025

Golf Tournament at Sailfish Point

Benefiting:

Tee Fore Two 2024 Highlights

Youth of the Year 2025

YOUTH OF THE YEAR 2025

Congratulations to Mildred C. of the Cole-Clark Club in Hobe Sound!

Ceremony Highlights

YOUTH OF THE YEAR 2025

﻿ FINALISTS

Thank you to our incredible sponsors!

and Kathy Parsons

Click here, to see highlights from last year's ceremony!

Holidays to be ‘Merry & Bright’ for 3,000 Boys & Girls Club youth

Reaching New Heights: Annual Benefit 2025

Special Guest William Reeve

Annual Benefit 2025 Highlights

Our Sponsors:

The Rooney Family

In Memory of John Whitney Payson

The Payson Family

Mr. & Mrs. William

&

﻿ Solange Brown

Mr. & Mrs. John Sullivan Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. J. Tomilson Hill III

Mr. Kendrick R. Wilson III

﻿ &

Ms. Ann Jackson

Stuart Boys & Girls Club aims to help families for generations in sleek new building

Teens Earn Construction Industry Certificates

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Piper’s Landing Holds Golf Fundraiser for Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County - Sends Members to SeaWorld

Piper’s Landing Holds Golf Fundraiser for

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21st Century Community Learning Center Application Information

21st Century Community Learning Center Applications

To read the applications, please click the links below.

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Social Services Team

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A Night for Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County!

FINALISTS

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&

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

SOLD OUT!

Stay tuned for highlights from the event!

Fletch's Perspective