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

Fletch's Perspective

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.