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

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.