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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.

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.

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 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 .

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.

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.

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.

BGCMC Workforce Center PACT provides practical career path for many 

Piper’s Landing Holds Golf Fundraiser for  Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County