The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley were awarded two awards at the 2016 Georgia Area Council & Alliance Meeting. Boys & Girls Clubs across Georgia were recognized for their excellence each year during the State Awards Dinner organized by the Georgia Area Council. During this year’s meeting, BGCCV were awarded in two categories: Character & Leadership Development and Overall Program.

The Georgia Area Council is commissioned by Boys & Girls Clubs of America to provide specific support, training, and secure funding for Boys & Girls Clubs operating in Georgia. Over 130 Boys & Girls Clubs around the state of Georgia participate in the Georgia Area Council & Alliance programming this year. A total of six winners were announced for various programs. In order to be considered as a candidate, a needs assessment, program description, program impact and overall presentations is met.

THE Club-Teen Center was selected as the state winner in the Character & Leadership Development category for its “It Takes a Village” program. The program is designed to provide teen Club members with the understanding of the importance of community service work and how the experiences they attain can make a difference to others and their community. The program participants met 2-3 times a week to fulfil targeted community obligations such as mentor/mentee relationships, Help the Hooch, Georgia Special Olympics, weekly visits to Muscogee Manor Nursing Home, and the Stuff the Bus campaign. As a result, attendance in organizations like Keystone and Torch Club were increased, parent surveys displayed the positive impact of the program and conduct reports reported on school’s report cards were positive.

The Overall Program Award was awarded to the East Club for their Empowered Youth of Columbus program. This program was designed to support Club members in academic, arts & cultural enrichment and resource areas. The academic support is able to provide a certified teacher to create the ultimate club experience to Club members. While providing a teaching artist, the art & cultural enrichment support is created to expose Club members to all aspects of art. Lastly, with resource support, EYC has provided BGCCV with an opportunity to offer tangible materials to Club members and able to enhance overall programming. As a result, 59% of participants increased a full letter grade in math, 62% increased a letter grade in reading, and 79% have improved their behavior in class.