Boys & Girls Clubs of Frederick County Honored with Hero for Youth Award

Recognition of Youth Advocacy

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Frederick County (BGCFC) has recently been awarded the Hero for Youth Award by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, underscoring its profound commitment to advocating for today's youth in Maryland. This recognition not only honors the club's significant contributions to youth development but also highlights its leadership role within the community.

Advocacy at the Core

Corinne Farneti, PhD, the Chair of the BGCFC Board, spoke passionately about the club's mission, stating, “Clubs like ours have a unique role as community leaders in providing valuable afterschool programs to our country's youth that enable them to achieve great futures.” This commitment extends beyond just providing services; it emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the needs of young people, particularly those facing significant challenges.

Each year, BGC Frederick County takes part in a legislative breakfast that brings together various stakeholders under the Boys & Girls Clubs banner to discuss critical issues affecting youth. This year, Timika Thrasher, the CEO of BGCFC, played a pivotal role as the emcee, leading conversations that would shape local policy decisions for the betterment of the community's youth.

Community Engagement

The club actively collaborates with elected officials, inviting them to participate in major events such as Badges for Baseball, Blue Bubbly, and the MLK Day of Service. Notably, their recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Tech Lab attracted significant attention, providing an opportunity for local leaders, including Frederick County's Mayor Michael O'Connor, to engage with the club’s initiatives directly.

Innovations in Advocacy

Boys & Girls Clubs of America has established the Club Advocacy Engagement Recognition Program, which categorizes clubs based on their advocacy efforts into three tiers: Clubs Advocate, Hero, and Champion. BGCFC's recent achievement places them among the upper ranks, reflecting their focus on impactful engagements, creativity, and innovation in advocacy.

Timika Thrasher emphasized, “Boys & Girls Clubs champion opportunities for all youth, equipping young people with the experiences and tools they need to succeed.” She further elaborated that advocacy is not merely a singular event; rather, it’s a continual effort to prioritize the issues confronting the youth both locally and nationally.

A Commitment to All

BGCFC stands as a vital organization dedicated to developing the potential of young people from all walks of life. With a mission to ensure that every young individual, especially those in need, can reach their full potential as responsible citizens, the club welcomes youth from diverse backgrounds and never turns away a child due to financial constraints. Remarkably, 56% of those they serve receive scholarships, enabling greater access to their valuable programs.

Conclusion

In summary, the recognition of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Frederick County with the Hero for Youth award underscores their essential role in scouting for the best interest of the youth in their community. Their ongoing commitment to raise awareness, engage in advocacy, and provide opportunities for young people demonstrates a model of excellence in community service. Individuals interested in learning more about BGCFC’s initiatives are encouraged to visit their website at bgcfrederick.org for more comprehensive information.