Page 173 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2016

character and responsible citizenship. “Our core business is kids and making sure they have what they need to succeed,” Scott said. “We have support from the national organization and solid board members helping us be successful.”
With 18 years experience with clubs, Scott came to Mississippi from the Middle Tennessee Boys & Girls Clubs in Nashville. “We are stable here and have a $2 million annual budget, more than 200 volunteers and 60 board members representing all units,” she said.
Scott says the formula of matching adults with kids works well for the Boys & Girls Clubs. “Getting the right people in place and not just arbitrarily going out and doing things, but doing them with a plan is what makes it work,” she said.
She praises the boys and girls who come to the clubs and participate every day in addition to going to school and being on sports teams. “They’re submitting more time to adult leadership — that’s very telling of them,” she added. “We’re helping produce good citizens, and career guidance is the key thing.”
The Youth of the Year is a highlight of the year’s activities and is always announced at the Steak & Stake Dinner. “This honor speaks to our best work,” Scott said. “The youth start competing inside their clubs. They write essays, must complete 200 hours of community service and have other criteria they have to meet. The local winner goes on to the state, regional and national competitions.”
The junior staff program is also popular. Twelve boys and girls are hired as junior staff members in the summer. “They are given real work experience. We want them to be ready for college, jobs or to join the military,” Scott said.
Looking ahead, the organization announces its Next 50 Years Impact Plan, which begins with a mission statement, “Our vision is to provide a world-class club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors.”
The first goal is to increase the impact by building strategic partnerships, growing the teen population and enhancing summer learning and
STEM experience. Goal number two
is to measure outcomes by tracking and collecting data consistently and credibly, developing and training
staff to maintain standards, and using evidence to create and communicate. The third goal is for more branding and fundraising capacity by increasing revenue, recruiting and developing board members, and increasing giving from alumni and friends. The budget includes contributions, grants special events and membership.
228.896.3770 www.bgcgulfcoast.org
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August 2016 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 173