To best serve our community's kids, we also have to serve their families. That's why all three of our clubs hold family engagement events to help parents and guardians reinforce what members are learning at their club.
On November 18, the Morgan County Club held its traditional Thanksgiving Dinner for members and their families.
"Opportunities to come together to celebrate family and friends are often missed in this busy world," said Morgan County Assistant Unit Director Shelly Fischer. "We feel it's a blessing to create and share these special moments with our youth and to connect a community of people who support our kids."
Fischer notes that when times get tough, many youth may feel like they have no where to turn, but the Club members know that's not true. Staff aren't just available to help with homework and to teach life skills but also to provide a sanctuary from the storm many young people face. Whether they are living with a family that doesn't have enough food or one that is suffering with loss or separation, the Boys & Girls Club staff members are available to support young people and their families.
"Many wayward teens in need of unconditional love and guidance have sought out staff for a shoulder to lean on," said Fischer. "These are the moments that truly drive our staff to be present for our youth. The Boys & Girls Club will always be there with doors and arms open wide. Our family means everything to us."
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As we say goodbye to 2022 and look forward to 2023, I cannot express my appreciation enough to our friends, partners, and donors whose support provides the resources our staff needs to help our youth build great futures.
During this past year, we have increased our capacity by continuing to build a strong administrative team that is now housed at the Cox Hollida and Young building in Martinsburg. These professionals have one goal: to ensure the Boys & Girls Club continues to grow and adapt so we can make the greatest impact on the lives of our members and their families.
That goal means we will do our best to accomplish the following in 2023:
- Continue to improve our facilities to meet the changing needs of our members while ensure their safety is a top priority;
- Provide ongoing training for all of our staff so they are equipped with the latest strategies to assist the youth we serve;
- Address the long-term impact that the pandemic had on our kids, their behavior, their learning and their mental health;
- Build systems that help us stay connected to our donors and friends.
- Increase the number of kids we serve by strengthening our partnerships with the schools and other nonprofit organizations.
We are confident that 2023 will be a great year for the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle, and we wish the same for you.
Stacie Rohn, CEO
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The Spirit of Christmas Giving |
For the second year in a row, the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle coordinated Christmas assistance for some of our families who are struggling financially.
Thirty sponsors, including businesses and individuals, helped 40 families in Berkeley, Morgan and Jefferson counties with a total of 95 children. Donors wrapped all of the gifts and put the child's name on each one. The gifts were given anonymously so the parent or caregiver could be the hero.
The Christmas giving wasn't just limited to presents. A couple of families received Christmas trees and all of the trimmings.
The parents are very grateful for the help. Many times the families have to choose whether to pay a bill or buy a Christmas present for their child. The support of the community helps provide a great Christmas that otherwise not happen. The Boys & Girls Club appreciates everyone who made it happen!
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Recycle Your Christmas Tree and Give Back to Us! |
Apple Valley Waste is offering a by appointment voluntary curbside collection of Christmas trees in January that will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle. The cost for pickup service is $25.00 per tree, and Apple Valley Waste will donate 50% of the proceeds to us!. Berkeley County residents who would like the pickup service must call Apple Valley Waste at 304-724-1834 or 877-267-1280 during business hours to schedule the pickup. Apple Valley Waste will recycle the trees at the Grapevine Road Recycling Center. Appointments can be made starting Tuesday, December 27, through Friday, January 13, 2022.
To qualify, each Christmas tree must be organic and have all lights, ornaments, tinsel, wire, stands and all other forms of decoration removed. Each tree will be inspected by the recycling center staff prior to acceptance. Christmas tree vendors with excess stock are encouraged to participate in the free drop off program.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact the Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority:
BCSWA Office: 304-267-9370
Grapevine Recycling Center: 304-671-2979
South Berkeley Recycling Center: 304-671-2925
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A Loss Leads To a Big Win |
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Earlier this fall, friends Chris Ross, of the Milestone Real Estate Group, and Byron Reed, of Integrity Home Mortgage, made a bet about who would win the October 16 NFL game between the New England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns.
Ross, who is a Patriots fan, and Reed, who is a Browns fan, were each confident that their team would win. They were so sure, in fact, that they agreed that the fan of the losing team would donate $100.00 to his favorite charity and wear the jersey of the winning team.
Since the Patriots beat the Browns 38 -15, Reed not only made a donation to the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle but also showed up at the Martinsburg Club wearing a Randy Moss jersey from the time he played with the New England Patriots.
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While they couldn't agree on their favorite football team, both men agreed that that Boys & Girls Club is a great cause and they were happy to support us.
Jamie Jordan of Jordan Flooring joined in the fun by donating $100.00 as well.
While accepting their donations, CEO Stacie Rohn said, " You are both winners to us, and the biggest winners of all are our kids who will benefit from this donation."
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The Boys & Girls Club provides activities that address five key areas to help young people develop the skills they need to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Our staff members always find creative ways to engage our kids in each programmatic area. |
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Education and Career Development
November was National Entrepreneur Month, and the Jefferson County Club engaged in a youth version of Shark Tank called Tadpole Tank. The participants developed a product and a marketing plan while their peers served as judges.
Throughout the year, our club members have practiced public speaking, met various professionals in the community, and done STEM activities. This included learning about bridge building, water filtration, artbots, circuits for lightbulbs, and even learned the science behind cotton candy. Our club members even build marshmallow catapults!
Most importantly, the Boys & Girls Club afterschool program always has a block of time specifically for homework help.
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Character and Leadership Development
The Boys & Girls Club has two community service clubs: the Keystone Club for high school students and the Torch Club for middle school students for members to identify and participate in community service activities. In addition to the service clubs, all of our members have opportunities to participate in community service activities, such as food drives and fundraisers.
In November, they learned about democracy by participating in mock elections to decide their favorite fast food. Members also got to meet some of our community leaders, such as the Mayor of Martinsburg, Veterans, Members of the Air Guard, and more.
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Health & Life Skills
The Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle uses the Positive Action curriculum to help our youth develop self-management skills and to encourage responsible decision making.
One the most important issues we focus on is providing opportunities to address mental health. For example, our members made turkeys, and each feather was something for which they were grateful. On another day, they participated in an art activity focused on forgiveness.
To encourage good nutrition, we make sure they receive healthy snacks and meals while at the Club!
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The Arts
We love to be creative, and our staff are always coming up with opportunities for our youth to express themselves.
This year, members made tie-dyed shirts, bookmarks and even their own playdough! They made Christmas tree decorations and the Martinsburg Club members participated in a contest to design our Christmas cards. We also look forward to getting our photography club active again once we finish renovations of our photo lab.
We make sure we have plenty of art supplies on hand so they always have the opportunity to use their imaginations.
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Sports, Fitness, and Recreation
From a pick up game of kickball to playing basketball or ping pong to trying balloon volleyball, our kids are always on the move. When the weather is bad, members have even participated in an innovative game of indoor hockey.
The Triple Play curriculum encourages healthy behaviors by providing engaging and fun activities in which they can engage with each other while having lots of fun.
Staff also ensure there are always board games, cards, and puzzles for kids to do during more quiet times.
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The Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle relies on donors to help us keep our doors open. Thankfully, there are so many ways to give. From making a direct donation, to using Amazon Smile, to signing up for Round Up, we hope you think of us this holiday season. |
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Our Mission: To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
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