Greetings!  After twelve years as the executive director of this wonderful organization, I am moving on and starting a new chapter at another local nonprofit. Thanks to your support, we weathered Covid and are putting the 2019 pre-pandemic pieces back together. We should all be grateful and proud of this achievement. On behalf of the Board, I am happy to report that we have already found a new Executive Director. Mrs. Lisa Bell is a devoted leader and education professional and most recently served as principal of St. Helen Catholic School in Vero Beach, a position she’s held since 2018.  She brings over 30 years of experience of social work and increasing responsibilities in school districts in California, Oklahoma and most recently in Vero Beach. She’s been in the Principal position for 17 years and brings a wealth of experience in organizational leadership, change management, fundraising and is dedicated to improving the lives and outcomes of children.   Lisa’s background and experience make her a natural fit to lead this organization. Let’s wish her well. For the kids, Elizabeth Elizabeth Thomason Executive Director Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County

WELCOME LISA BELL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Boys and Girls Clubs of Indian River

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEARS COUNTY YOUTH OF THE YEAR WINNERS!

Lizeth, 7th Grade Jr Youth of the Year Winner Lizeth is 12 years old and in 7th grade. She loves all animals and her dream is to go to college to become a vet. She was excited to partake in the Jr. Youth of the Year competition for the 2nd year in a row because she wants to show the world that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. It doesn’t matter what age you are or your background. Two things she loves most about being a Member at BGC are the friendships she has made and the support from the staff. Emmanuel, 12th Grade Youth of the Year Winner Emmanuel is 17 years old and a senior in high school. His goal after high school is to get a degree in education or another field that helps other people. He decided to participate in the Youth of the Year competition so that he can tell others about how the Boys & Girls Club has helped him become the person he is today. He loves being a member of BGC because he says it feels like he is part of one big family. Some of his favorite things while attending BGC are his volunteering experiences and all of the fun activities and trips.

We would like to congratulate all of our participants this year! Everyone worked so hard and we are so proud of each of them. This Years Youth of the Year ceremony was conducted virtually and streamed LIVE so that all three of our clubs could be present while we announced the winners.

AROUND THE CLUBS

Kids at our Sebastian Club let their creative sides show and created paper plate presidents to celebrate Presidents Day yesterday. They cut, colored and created wonderful works of art to celebrate this important day.

Our Fellsmere Club kids were invited to help paint the new Fellsmere Fridge in anticipation of the ribbon cutting which was held on February 26th. The Fellsmere Fridge is a community effort to help eliminate food waste by sharing good quality food. Thank you to Fellsmere Elementary for inviting us!

In honor of Black History Month, our Vero Beach Club pre-teens did a project called "If Black History had an Instagram". They created mock Instagram pages for influential black icons and leaders. We are proud to celebrate Black History Month and recognize the past contributions of Black people, as well as the future Black leaders, innovators, artists and advocates we see everyday at our Clubs.

Our 8th Annual Recognition Dinner was held on Thursday, March 31st at the IRSC Richardson Center. This event celebrates our Youth of the Year & Jr. Youth of the Year winners and participants, club member awards, BGC volunteers and club tutors. It was a wonderful evening celebrating with members, their families, our judges and staff.

WHAT'S UP IN SPORTS

The Boys and Girls Club held the All Star Championship Game between the Magic and the Heat. While both teams played extremely hard the game came down to an overtime win for the Magic. We are so proud of these kids for their sportsmanship and dedication to the game for the entire season. They are all winners at BGC !

TEEN CORNER

Teens from all three clubs were invited to participate in the 2022 Gardenfest organized by the Vero Beach Garden Club. They helped attendees carry newly purchased plant to their cars.

The Torch Club is a program for members ages 11-13 that teaches leadership skills and focuses on volunteer opportunities in the community. The Keystone Club is a BGC program that encourages teen members ages 14-18 to become leaders through civic engagement and projects.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Our Teens had the opportunity to tour Vero Beach City Hall on Friday, January 28th. The Mayor of Vero Beach, city clerk, the Vero Beach police department and the city attorney spoke with the kids about city government. At the end, they had a mock meeting with citizens in attendance. Team Success and Chick-fil-a treated the kids to dinner afterwards. Thank you to our community leaders for having us!

Summer Programs for the kids begin at all 3 clubs on June 6th and run through August 5th. 

The 20th Annual Boys & Girls Club Golf Tournaments will be held on November 7th and November 14th. Save the Date! More information to come

We appreciate your support! The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

DONATE Your support helps fund after-school programs and educational services to the youth of Indian River County. When each child steps foot into the Boys & Girls Club, they are in a safe and positive environment where they are given the resources to realize their full potential. Every donation helps us build a stronger community together. ‌ ‌ ‌