Around 1,750 Clubs received funding through the U.S. Office of Justice Program's (OJP) 2011-2012 mentoring grants. Each funded Club connected Club youth with mentors who, through a supportive and caring relationship, help them toward improved outcomes such as better school performance or attendance, healthier life choices, decreased involvement in the juvenile justice system, or enhanced family relations.
Through music, Greg McGhee connects with Club members from the Boys & Girls Club of The Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Atmore, Alabama.
Greg McGhee is a tribal member, youth counselor, and mentor at the Boys & Girls Club of The Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Atmore, Ala. Greg is also a drumming instructor who teaches drumming to five Club members in the mentoring program. The young men Greg mentors enjoy learning about their culture at the same time they’re learning about drumming. They also enjoy the company and have a good time when they get together, which enhances the “fun” element of their Boys & Girls Club experience.
Linda Wiltse is BGCA's vice president of Program & Youth Development Services.
Greg became involved with drumming when he was a child. He always loved the sounds of drumming at the local powwow. When he got older, he joined the powwow club and began to drum. He enjoys teaching drumming because of the tradition and values behind it. He wants youth to know their heritage and feels one of the best ways to learn is through drumming, which gives them a life-long connection to their culture.
