Last week, I had the honor to attend the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke's 125th anniversary celebration. They are one of the original 53 Boys Clubs to band together in 1892 to form our national organization. It was a tremendously inspiring and emotional evening that illustrated the progress this organization, and this Movement, has realized over two centuries.
Under the leadership of President Eileen Cavanaugh and Board Chair James Sullivan, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke serves nearly 3,900 youth at five Western Massachusetts locations, including several in public housing. They're a community fixture and a “go to” when it comes to creating great experiences for the kids who need us most in Holyoke. As in many cities, the challenges are great. But so are their plans to change the dynamic and level the playing field for local youth.
Prior to the celebration, I hosted a town hall-style focus group of local Club organizations attended by numerous Club professionals and volunteers. We enjoyed an enlightening discussion about the Great Futures 2025 Strategic Plan, as well as BGCA membership safety requirements. Needless to say, this group of Clubs is dedicated and committed to creating great experiences for youth and improving their communities.
And in upstate New York, Executive Director Justin Reuter and his team at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany are also celebrating 125 years as this week as a founding member of our national organization. Please join me in congratulating Eileen and Justin, their volunteers, staff and communities on these important milestone anniversaries.
Under the leadership of President Eileen Cavanaugh and Board Chair James Sullivan, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke serves nearly 3,900 youth at five Western Massachusetts locations, including several in public housing. They're a community fixture and a “go to” when it comes to creating great experiences for the kids who need us most in Holyoke. As in many cities, the challenges are great. But so are their plans to change the dynamic and level the playing field for local youth.
Prior to the celebration, I hosted a town hall-style focus group of local Club organizations attended by numerous Club professionals and volunteers. We enjoyed an enlightening discussion about the Great Futures 2025 Strategic Plan, as well as BGCA membership safety requirements. Needless to say, this group of Clubs is dedicated and committed to creating great experiences for youth and improving their communities.
And in upstate New York, Executive Director Justin Reuter and his team at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany are also celebrating 125 years as this week as a founding member of our national organization. Please join me in congratulating Eileen and Justin, their volunteers, staff and communities on these important milestone anniversaries.