From a few early recreation activities and homework help, the Club has expanded its programs to include everything from peer resistance training to computer technology. Club members, ages 6-18, can participate in sports leagues and competitions, educational activities, arts and crafts, leadership clubs, and more. When academic needs are an issue, the Club works with local teachers to provide tutoring services. Community service is emphasized through a number of activities, ranging from trail building in Pleasants County Parks to special Club-Community CARE events.
Grants have been an invaluable source of funding for the Boys & Girls Club of Pleasants County. OJP grants, through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, provide some operational support. Pleasants County Schools suppports Club members as well as other students participating in after hours tutoring, sports or music with an activity bus in the early evening. Additional grant funds from multiple sources are sought to support varied programs and groups like RAZE, the teen tobacco advocacy groups, SMART Moves, drug and alcohol resistance training and Family PLUS, family involvement and engagement programming.
The Teen Center, established as a separate unit of the Club in 2004, offers year-round opportunities for members ages 13 and older. Located in the basement of the Jim Spence Center, the Teen Center is the place where teens come to meet with friends, get involved in projects or groups, play games, or just hang out.
Teens have always been active leaders in the Club. They help with the Adopt-a-Highway community service project, work at the high school basketball, baseball and community pool concession stands, tutor and mentor younger members, and support other Club activities. In the eight years that the Club has participated, six of our teen Club members have been chosen as the West Virginia Youth of the Year. These outstanding youth have been Matt Parsons, 2003; Charity Drake, 2004; Rosie Dillon, 2005; and Salik Rashid, 2006, Danny Fleegle, 2007; Lacey Templeton, 2008; Alex Zacarias, 2009; Michael Edman, 2010.
The Boys & Girls Club of Pleasants County has had a tremendous impact on the community we serve. Great Futures Start Here in Pleasants County.
