The national head of the Boys and Girls Clubs is praising the work done by clubs in Greenwood and surrounding cities.
Jim Clark, president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, attended a 10th anniversary celebration of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta Thursday evening at The Alluvian.
“When I step back and look back at what’s going on here, it’s awesome. These kids are getting something they wouldn’t get otherwise,” said Clark, who became CEO in January after leading the clubs in Milwaukee for eight years.
Clark said often the only consistency in some needy children’s lives is at the Boys and Girls Club, where they can find a mentor, coach and guidance counselor. According to surveys, 57 percent of Boys and Girls Club alumni said their lives were saved by their participation, he said.
About 2,300 children attend the eight clubs in the Delta during the year, and 600 more go during the summer. Locations include the club on Carrollton Avenue in Greenwood and at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena.
Jeremy Deming, chief professional officer of the Delta clubs, said they are often the only place where children are introduced to fine arts and other creative programs.
They hook children with games but then transition them to learning, he said.
The 10th anniversary celebration included a silent auction and live music by the Firm. Viking Range Corp. and Wade Inc. sponsored the event.
• Contact Charlie Smith at 581-7235 or csmith@gwcommonwealth.com.
