National award for Boys & Girls Clubs of Waynesboro, Staunton & Augusta County
WAYNESBORO — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Waynesboro, Staunton & Augusta County recently received a HERO of Youth award from the national Boys & Girls Clubs of America for their advocacy on behalf of Virginia's youth.
“Clubs like ours have a unique role as community leaders in providing valuable after school programs to our country’s youth that enable them to achieve great futures,” Leslie Lusk, the local group’s community engagement director, said in a release “We are wholly committed to raising the visibility of the needs of our community youth, especially the ones who need us most, and show what we can accomplish with the support of our elected officials and our community.”
There are two locations for local club, one in Waynesboro on East Main Street and the second on West Johnson Street in Staunton at the Booker T. Washington Community Center.
COVID-19 forced Boys & Girls Clubs to address new sets of challenges facing youth. Clubs across the nation provided vital services along with a calming, steady presence for struggling families and communities, the release said.
During this crisis, Boys & Girls Clubs partnered with public officials to help meet the larger needs of communities such as providing childcare for health care professionals and other essential workers, meals, and virtual learning to fill educational gaps, according to the release.
“Because of the steadfast advocacy of leaders like Boys & Girls Club of Waynesboro, Staunton & Augusta County, our nation’s youth have access to skills and experiences that can put them on the path to great futures,” CEO & President of Boys & Girls Clubs of America Jim Clark said in the release. “These successes aren’t possible without a strong partnership with elected officials at the local, state and federal levels. I commend the Boys & Girls Club of Waynesboro, Staunton & Augusta County for their tireless work on behalf of their community’s youth and congratulate them on this much-deserved recognition.”
The rates after school range from $10 to $30 a week based on family income. The Club provides services from right after school until 7 p.m. In Waynesboro, vans run to the elementary schools and middle school students come via bus. In Staunton, school buses take the kids to the Club.
“Boys & Girls Clubs champion opportunities for all youth, equipping young people with the experiences and tools they need to succeed,” Debra Freeman-Belle, executive director & CEO, said in the release. “Our advocacy isn’t just a one-day event. We are raising our voices every single day, to ensure top issues and solutions impacting young people are prioritized in our community, our state and at the national level.”
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— Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education reporter. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: National award for Boys & Girls Clubs of Waynesboro, Staunton & Augusta County
