The first part of May, leadership from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County attended the Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Conference.  The annual conference welcomed over 2,800 Club professionals, board volunteers and members in Chicago for networking, professional development and inspiration to support the work being done in over 4,300 Clubs.

During the conference we heard from phenomenal keynote speakers like Jim Clark, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, John Quiñones, host of ABC’s What Would You Do and Magic Johnson, Boys & Girls Club Alumni and retired NBA star.  We also heard from National Boys & Girls Club spokesperson Denzel Washington.

I am unsure if it was the timing of Denzel Washington’s message or the messenger himself, but something he said really resonated with me and I have been pondering it since.  During his keynote he shared “to whom much is given, much is expected.”

Since returning from conference, I have reflected on those eight words, “to whom much is given, much is expected,” and the difficulties of the past two years.  I have thought about our community’s amazing response to the Club’s needs, both financially and programmatically.  I have thought about the kids in our community and doing Whatever It Takes for the success of every child.  I have pondered our staff – morale, recruitment, retention and more.  The phrase lit a spark and I have thought about YOU, our strongest investors.

You! You have given much to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County in the form of funds, time, advocacy and most importantly, trust.  For over 50 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs has been the leading place for kids in Billings, providing safety, stability, engaging activities, role models, and a meal program.  And YOU helped position us to be able to continue to respond to the growing needs of the kids.

In 2021 of our local registered Club members:

• 59% qualified for the Federal free and reduced lunch program
• 26% were living in poverty
• 43% lived in single parent households

As a Club investor and friend, YOU, have given the Club much and undoubtedly expect much in return.  I want to assure you that our leadership team is committed to:

• Growing our mental and emotional health programming – not just for kids, but for families and staff too;
• Enhancing our strategic plan to ensure we are positioned to respond to future needs; and
• Ensuring we are good stewards of the funds, time and advocacy you have entrusted with us.

Thank you for being on our team and for being a treasured friend.  Please continue to challenge our organization with your expectations and support.  It is your valued gifts that are shaping the lives of kids in our community and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County.