Home News Local news Boys and Girls Clubs Look to Strengthen Programs in V.I.

Boys and Girls Clubs Look to Strengthen Programs in V.I.

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Dec. 5, 2005 – James Hill, assistant city manager of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, is in the territory to conduct "Vision 2006," an assessment to address the most urgent needs of the organization's local clubs.
On Tuesday at the Caravelle Hotel, Hill and other local and national Boys and Girls Clubs representatives will conduct a brainstorming session to put in place a plan to improve the V.I, Boys and Girls Clubs.
The meeting will help the public better understand the operations of the clubs, Hill said. He said he hopes community input in the session will result in ways to enhance and improve the program and solicit additional support, including increasing volunteerism and to fill vacant staff and board positions.
The organization is presently conducting a national search for a local executive director. Nicole Trawick, the former V.I. executive director, resigned last month.
Joining Hill at the meeting will be Southeast Regional Director Lorraine Orr and Assistant Director Lucky Harris. Orr and Harris will be in the territory for two days and will conduct site visits to all three V.I. clubs. Representatives from the local clubs will also attend. There are two clubs on St. Croix and one club on St. Thomas. The clubs service 350 to 500 boys and girls annually according to Hill.
Hill said the most urgent need of the club is to identify methods of increasing cash flow. The main responsibility for fundraising falls on the board of directors, Hill said.
There are presently six members on the board. The board has consistently been losing members for the past two to three years, according to Hill. He said the board needs members who are able to contribute financially as well as plan events and give their time.
"Many people think the national organization provides funding but it doesn’t," Hill said. "The national organization provides staff and board-of-director training, materials to enhance programs and it sets the policies and procedures according to national standards."
Hill said he is optimistic about the V.I. clubs’ future.
"I see a lot of opportunity here," Hill said.
While in the territory, Hill is involving himself in community activities and organizations.
"You have to give to get back," he said.
Hill has been involved in the Boys and Girls Clubs for more than 30 years.
"I grew up in the Boys Club," Hill said. "My first job was as a camp counselor and I've held almost every job there is to have in the club."
Hill said the local clubs have good programs and dedicated staff and board members.
"We just need to keep up the intensity," Hill said.
Tuesday’s meeting is set for 9 a.m. and will continue until noon at the Caravelle Hotel meeting room. For more information about the meeting, call Hill at 778-8990.

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