October 2015:
Great Futures Update

News from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, Great Futures Start Here!
In This Issue
United Way Day of Caring
Sign-up for Monthly Giving
Etiquette Class
New Keystone Club Teen Center!
Order your Toy Bash Tickets!
Flag Football League
BCBS_UnitedWayDayofCaring
United Way Day of Caring 

Nothing is more refreshing than special philanthropic partners in the community who take the time to care and make a difference. Our community friends at the Memphis office of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee are extra special and they know how to do it up right.
This year, on September 11th, a team of 8 BCBSTN employees reported for duty at the Oakhaven Boys & Girls Club. They came prepared to assist us with some much needed hands on chores. Strength was presented through their good deeds as we cleaned out the storage room, removed the last remnants of summer garden vegetation, and finally we went to the new playground and performed the 2 month maintenance routine check-up.
The irony of this day was that BCBSTN supported the financial resources to build the KABOOM! Playground earlier this year in March. It is amazing to share these special moments with our friends and to share a time of reunion, truly showing the impact of volunteers in our midst.
September 11th will always have a significant meaning in our local cities and the United Way Day of Caring perpetuates the meaning of service. We are thankful and grateful for the United Way in our community and for their willingness to be the difference for the sake of millions of constituents, young and old, simple and bold! No task is unreachable when we work together!

Thank you United Way and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee as well as other companies such as FSNB Bank who volunteered at our Sycamore View Club! 

Celebrate Every Month with a Recurring Donation!



Etiquette Class at the JuicePlus+ Technical Training Center

The JuicePlus+ Technical Training Center (TTC) had the privilege of hosting a dining etiquette training featuring Ms. Avery Johnson, CEO/Founder of The Southern Academy of Etiquette. When asked why she started The Southern Academy of Etiquette, Ms. Johnson said, "In my background as a business educator, I noticed there was a huge gap between academics and social skills. Students basically lacked soft skills, which are a MUST when it comes to getting a job, networking, and overall success. As a result, I decided to launch my business to fulfill the need. I have always had a passion for etiquette ever since my mom enrolled me in etiquette classes as a child." Ms. Johnson volunteered to share the art of dining and the importance of good manners with over 40 students at the TTC and showed them how to properly dine Continental style and American style. The Garden to Groceries catering team prepared a delicious 4 course meal for the occasion!

Ms. Johnson told students why dining etiquette is so important even in today's society explaining, "The majority of our interactions with people are centered around dining of some sort. Therefore, being prepared for any social situation builds confidence and allows you to remain in control. Dining interviews have also become more popular, so being able to sell yourself not only means getting through the interview, but having dining etiquette skills." Students enjoyed the workshop immensely. Tierney, a senior, stated that "Dining etiquette will help me if I have a meeting or a dinner with my supervisor or potential employer. It is important to know how to eat and speak properly." Thank you so much for sharing your time and expertise with our students, Ms. Avery Johnson. This training will inevitably help our students in their journeys to career success!


BGCM legend, Sidney Boyd, inducted into Hall of Fame
Sidney began his career with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis as a part time staff leader at the Goodwill Boys Club. After graduating from college he began working as a school teacher and continued to work part time at the Boys & Girls Club until a full time position opened up. While at the Goodwill Boys Club Sidney's team won four National Awards for Program Excellence. His metrics led him to be chosen to open a new Boys & Girls Club facility in his South Memphis neighborhood. Sidney later went on to be the first Director of Operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs in Montgomery and continued success as Director of Training & Professional Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Southeast Region. His role has expanded to include BGCA's Southwest Region. 

New Keystone Club Teen Center at our Buckman Club 

New Keystone Club Teen Center at our Buckman Club. Thank you Aaron's, Inc! 

Aaron's, Inc. teamed up with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and remodeled our Keystone Club Teen Center at the Buckman Club. The makeover, which includes new technology, furniture, and fresh coats of paint, took 35 Aaron's volunteers only one day to complete! 

Keystone is a program for our 14-18 year old members which helps teens develop their character and leadership skills in hopes of helping them reach their potential and creating positive change in the community. Keystone Club teen centers provide members an environment to plan and participate in activities that focus on community service, academic success, career preparation and teen outreach. 

Based on input from Club members, Aaron's associates and BGCA members went to work painting, decorating and furnishing the Club. The teens designed the space to include study, lounge and game areas, and requested bright, special Sherwin Williams™ paint colors."It's incredible to see the dramatic transformation of our Keystone Club from just a few days ago," said Ron Nelson, Director of John Dustin Buckman Branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis. "Our partnership with Aaron's has given the community not only an improved and updated space for teens, but also a demonstration of Aaron's corporate commitment to giving back to the community."

Aaron's hopes its partnership with BGCA's Keystone Program inspires teens to "Own It" by taking ownership of their choices to build the lives they deserve.

To see more photos of the Keystone Club remodel, visit our Facebook album.

Don't miss out on the Holiday Party of the season! Purchase your Toy Bash Tickets Today to join us on December 4th! 

   
Flag Football Fun!

Oakhaven flag football_2015

Our Flag Football League, sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings, is in full force this October. Our six Clubs compete against one another every Tuesday and Thursday evening at our Bernal E. Smith & Buckman Clubs. The League is for 10-12 year olds and 13-15. 

Flag Football is more than just a game - it promotes a positive self-image, encourages healthy, active lifestyles, and builds strong character. Youth experience the joy of belonging to a team while learning sportsmanship, teamwork and social skills.

The Championship Game will take place on Saturday, October 24th, we cannot wait to share who takes the title home! 

Paulo's award
Paulo and Priscilla Teixeira
Congratulations to our Board Member 
Paulo  L. Teixeira for being honored at the
2015 Tennessee Area Council!
 
Paulo received the prestigious 2015 C.A.R.E Award which stands for Children Are Reason for Excellence. As a direct result of Paulo's commitment and dedication to our organization and specifically the Juice Plus+ Technical Training Center, hundreds of Memphis teens have been mentored, trained and are now employed. The TTC boast a 100% placement rate. Paulo's goal was to provide technical training for members ages 16 - 21 who may not be college bound and are seeking full-time long-term careers when they graduate high school. The TTC also provides part-time employment for 16 - 18 year olds and a stipend for all trainees to encourage them to stay in school and the club while successfully completing the training. The TTC partners with industries, advance training programs, and educational institutions that provide full-time long-term career employment opportunities for high school graduates at the completion of their technical training. The program won the 2015 National Merit Award.