Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme volunteers and staff show off one of the club’s Merit Awards at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America 106th National Conference. Pictured left to right are BGCOP board member Michele Pettes, BGCA Senior Vice President Judith A. Pickens, BGCOP board member Tony Volante, Chief Professional Officer Tim Blaylock, Youth Development Specialist Sara Richardson, Director of Program Services Erin Atrim, Athletic Director Tom Barber, and board members Richard Duarte and Nancy Mayerson. Courtesy photo.
OXNARD — The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme (BGCOP) recently received two prestigious Merit Awards for Program Excellence from Judith J. Pickens, senior vice president, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the organization reported in a media release. BGCOP won a Merit Award for Character and Leadership Development and one for Sports, Fitness and Recreation. The awards were presented during the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 106th National Conference in San Diego, Calif.
Merit Awards for Program Excellence, sponsored by MetLife Foundation, are presented annually for outstanding programs developed and implemented in Boys & Girls Clubs across the country to lead youth to a great future. Each recognition comes with a $2,000 award. Hundreds of entries are submitted annually in the five core program areas: character and leadership development; education and career development; health and life skills; the arts; and sports, fitness and recreation.
“There were submissions from Boys & Girls Clubs across the country and only 10 Merit Awards were handed out,” Tim Blaylock, BGCOP chief professional officer, stated in the releaes. “So to win in two categories is phenomenal. It truly is a testament to our club and our staff.”
By involving parents, volunteers, educators and the business community, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme helps youth reach their full potential through a positive environment, lifelong learning and programs dedicated to the arts, education, character and leadership development, health and recreation. Programs are based on physical, emotional, cultural and social needs, and are designed to expand participants’ areas of interest. For more information, visit www.positiveplace4kids.org
About MetLife Foundation
MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLife’s longstanding tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Through programs that focus on empowering older adults, preparing young people and building livable communities, MetLife Foundation help increase access and opportunities for people of all ages. Since its founding, MetLife Foundation has provided more than $530 million in grants to nonprofit organizations addressing issues that have a positive impact in their communities. For more information visit www.metlife.org