The Boys & Girls Club-USVI, the largest youth development organization in the territory, has announced a new partnership with Youth Lifeline America (YLA) to raise funds for the clubs and bring educational and empowering resources to the Virgin Islands. YLA is a non-profit organization that harnesses the powerful influences of athletes, entertainers and business professionals to teach valuable life skills and encourage young people to become more positive and productive citizens. They’ve been hosting programs across the United States since 2000.
“We are very pleased to introduce our dynamic empowering programming to the youth of this territory. We believe the Boys & Girls Club-USVI is a tremendous charity that desperately needs financial support from those with the capacity to give. We believe our unique programming and celebrity integration is a winning platform to assist with their efforts,” said Roland Williams, CEO of Youth Lifeline America.
Initial programming will include the award-winning Football and Life Skills Camp, scheduled for July 12-14 at University of the Virgin Islands – Sports and Fitness Center on St. Thomas. Participants will receive expert football training from active and retired NFL professionals, while local and international business professionals will provide educational mentorship in career development, computer competency, conflict resolution, diversity training, esteem development, financial literacy, drug prevention, gang violence, leadership and team building. An added component to the USVI camp will be the inclusion of hospitality management training to the curriculum.
Through contributions from donors, scholarships will be distributed to area schools and youth-serving organizations on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. Additionally, contributors will be able to attend star-studded celebrity events during the Helping Hands Celebrity Weekend immediately following the camp. Visit www.helpinghandscelebrityweekend.org for more event details.
The Boys & Girls Clubs offer kids the opportunity to develop relationships with positive adult role models, participate in life enhancing programs and have fun. While you ponder these initiatives, remember “it just takes one” to impact a life and make dreams come true.
For more information, contact Julie Landreneau at 778-8990 or Deborah Shaw, event chairperson and board member of the B&GC-VI, at 626-9976
