Empowering Youth: The Boys and Girls Club With Dawn-Michele Blalock

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In this episode of the Nikki and Reuel podcast, hosts Nikki Bascome and Reuel Sample welcome Dawn-Michelle Blalock from the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern North Carolina. They discuss the mission and vision of the club, the merging of two organizations to better serve the community, and the importance of mentorship and staff dynamics. Dawn shares insights on engaging teens, the challenges faced by today's youth, and the club's commitment to affordable programs. The conversation also touches on mental health issues post-COVID and the joy found in working with children. 

In this engaging conversation, Dawn-Michele Blalock, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club, shares her journey from a nursing background to leading a youth development organization. She discusses the joys and challenges of working with children, the importance of community involvement, and the upcoming Blue Door Gala, a key fundraising event. Dawn emphasizes the need for volunteers and the impact of mentorship on youth, highlighting the organization's commitment to providing a supportive environment for children. The conversation concludes with a call to action for community members to get involved and support youth development initiatives.

Check out their website at: https://bgcsenc.org/
Interested in the 2025 Blue Door Gala?  Buy your ticket here: https://bgcsenc.org/event/gala25/

Takeaways

• The Boys and Girls Club provides a safe environment for youth.
• Dawn Michelle Blalock has been with the club for 19 months.
• The club serves about 2,200 kids across five counties.
• 50% of the kids come from single-parent families.
• 98% of kids in the program graduate on time with a plan.
• The club has implemented a social worker program for mental health support.
• Engaging teens post-COVID has been a challenge.
• The club offers affordable programs to ensure all kids can participate.
• Dawn emphasizes the importance of supporting parents as well.
• The unpredictability of kids brings joy to Dawn's work. Teachable moments with kids can be both funny and poignant.
• Working with children brings joy and challenges.
• Dawn-Michele transitioned from nursing to youth development unexpectedly.
• The Blue Door Gala is a key fundraising event for the organization.
• Safety and background checks are paramount for volunteers.
• Volunteers bring diverse experiences that benefit the kids.
• The organization aims to provide a holistic approach to youth development.
• Community involvement is crucial for the success of youth programs.
• Every contribution, whether time or money, makes a difference.
• Building relationships with kids is essential for their growth.

Sound Bites

• "98% graduate on time with a plan."
• "You don't ever ask a woman her age."
• "They're funny, they're cute."
• "I will keep it forever."
• "This is really our premier event."
• "Safety is super important."

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