Kacy Dennis, CEO and President of the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend, recently appeared on the Steve Stewart Show on Real Talk 93.3 to discuss the Boys and Girls Club and community needs.
Dennis who has been with the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend for over 20 years, became the CEO in 2021. He is a graduate of FAMU.
The Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend is a non-profit organization serving disadvantaged children with 7 Clubs located in North Florida. The cost to attend is a nominal fee, and in some situations there is no cost. The Boys and Girls Club provides members with academic support, extracurricular opportunities, and positive adult role models, aiming to break to cycle of poverty.
When asked about the challenges that the youth face in our community, Mr. Dennis noted that one overarching challenge is the youth having access to a positive relationship with a caring adult. He stated, “That is the heart and soul of the Boys and Girls Club is all about. We provide that caring adult for so many kids.”
When asked about the mission of the Boys and Girls Club and what sets them apart from the other local non-profits, Mr. Dennis stated their mission is to, “inspire and enable all young people especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”
Mr. Dennis noted that what sets the Boys and Girls Club apart from other non-profits is the amount of time they have access to the children in need. Dennis said, “We serve kids Monday through Friday. In the afterschool environment, four hours a day typically, and then all day in the summer … we have more impact hours than other non-profits in this area.” Mr. Dennis also explained that the Boys and Girls Club is the only non-profit locally that researches the impact of all of their programs.
While discussing the Leon County Children Services Council (CSC), Mr. Dennis noted how important the partnership with the CSC has been for the Boys and Girls Club. “I definitely see a huge increase in the amount of programs — quality programs that are available to our kids in our community.” Dennis later said, “Every single dime we get we’re held accountable for, and I know that those are going towards quality programs within the Boys and Girls Club.”
Boys & Girls Club Provide a “Caring Adult” for Youth added by Tristyn Leigh on
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“Dennis later said, “Every single dime we get we’re held accountable for, and I know that those are going towards quality programs within the Boys and Girls Club.”
It’s a shame the CSC can’t say that.