Hall County Boys & Girls Club Receives $1,000 Sponsorship for Youth Outreach Program

For additional information, contact: Bonnie Jones, Jackson EMC 706-367-6114 Duane Hinshaw, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County 770-532-8102

February 7, 2003
The Hall County Boys & Girls Clubs has received a $1,000 sponsorship from Jackson Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) to support a canoe/kayak program as part of its Connecion de los Muchachos (Youth Connections) outreach program.

Hall County Boys & Girls Clubs excutive director, Duane Hinshaw (right), receives a $1,000 check from Jackson EMC's Gainesville District manager Bill Sanders to sponsor a canoe kayak program.

The Jackson EMC sponsorship will help the club offer a 9-month annual program providing Hiclassic and Latino middle school children the opportunity to learn the skills and teamwork required to compete in the Olympic Sprint Canoe Kayak sport. The Boys & Girls Clubs have often coordinate programs with the Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club.

"When Hiclassic and Latino children relocate here from their native countries, there's a real disconnect between them and their new community due to language and cultural differences," explained Hall County Boys & Girls Clubs executive director Duane Hinshaw. "If we don't provide positive opportunities to give these kids a sense of connectedness, they can look for connections in activities such as gangs."

Through the club's Connecion de los Muchachos, Hiclassic and Latino children gain a sense of belonging through positive activities, like the canoe kayak program and community service projects, as well as benefit from significant tutoring in cooperation with Gainesville College.

"Jackson EMC is delighted to be able to help fund the canoe kayak program for the clubs, " said the company's Gainesville District manager Bill Sanders. "Our company has a serious commitment to and participation in youth-oriented programs because we know how important these young people are to the future of our community."

The Hall County Boys and Girls Clubs serves 300-350 children a day through its facility at 530 Downey Boulevard, along with three extension sites. The club is currently raising funds to expand the Downey Boulevard site, as well as build a second club on Memorial Drive near Lyman Hall Elementary.

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