Pebble Hill Plantation and the Thomas County Public Library are holding the upcoming Enlightening Bites program, Building the Next Generation of Leaders in Our Community, on Friday, Feb. 3 at noon in the Flipper Room of the library. The program is being presented by Art Allen, executive director of the Marguerite Neel Williams Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Georgia (MNWB&GC). 

The MNWB&GC of Southwest Georgia is part of a nationwide movement of community-based, autonomous club organizations of Boys & Girls Clubs of America working to help youth of all backgrounds develop the qualities needed to become responsible citizens and leaders. The club offers daily access to a broad range of programs in five core program areas (character and leadership development; education and career development; health and life skills, the arts; and, sports, fitness and recreation) and several specialized initiatives. All programs are designed to drive positive outcomes for youth and reinforce important life skills.

This program is structured to be participatory and will engage the audience in discussions that bring focus to some of the challenging issues facing youth in our country and locally. A brief overview of the approaches the MNW Boys & Girls Clubs are using to address these issues will be presented. Attendees will be provided opportunities to express ideas, and their own perspectives on measures for building the next generation of leaders in our community.  

Allen has served as the executive director of the MNWB&GC since April 2012. His Boys & Girls Clubs career spans over 37 years. Half of his tenure in Boys & Girls Clubs has been spent operating club facilities and developing programs and services for at-risk youth. It is here where he has cultivated his passion for working with community groups, local businesses and volunteers to address a multitude of youth issues. He holds a fundamental belief that every child can succeed in life, regardless of circumstances, given the appropriate resources and experiences needed to nurture their growth and individual aspirations. 

He also believes that caring communities provide exceptional models for youth to become productive, responsible and caring citizens. Allen’s career in Boys & Girls Clubs is inspired by the many volunteers and supporters he has encountered in the communities his career has taken him, and his biggest inspiration comes from the young faces he sees each day at the Boys & Girls Club.

He was born and raised in Savannah, where he excelled in athletics earning him a scholarship to Clark Atlanta University where he received his degree in sociology. He later received his master’s degree in macro social work from the University of New York in Buffalo.

The series is co-sponsored by Pebble Hill Plantation and the Thomas County Public Library. Attendees are invited to bring their lunch. Drinks are provided. The series is free and open to the public.

For additional information, visit www.pebblehill.com or call (229) 226-2344.

IF YOU GO:

Enlightening Bites Lecture Series

Friday, February 3, 2017

Flipper Room, Thomas County Public Library

12 noon to 1 p.m.