Life After the Club: Championing Our Alumni  

Life After the Club: Championing Our Alumni  
July 18, 2022 BGCMA

YOU–our staff, parents, community, and partners who are champions for our kids and teens–are truly the village that ignites the unlimited potential of our Club members and propels them to thrive in life after graduation.

In 2021, through the generous support of former Board Member William M. (Billy) Small, Jr., Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) hired its first Alumni Relations Manager who will cultivate relationships with former Club kids.Billy Small headshot

“My family has been involved with BGCMA for three generations,” Small said. “During that time, we have seen so many young people positively impacted by the Club. Recognizing the value in documenting these success stories, I offered to fund a staff position dedicated to maintaining the Club’s connections with our alumni. Our alumni program has already surpassed my expectations and is doing fantastic work not only to connect with alumni but also to provide ways for alumni to engage with each other and volunteer with the organization.”

Alumni Relations continues BGCMA’s support as Club members transition into college, the workforce, or the military.

“We are focusing specifically on connection, tracking, scholarship management, and sharing stories of Club alumni,” said Alumni Relations Manager Christina Moore. “I love that I have a chance to interact with youth as they transition and transform. I am honored to be a part of their journey.”

Speaking of journey, here’s an update on a few of our champion BGCMA alumni who are thriving in life and strengthening the futures of their communities and the world.

Judah Copeland attended the Warren Club from age 6 t o18. During her 12-year membership, she maximized her experience by volunteering at her Club and interning at the Highland Bakery. Judah is currently flourishing at Georgia State University, pursuing a degree in music production and audio recording.

 

 

The Homer Twins, as they are affectionately known at BGCMA, attended the East DeKalb Club from kindergarten through 12th grade. After graduating from BGCMA and high school, MeaResea attended Agnes Scott College and received a B.A. in economics and MeaLenea graduated from Fort Valley State University with a B.S. in family and consumer sciences. Both are currently prospering in their careers working in tech and nutrition. Read more.

Darrell Hall, an alumnus of the former W. W. Woolfolk Boys & Girls Club and 2004 Georgia Youth of the Year, credits his Club and YOY experience for helping him grow as a young man and introducing him to new worlds.  Today, his experience has come full circle as he champions for kids & teens as a Rockdale County board member supporting the A.R. “Gus” Barksdale Boys & Girls Club. Read more.

Learn more about Alumni Relations at www.bgcma.org/alumni.