FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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MEDIA CONTACT: Christin Jackson |
ATLANTA – On July 20, 2022, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) and The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation hosted a celebration of the Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County with youth members, parents, and community and corporate partners. The first Club in Henry County opened nearly one year ago and currently has more than 400 registered members. The facility, housed in the former Henry County Middle School, underwent a $1.1 million renovation before opening its doors to local kids and teens. The repurposed space includes a learning center, computer lab, arts & crafts center, music studio, game room, multipurpose room, outdoor garden, and gym.
“The launch of the Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County in August 2021 was a community response to a critical need at a crucial time,” said BGCMA President & CEO David Jernigan. “Since opening our proverbial Blue Doors nearly a year ago, we have ignited the unlimited potential of hundreds of Henry County kids and teens through a safe, inclusive and engaging environment.”
A $1,000,000 commitment from The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, along with support from partners like The Papa John’s Foundation for Building Community, provided the resources needed to open the Club, BGCMA also received overwhelming support from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the City of McDonough, Henry County, the Henry County Board of Education, and several other partners, including a local advisory board that led a three-year community engagement effort to bring a Club to the area.
“The Boys & Girls Club always provided a safe space for me when I was growing up,” said Shaquille O’Neal. “It shaped who I am today, and I’m proud to help create similar pathways to success for the kids of Henry County.”
The program began with a musical performance by Club members and concluded with a special presentation to O’Neal by the Torch Club. Joining O’Neal in celebrating the Club’s service to the community were representatives from The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, City of McDonough, Henry County, the Club’s Advisory Board, youth members, and parents, along with corporate and community partners.
“Reflecting nearly one year later, we are incredibly proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in Henry County thanks to the great support of alumni like Shaq,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. As we look ahead, we are thrilled to continue meeting the needs of the community and enhancing the impact for more youth and their families.”
The Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County is led by Executive Director Jesse Coltrane, Program Director Jamal Jordan and Teen Director Breanna Varner. Membership registration is now open for fall membership, and BGCMA is placing extra focus on teens. All high school students in grades 9th-12th will receive FREE membership enrollment through October 1 at any of BGCMA’s 26 Clubs across Metro Atlanta. To find a local Club in your area, go to bgcma.org/joinaclub.
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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA): For more than 80 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) has ignited the unlimited potential of kids and teens by creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments. Our 26 Clubs located in 11 counties across metropolitan Atlanta have traditionally served nearly 8000 kids & teens (ages 6-18) each year, offering youth development programs during critical non-school hours that promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character & leadership. BGCMA also oversees Camp Kiwanis, a 160-acre outdoor residence camp. To learn more about BGCMA, follow us on social media: Twitter (@BGCMA_Clubs), Facebook (BGCMA), LinkedIn (Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta), and Instagram (bgcmATL), or visit us online at www.bgcma.org.
About The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation: The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation creates pathways for underserved youth, helping them achieve their full potential. Established in 2019 by the NBA Hall of Famer, television sports analyst and entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal, the Foundation works to instill hope and bring about change in communities, collectively shaping a brighter future for our children. While primarily partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs and Communities in Schools in Atlanta and Las Vegas, the Foundation will simultaneously support Shaquille’s other charitable endeavors, such as his annual Shaq-a-Claus holiday event and initiatives alongside his corporate partners. For more information, visit shaqfoundation.org.