Tell about your background, schools attended and your family.

I’d love to say I’m a life-long Peorian, but that’s not quite the case. I say I’m a Midwesterner, but I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My family was in the steel industry and because of that industry we ended up having a home in Princeton. My dad was one of the men responsible for the Jones & Laughlin Steel building a plant in Hennepin. My younger sister and I had it made; we enjoyed city life as well as the benefits of living in a small, beautiful little town. Peoria, being approximately 60 minutes away, was so easy for us to get to, and Chicago was close as well; so how could I not love the Midwest? I guess that’s why, when I graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1978, I thought Peoria would be the perfect place to look for a job. My parents were living back East when I started college, so it would have been easy to move back to Pittsburgh, but, somehow, the allure of the flat land and cornfields got in my blood, so I moved to Peoria and enrolled at Bradley University with plans to work on my master’s degree. Shortly after that, I met my husband Mark. We’ve been married for 24 years. Mark and I have two children, Alexandra, 23 and Ned, 17. And, now, since I’ve been involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs, I say I’ve got an additional 1,500 children in my life!

Your background is in marketing. Tell us about the positions you held prior to being named executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Marketing has always been a part of my adult life. My husband was the owner of an advertising agency for over 30 years, and I was a part of that agency as well. First, I was a client of Mark’s agency while I was the Community and Employee Relations Director for Illinois American Water Company. Then, two years after we were married and our first child was born, I put my own career goals on hold to spend more time with my husband and make our home. That decision was so easy for me to make. It’s not the best decision for every woman, but, at the time, it was the right decision for me. I remember vividly holding my colicky daughter on my lap while I was trying to put together a slide show, and it was at that very moment I thought, “Why am I doing this, no sleep, colicky baby and demanding job!” So, I called my boss and submitted my resignation. I worked for Wilkes Coleman; he was a terrific boss, and he understood my decision. His wife made that very decision when she was younger, too. I also promised myself I wouldn’t stop being a professional—just a paid professional—so I started volunteering my marketing skills for several non-profit agencies. Our daughter got a little bit older, and I was a little restless. I felt I needed to stay in the professional ballgame or be left behind, so when the ad agency suggested I take over a client who needed extra attention (well, more reassurance and hand holding than anything else), I jumped at the chance. I spent several years at Hult, Fritz, Matuszak & Associates as a part-time account manager specializing in public relations. I also was fired twice during those years! The first time was for never leaving my work at the office. My husband would come home after his l-o-n-g days, and he’d want to forget about work, and all I wanted to do was talk about work. So, just like that I was history! Somehow a few months later, I brought a nice piece of business to the company, and fortunately for me, the client suggested I work on the account, so I was back in the marketing and PR business until I was fired again for not leaving my work at the office. It’s a good thing I’m stubborn and have big shoulders! Anyway, I went back to being a full-time mom, a full-time community volunteer, dove back into working with my horses and I learned to play golf. I was particularly passionate about the Heart of Illinois United Way agencies I worked with. The Mental Health Association needed an Interim Executive director. I was on their Board of Directors at the time, and several board members persuaded me to take on that responsibility while a search was being conducted, so I resigned from the Board and took the temporary position. We found a director, and a couple of months later I went back to my Board position. But something kicked in during that temporary job that was very fulfilling.

I went to visit my daughter Alex, who was in college at Trinity University, for a sorority function. Just as when I decided to stop working when she was a baby, I knew it was now time to get back into the real world. Alex was telling me all about her sorority sisters, their families, their businesses, and she said to me, “Mom, don’t tell anyone you don’t do anything but golf, these Texas women make things happen and have lives.” I was shattered; it was then and there I decided I was either going to finish my master’s degree or get a job. Mark had retired and sold his ad agency. He still had a printing company, but they didn’t need me. Here I was 40-something and stuck—thank heavens my golf game was still good!

Who or what influenced you to become involved with a social service agency?

The Hult Health Education Center, another United Way agency, was especially important to our family, and our great friend, Don Johnson, was their executive director. I served on that board, worked hard for the Hult Center, and admired all the wonderful things Don accomplished for the Center. Somehow, during those 10 plus years of working with Don, I owed him a favor. I’m not sure what that favor is, but I can tell you I learned so much from being associated with the Hult Center! I didn’t always see eye-to-eye with two fellow Board members, but those two ladies, like Don, were wonderful mentors for me. So when Don came and asked me to consider helping the Boys & Girls Clubs of Peoria with fundraising and marketing, I at least owed him some serious consideration.

I didn’t even know what a Boys & Girls Club was. My family and friends were isolated from the troubles, issues and hardships many inner-city families and children endure on a daily basis. Don took me on a tour of the Boys & Girls Club, and I was hooked. Maybe it was the little faces or the stinging words from my daughter, but I knew I could make a difference here. I met the executive committee, and I swear to you this bunch of guys, some younger, some older, are the best and most dedicated people I’ve ever met. Don is now the Vice-President of Community Investment for the Heart of Illinois United Way, working with Michael Stephan, the president. Since the Boys & Girls Clubs is a United Way agency, and I’m still on the Hult Center Board, the Boys & Girls Clubs continues to collaborate with the Center, and I bet I still somehow owe a favor or two to Don!

Tell about the mission and vision of Boys & Girls Clubs both nationally and locally.

The Boys & Girls Clubs are in the business of changing lives across America and at military bases around the world. They are opening their doors to more and more young people. Here in Peoria we are serving 1,500 children from 6 to 18. Since 1957, the Boys & Girls Clubs have provided children a safe place to learn and grow through ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals. Life-enhancing programs and character development experiences foster hope and opportunity. Simply put, the Boys & Girls Clubs’ mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

The vision of the Boys & Girls Clubs starts with the Youth Development strategy and successful character development. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence—the feeling there is something boys and girls can do and do well, a sense of usefulness—the opportunity to do something of value for other people; a sense of belonging—a setting where young people know they “fit” and are accepted; and a sense of power or influence— a chance to be heard and to influence decisions. When this strategy is fully implemented, self-esteem is enhanced and an environment is created that helps girls and boys achieve their full potential.

Core characteristics set the Boys & Girls Clubs apart from other programs. Simply put, Boys & Girls Clubs are for boys and girls. They satisfy the age-old desire of young people to have a “club” of their own and have fulltime professional leadership, supplemented by part-time workers and volunteers. Boys & Girls Clubs require no proof of good character. We help and guide girls and boys of good character as well as those who may be in danger of acquiring, or who already have acquired, unacceptable habits and attitudes. Boys & Girls Clubs make sure that all girls and boys can afford to belong, and even the least able will not be deterred from joining. The Boys & Girls Clubs are for girls and boys of all races, religions and cultures and are building centered. Activities are conducted in the warm, friendly atmosphere of facilities especially designed for youth programs. Boys & Girls Clubs have an open-door policy. Clubs are open to all members at any time during hours of operation. Boys & Girls Clubs have a varied and diversified program that recognizes and responds to the collective and individual needs of girls and boys. The Boys & Girls Clubs are guidance-oriented, emphasizing values inherent in the relationships between young people, their peers and adult leaders. They help boys and girls make appropriate and satisfying choices.

Tell about some of the programs of Boys & Girls Clubs.

One of the greatest contributions to lives of young people and our community are the life lessons taught every moment of every hour at our Boys & Girls Clubs. Clubs provide diverse activities with adults, peers and family members that enable them to develop self-esteem and to reach their full potential. Recognizing developmental principles and based on physical, emotional, cultural and social needs and interests of girls and boys, clubs offer program activities in five areas: Character and leadership development empowers youth to support and influence their Club and community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive self-image and good character, participate in the democratic process and respect their own and others’ cultural identities. Education and career development enables youth to become proficient in basic educational disciplines, set goals, explore careers, prepare for employment and embrace technology to achieve success in a career. Health and life skills develop young people’s capacity to engage in positive behaviors that nurture their own well-being, set personal goals and live successfully as self-sufficient adults. The arts area enables youth to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through knowledge and appreciation of the visual arts, crafts, performing arts and creative writing. Sports, fitness and recreation develop fitness, positive use of leisure time, skills for stress management, appreciation for the environment and social skills.

Some of our specific programs include Power Hour, which is a homework help and tutoring program sponsored by JC Penney. Goals for Graduation introduces goal-setting to Club members. Members create an action plan with daily and weekly goals leading to short-and long-term academic gains. Keystone Clubs are leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 14 to 18. Torch Clubs are chartered small-group leadership and service clubs for boys and girls ages 11 to 13. The Ultimate Journey is an internationally recognized, award-winning environmental education program that leads Club members ages 6 to 12 on a fun-filled journey into the world of plants and animals. CareerLaunch encourages Club members ages 13 to 18 to assess their skills and interests, explore careers, make sound educational decisions and prepare to join our nation’s ever-changing work force. Skill Tech is a computer skills program that develops Club members’ proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet and other productivity software through fun, hands-on, engaging lessons and projects for four age groups. Money Matters promotes financial responsibility and independence among Club members ages 13 to 18 by building their basic money management skills. Participants learn how to manage a checking account, budget, save and invest. They also learn about starting small businesses and paying for college. SMART Moves is a nationally-acclaimed comprehensive prevention program that helps young people resist alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, as well as premature sexual activity. SMART Moves features engaging, interactive, small-group activities that increase participants’ peer support, enhance their life skills, build their resiliency and strengthen their leadership skills. SMART Girls is a small-group health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program designed to meet the developmental needs of girls, ages 8 to 12 and 13 to 17. Club girls explore their own and societal attitudes and values as they build skills for eating right, staying physically fit, getting good health care and developing positive relationships with peers and adults. Street SMART counteracts the negative lures of gangs, violence and “street” influences on young adolescents ages 11 to 13. Street SMART teaches young people how gangs work and how to resist being recruited, how to recognize and resolve conflicts peacefully and how to become positive peer helpers. The Kids In Control Safety Awareness Program helps Club members ages 8 to 10 develop the personal habits and practical skills needed to be safe at the Club, at home and in the streets. Passport to Manhood promotes and teaches responsibility to Club boys ages 11 to 14. Each session concentrates on a specific aspect of manhood through highly interactive activities. Triple Play is a game plan for the mind, body and soul. The goal of Triple Play is to improve the overall health of Club members by increasing their daily physical activity, teaching them good nutrition and fitness habits and encouraging them to develop healthy relationships. Family History, Peoria History is a local program that has been developed to encourage the children to learn about their family and its history. They will also learn about our local history.

Have the programs offered today changed from the type of programs offered five and 10 years ago?

Even in our community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them, especially when parents and caregivers are forced to work several jobs to make ends meet.

Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.

Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow all while having fun. Five and 10 years ago we were worried about meeting basic needs. Now—with sex offenders living in all of our neighborhoods, gangs threatening to destroy our kids and drugs being available anywhere, anytime—we not only tutor, mentor, feed and meet basic needs, but we provide a place for protection from the streets.

As Executive Director, what is a typical day like for you?

There really isn’t a typical day at the Boys & Girls Clubs. Sometimes, especially in the summer, my staff and I will arrive to find a gathering of little ones waiting at the door to get in. The unit directors and program directors can’t get the Clubs opened fast enough. The first thing the Clubs’ members do is run to the kitchen. The computer labs are always packed, kids are in every room and the Clubs are a whirlwind of motion. I miss a lot of this commotion; the business offices are tucked away in the back of the building; however, I typically worry about the organization’s financial needs. It’s my responsibility as well as the Board members, to secure our operating funds from individuals, corporations, foundations and grant revenue sources. Each year we’re responsible for raising over $900,000. Everything we do in the course of the day focuses on making the greatest impact on the greatest number of children. I always have to remember that at the core, our Clubs must be safe places for children to go, safe places where they can have fun with their friends. But our clubs can and should be much more. They are also places to grow, places where kids can advance their education and where they can learn technology skills that will help them succeed wherever their talent and ambition take them. But it’s not enough to teach our children to learn, without teaching them to care about their fellow Club members and classmates, about their families and communities, about America and the world. It’s not enough to instill in them the desire to succeed, without inspiring them to reach back and take someone with them. It’s not enough to tell them the kind of people they can become, without teaching them to take command of their own destinies. It’s not enough to encourage them to celebrate cultural differences without teaching them that we are all citizens of the world with responsibilities to each other.

At their very best, our Clubs are places that can transform our children into the kind of citizens we can all be proud of, and into the kind of leaders our nation and the world needs. The kind of children not taught lessons of hatred, but taught lessons of hope and understanding. So after this is done, the bottom line is everything I typically do is about generating awareness and support for the Boys & Girls Clubs. The daily human resource issues and tasks, like appraising employee behavior and performance, compensation, improving the work environment, retaining desirable employees, motivating employees, training, staff development and legal compliance, just come with the turf.

What are unique challenges to the Peoria Chapter and how do they compare with Illinois? Nationally?

Through its national headquarters in Atlanta, six regional service centers and the governmental relations office in Washington, D.C., Boys & Girls Clubs of America provides assistance and support to Clubs just like our two Clubs here in Peoria in youth program development, board and staff development, organizational planning, resource development, marketing and communications, administration and management, facility design and property management.

Are challenges of serving Greater Peoria area youngsters really different from other Illinois Boys & Girls Clubs or national clubs?

There may be environmental differences, whether serving children on Native American reservations or large innercity areas, but, bottom line, most Clubs need to develop a continuing flow of donations and financial support for scholarships, computer centers, sports equipment, and everything else children need. Fourteen million American children live in poverty. Everyday, 4,400 children are arrested, more than 2,500 high school students drop out and many have nowhere to turn. Take the numbers, look at the Heart of Illinois United Way Community Assessment and Community Foundation—we have too many children in need or in trouble. It seems like we all turn to the same companies and corporations, the same foundations and grantors, and the same individual donors. We’re privileged to be a United Way Agency. We’re blessed to live here, people are generous, the schools are good, but it’s never quite enough to accomplish everything we need to do. If citizens from all walks of life just give a little more time, treasure or talent and spent time as a tutor or mentor or try to help themselves a little more, we will see our challenges met, and a positive impact made. All kids in need could benefit from a “positive place for kids,” that is, a Boys & Girls Club.

Tell some of the success stories of Boys & Girls Clubs members.

One of the keys to success for the Boys & Girls Clubs has been a consistent emphasis on planning for the future, and for many of our kids that means staying in school, resisting alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, as well as resisting premature sexual activity.

A representative for our organization, Aaron, helps us keep the little ones out of harm’s way. He almost lost his way and a positive future. Aaron tells his story: “Growing up in one of the toughest public housing projects in the city, I basically had two choices, join drug-running street gangs or my local Boys & Girls Club. Luckily for me, I choose the latter, and I’m never looking back.”

Aaron was kicked out of the house and forced to live in a car. We tried to help him find a job, but he was overweight and unkempt. So, we paired up Aaron with my fastidious 16-year-old son, who would be acting as a mentor to Aaron.

Today, Aaron is getting ready for his senior year in high school with a job and marketing skills generated by his involvement in the Boys & Girls Clubs. He is well on his way to achieving his dream of attending and graduating from ICC, majoring in business and someday returning to work with the next generation of kids just like him. And this is all because someone cared enough to help him get started in life.

Beautiful 15-year-old Tyriisha and her little brother, Allen, have been coming to the Boys & Girls Clubs for many years. Tyriisha credits her sensational teachers at District 150’s White School and the tutoring she received at the Boys & Girls Clubs for her stellar start. Tyriisha is an International Baccalaureate student and freshman at Richwood’s High School. She also co-ops for Caterpillar. We’ll be here to make sure she stays connected with positive, caring adults and continues on to college. Tyriisha told us, “I had the thrill of a lifetime; I got to talk face-to-face with Jim Owens at the Boys & Girls Clubs’s Fill the Treasure Chest dinner-dance.”

Tyriisha recently started an accapella group, MTC (More Than Conquers) of young singers. Their first performance was held in January at the Lariat Club for Suburban Kiwanis Club members and their guests. Tyriisha plans to study law; specifically, technical engineering law.

My son started organizing a career development program through bottled water sales of Kids2O. The purpose of Kids2O water program is to guide young people in making sound educational decisions, exploring a variety of careers and preparing for the world of work. Skill-building activities through the Kids2O water program was helping teens become successful in finding and keeping jobs. Youngsters discover what it takes to be successful in the work world, whether they are planning to continue education after high school versus finding full-time employment, or begin a search for after-school and summer employment.

Aaron and the Kids2O youngsters are responsible for the product design, marketing plan, research, sales and customer relations department. Like Aaron, Kids2O water program consultants were engaged in writing and obtaining job descriptions, salary, education and training requirements, as well as applying for financial aid for college, creating resumes and completing job applications online through the Boys & Girls Clubs’ computer technology center. Aaron and the Kids2O water sales program members are now able to make sound educational decisions, explore a variety of careers and prepare themselves for the world of work.

Is there a disconnect between the donors and the children helped by Boys & Girls Clubs? If so, how are you bridging the gap of understanding?

Those who support the Boys & Girls Clubs do so for a myriad of reasons. I do not think that there is a “disconnect” at all; in fact, I have witnessed more understanding, more bonding, between our donors and children than anything. I have found that once people get involved with our organization, whether that be through writing a check, or volunteering to work one of our events, lasting relationships are developed with the children we serve and other donors as well.

How does the public school system interface with Boys & Girls Clubs?

District 150 is a terrific partner and collaborator for the Boys & Girls Clubs. We have District 150 teachers who are a part of the Boys & Girls Clubs part-time staff and many even work as volunteers. Sandy Farkash, Director of Special Services for District 150, is a past president of our Board and currently serves as vice-president for our Board. Former School Board President and State Representative Aaron Schock also makes regular visits to our Clubs. Our kids know him well. They know who’s on the School Board, who’s running, and who really cares about them. Superintendent Ken Hinton and his staff have spent many hours with us. Mr. Hinton’s principals visit and we share ideas. Dr. Herschel Hannah, Aurthur Perkins and Dr. Cynthia Fischer are full-time advocates for all youngsters. Their support and guidance is much appreciated and valued.

Thanks to successful collaboration with Mr. Hinton and District 150, we can reach out to those who are at the highest risk of failure in school and delinquency. Together, we continue where the school day leaves off or when school’s not in session, to offer a brighter future to children who might otherwise find limited opportunity to gain skills, competency and values.

What are your hobbies and/or interests outside of Boys & Girls Clubs?

My whole family is also very involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs, but we always find a way to work our family’s favorite past time into the mix. I’m an avid golfer; I play rain or shine. I don’t like to travel, but I will travel anytime, anywhere, to play golf. I love to ski, have a great dinner, get up, and do it all over again. Unfortunately, I’m now the worst skier in the family, but somebody has to provide some entertainment for the video camera! I can never get enough exercise; I’ve been a member of Landmark since they opened the doors. This winter I ventured into uncharted territory at Landmark; I joined a bowling league. I talked my friend Angie into dusting off her bowling ball as well. Angie’s really good, I’m not! When I got married I told my husband, “love me, love my horse;” thank goodness he learned to ride, because we’re now back into the horse business.

What has surprised you most since becoming involved with Boys & Girls Clubs?

I am not sure if I’m surprised or ashamed of myself. I’ve lived in this community for well-over 20 years, and until I got involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs, I had no idea how many truly needy children there are.

I’m a newshound. I read the newspaper and I never miss a news broadcast, yet it didn’t register in my mind how many youngsters are living in poverty. What kind of dream world was I living in? Some Boys & Girls Clubs members have never crossed the Illinois River. Why didn’t I do my part years ago to make a difference? What I was surprised about is how important the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs has become to my family, my friends and me.

At Christmas time, Avanti’s owner, Albert Zeller, himself donated, delivered and served a spaghetti and gondola feast to all our Boys & Girls Clubs children at our annual Christmas party. Nick Adkins, Board members, and friends donated gifts for each child. Five children in particular brought me to tears. These five little children had spaghetti with meat sauce for the very first time in their lives. Needless to say, they loved their spaghetti!

Allegiant Air donated 10 free round trip tickets to Orlando for 10 Boys & Girls Clubs’ children. When I met the kids and the Boys & Girls Clubs staff at the airport to wave goodbye to them, I was stunned. Half of the group was scared and shaking. This was the first time many of these 10 children had ever seen an airplane. Fortunately, the Allegiant Air passengers rallied around our group, and our kids tears turned to smiles and giggles. After their trip, when I welcomed our group back to Peoria, it was a whole different story! Everybody was beaming. There were no surprises after the trip. Ironically, Walt Disney World and Orlando can help make a child’s troubles go away, at least for awhile.

What legacy would you like to leave Boys & Girls Clubs?

Planning is an evaluation of the past, present and projected future of our Boys & Girls Clubs’ organization, undertaken by the Board of Directors and staff. The process of developing goals, objectives and action steps is our long-range or strategic planning. The success of this process is directly tied to the accuracy of the input and the degree to which the planned actions are implemented.

Given the dynamic nature of Boys & Girls Clubs, it is all too easy to get trapped into only addressing day-to day crises. This inhibits the development of long-range goals and strategies, thereby limiting our opportunities to move forward, plan ahead and act with an eye to the future. Our staff and board members are often so busy plugging “leaks” that it seems there is little time to move beyond the problems of the day.

In addition to providing daily services for our Club members, I’d like to see our Club’s being used during non-Club hours to provide services for other community groups, as well as being used for fundraising events. The facilities must be flexible enough to serve different types of groups and activities and rugged enough to withstand the wear and tear of hundreds of users engaged in a wide variety of activities.

This all takes lots of money. I hope I can build a savings to accomplish this goal plus sustain the Clubs continued good works for many, many years. A brand new 15-passenger van for the Clubs with my initials on the license plate would be nice, too!

Future plans you’d like to discuss?

Bill Gates is probably the business community’s most visible and vocal advocate for education reform. The co-founder of Microsoft has established a foundation and spends hundreds of millions of dollars on education initiatives. I can’t even dream about having those kinds of resources. I only know a handful of people who have those resources. I’d like to do my part to help our Boys & Girls Clubs’ children and other students have the best schools, especially high schools, so they can better compete with their counterparts in China and India. Because most of our Boys & Girls Clubs children say they want to be teachers, I’d like to join the school reform crusade. I’d like to see improved teaching through changes in teacher training and pay. I like the sound of well-known school reform ideas, such as vouchers, charter schools, greater public financing, extended school hours, rewarding good teaching and benchmarking. CEOs are getting more involved in improving the nation’s schools, and I’d like to play a role in making sure our CEOs are a part of the process here in Illinois. I think it’s wise to apply principles from the business world to the educational world, like competition, accountability and merit pay. Teachers do deserve more and should be receiving more, but, along with that, comes raising educational standards and improving assessments.

Is there something you’d like our readers to know that hasn’t been asked?

There have been so many individual and corporate supporters, board members and neighbors who are the real reason the Boys & Girls Clubs are making a difference in the lives of 1,500 young central Illinoisans. With their support and guidance, along with the dedicated staff, this agency will continue to thrive and meet the challenges to help youngsters overcome adversity. Senator George Shadid, Congressman Ray LaHood, Mayor Jim Ardis, Representatives David Leitch and Aaron Schock have put aside any differences and have become enthusiastic advocates for our youngsters in need. And special thanks to Barbara Gordon, Laura Campbell, Paula Ferguson, Julie Huls, Amanda Martin, Lin McLaughlin, Christian Lee, Lyle Brown, Bryan Pullen, Amber Lefler and their co-workers for endless service to the Boys & Girls Clubs. TPW