Boys & Girls Clubs of America president Jim Clark said his visit Monday to Mississippi would not be the last time the local club’s staff, board members, donors and supporters would see him.
Randy Tate, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Mississippi, said Clark’s visit was a good opportunity to show local supporters the club’s appreciation.
Clark’s stop in McComb was one of two visits he was expected to make in Mississippi.
He was scheduled to meet with club members in Biloxi today before returning to the national headquarters in Atlanta.
Clark bragged on the McComb club and promised he would be returning soon.
“When I pulled up here today I knew this was a great club,” Clark said. “You’ve got a great leader in Tate.”
“We have 4,000 clubs across America and around the world. There are 400 clubs around the globe on military bases. Some may not know that,” he said. “We serve in rural, Native American and metropolitan areas — many different types of clubs. But one thing in common these kids have is a a great place to go and role models there to help them.”
Clark said kids in the clubs are doing better academically, socially and spiritually.
“The work we’re doing really is God’s work,” he said. “It takes a community. It takes a dedicated staff like this.”
“Mississippi has a special place in my heart,” Clark said. “In Mississippi, there is so much more of the obstacles here that face youth in America. We need to support this economic system, this education system and help these students have the opportunities they need to be successful.”
Clark said he has taken a close look at the McComb club through a program in the Boys & Girls Club called, “Project Outcome.” He said the program lets the public know how kids who come through their club fare in life.
“I’m glad to tell you,” Clark said, “If we had more clubs like Randy’s, Mississippi’s kids would be doing a lot better.
“You have a very caring staff here. This club is a shining example of what a community can do,” he said. “You will see me again. I spend a lot of time visiting clubs — I was the director for a local club, so I know how and what it takes. I spend a lot of time visiting clubs to see that they are viable and can support a local kids’ program.”
Many of the local club’s board members and donors were on hand, as were elected officials, including Sen. Kelvin Butler, D-McComb, and Rep. Angela Cockerham, D-Magnolia.
“This is the first time a (national club) president has visited our site since I’ve been here,” Tate said, noting Jackson club director Billy Redd and regional director Lorraine Orr were visiting McComb and Biloxi with Clark.
