Tulsa Boys & Girls Clubs Honored at State Banquet

Jean Smith was named  Outstanding
Administrator for Boys & Girls Clubs
in Oklahoma

Alex Walker (see below) isn’t the only one who walked away with some wonderful awards given recently at the annual Youth of the Year Boys & Girls Club State Banquet in Oklahoma City. Jean Smith, administrator for all the Tulsa clubs, won the Outstanding Administrator award for the state. “Jean totally deserves this award. She always goes above and beyond her responsibilities. Plus, she’s a great sounding board for me to run ideas by,” David Litterell, Tulsa Boys & Girls Clubs Executive Director said. 

Greg Parker won Outstanding Contribution
to the Profession and his "Totally Fit Tuesdays" won
Outstanding Fitness Program

Greg Parker, Unit Director of the Sand Springs Boys & Girls Club, won the Outstanding Contribution to the Profession award and a program his staff created won the Outstanding Fitness Program award. “Totally Fit Tuesdays” in Sand Springs addresses the issue of childhood obesity by teaching kids about nutrition, staying active and handling stress. Totally Fit Tuesdays was created and is taught by program aides Mary Bedhtold, Nathan Nevers and Jennifer Bryant. “The younger you can teach kids about healthy habits the better,” Greg said. Let’s hear it for Jean and Greg! 

-Sallie

18th Annual Daddy's Invitational Tournament

 

We hope you will join us for this great annual event.  Click image to enlarge!

Tulsa Kid is STATE Youth of the Year!

Broken Arrow's Alex Walker, Oklahoma's Youth of the Year,
with Governor Mary Fallin

For the first time in over a decade, a young person from a Tulsa area Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club has won the state Youth of the Year contest, qualifying him for the regional competition. Alex Walker from the Broken Arrow Boys & Girls Club competed with kids from six Oklahoma clubs to take the honor. After being selected as Tulsa’s Youth of the Year, Walker had to wow the judges at the state level. All of the Youths of the Year gathered in Oklahoma City last Tuesday to hear Governor Mary Fallin make a speech and meet the other young people. Walker, an Eagle Scout, distinguished himself with good grades, involvement with the BA club and many community activities. “But what made Alex stand out here at our BA club was how the other kids responded to him.  He is a leader and has compassion for those who need extra help.  Alex has a servant’s heart and wants to make a difference in someone's else's life,” Janis Fraley, BA unit director said. Congratulations Alex! 

 -Sallie

Chili Yum Yum

 

Click to enlarge. Hope you can join us!

Eat Pancakes for a GREAT Cause!

Celebrate Boys & Girls Clubs, Volunteer!

It's National Boys & Girls Club Week! Every year across the country hundreds of communities celebrate all that Boys & Girls Clubs are doing for local youth.  This year, why don't you celebrate by volunteering at your local club?

Want to play with kids, make a difference, and do the most good? Come volunteer at a Boys and Girls Club. There are 6 Boys and Girls Club locations in the Tulsa area to chose from. Call the Volunteer Coordinator, Rhonda McDaniel, at 918-587-7801 x113 for more information.

Boys & Girls Club Locations:
Mabee Red Shield - 1231 N. Harvard, Tulsa;
North Mabee - 3001 N Cincinnati, Tulsa;
West Mabee - 2143 S Olympia, Tulsa;
Broken Arrow - 1400 W. Washington, Broken Arrow;
Sand Springs - 4403 S. 129th West Ave., Sand Springs;
Sapulpa - 1721 S. Hickory, Sapulpa.

Opportunities for Individuals:

Bus Ride Along- Connect with and encourage kids before and/or after school while on the Boys & Girls Club bus (no driving necessary).
Commitment: School Year (at least once a week)
Hours: 1-2 hours either before or after school, starting 30 minutes before the beginning/end of day. Hours vary based on school.

After School Program Volunteer- Help coordinate projects and play with children during the after school programs.
Commitment: minimum of 1 day per week for 2 hours.
Hours: 3:30-5:30

Summer Day Camp Counselor- Be a model for team work and help campers have FUN in a safe environment.
Commitment: First Day of Summer to Last Day of Summer (must work at least one day a week for a half day or more)
Hours: 8AM-6PM (flexible)

One Time Opportunities for Groups:
Clean-Up Crews- help keep the clubs beautiful and safe for kids.
Commitment: One day, average 2-4 hours

Youth Outreach Groups- bring your youth group to do a skit, drama or teaching and/or just to play with the kids for a half or full day during summer day camp.
Commitment: One day, minimum of 2-4 hours

To sign for any of these opportunities, call 918-581-7801 x113 or e-mail Rhonda.

Systems Manager & Tutors Needed!

Positions Available, read below for more information!

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Systems Manager
Full-Time

Monitors, troubleshoots, and maintains the day-to-day operations of all Tulsa Metro locations to keep computer hardware and software at an optimal level of functioning. Plans and performs installation of new computer equipment.  Coordinates schedules and leads training classes and provides individual training sessions for end-users.  Researches and purchases new PCs, peripheral equipments and applications. Monitors, troubleshoots and maintains the telephone systems, fax machines, copiers and postage meter and security systems.

Special Knowledge, Skill and Ability Requirements:
Knowledge of the principles and practices of computer programming logic.  Knowledge of operating system and data base capabilities, installation and maintenance. Knowledge of the capabilities of microcomputers and peripheral devises. Operation and application knowledge of the following: MS Windows Operating Systems, XP, Lotus Notes, Vista & Windows 7, knowledge of MS office including Access, printers/copiers troubleshooting, software and phone systems maintenances. Ability to meet attendance requirements and to read, write and communicate the English language. Lifting up to 50 lbs, travel, walking, and standing.

Education and Experience Required:
Two years college or technical school degree in Computer Science or related filed. Three years progressively responsible experience selecting, installing, troubleshooting and repairing a variety of computer information systems and computer environments common to the Salvation Army. Or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Youth of the Year Announced

I was honored to attend the Youth of the Year event on Thursday night. The nominees were amazing and Mr. Alex Walker from the Broken Arrow Boys and Girls Club was the winner, earning a $2,500 scholarship! Ms. Niva Grayson from Mabee Red Shield Boys and Girls Club was the runner up earning a $1,000 scholarship. I will update this blog on Monday will all the info about other nominees and the amazing keynote speech by Sean Kouplen of Regent Bank, but for now- enjoy the pictures!

~Lindsay

College Expensive, Scholarships Help

As the parent of two kids in college, I’m familiar with the high cost of tuition and the importance of scholarships. The fun part as a parent was reading the kids' essays - I sometimes learned things I had never known! Two our girls won small scholarships to OSU and OU. Kids at our six Boys & Girls Clubs have been writing their essays and making speeches as part of the Youth of the Year competition and the winner will be revealed at the banquet Thursday. The kids are judged on character, leadership and personal development.  These kids have to show that they’ve “turned their aspirations into actions” according to Michael Dishman, who is coordinating the event. The young person who is selected will be awarded a $2,500 Presidential Freedom Scholarship. The judges will also look at what personal obstacles the kids have overcome  to achieve success. Stay tuned to see who wins!

-Sallie

 EVENT: Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Banquet, Thurs., Mar. 10 , 6 p.m., Tulsa Community College Creative Center, 910 S. Boston Ave, Tulsa. For tickets call Michael Dishman, 587-7801.

Spring Break at Boys & Girls Clubs

Spring break is right around the corner! As usual our Boys & Girls Club directors have been super busy planning for a full week of activities! All six clubs will be offering affordable programs for kids who need a safe, fun and educational place to go. If you have been interested in getting your child involved in a Boys & Girls Club this is a great way to meet the staff and members at the club nearest you! Day Camps below are offered March 14-18, 2011.

Sapulpa will be offering a “Crazy” Day Camp consisting of fun activity days like: crazy hair, crazy socks and crazy outfit days! Campers can be dropped off each morning as early as 6 a.m. and must be picked up by 6 p.m.  The cost is $80 for the first child (discounts for additional children).  Field trips are included but children will be required to bring their own sack lunches. 1721 S. Hickory, 918-224-4415

Mabee Red Shield will offer field trips to Oklahoma City and roller skating as a part of their Day Camp. The cost is $60 for the week and they will be open from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. I have heard that their “Fun Day” at the club on Thursday is going to be a blast! 1231 N. Harvard, 918-834-2464

North Mabee will offer a fun Day Camp as well.  Field trips are currently being planned but you can bet they will be fun, just like all the other year-round activities at this Club!  The cost will be $35 and kids will need to bring their own lunches.  Children can be dropped off after 7:30 a.m. and picked up before 5:30 p.m.  3001 N. Cincinnati, 918-425-7534

West Mabee will partner with the staff at Mabee Red Shield for skating and the big trip to Oklahoma City. They are also planning to go to the movies one day! The cost for this camp will be $40 and kids can be dropped off after 8 a.m. and picked up by 6 p.m. 2143 S. Olympia, 918-582-4327

Broken Arrow will have lots of exciting activities for kids to do rain or shine. Two of the field trips are included in the $95 fee which is movie and skating. They are going Park Hopping on Tuesday and they need to bring a sack lunch and drink.  Children must be a member which is $35.00 for a year.  If they only need one or two days that week it's $25 per day, non members add $2.  Kids can be dropped off as early as 7 a.m. and need to be picked up by 6 p.m.  They need to bring a sack lunch, swim suit and towel. 1400 W. Washington, 918-258-7545

Sand Springs is offering their Day Camp from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at a cost of $90. Kids will enjoy playing indoors and out at this great facility. Children should bring a sack lunch and must be dropped off after 7 a.m. and picked up before 6 p.m. Field trips will include a trip to go roller skating and a movie outing.4403 S. 129th W. Ave., 918-245-2237

This is just a brief synopsis of what each Club is doing, make sure you call for more details if you are interested!

~Lindsay

United Way: Helping All Kinds of People, Including Me

Arletta Robinson, director of
the Center of Hope,  was selected
to give the invocation.

The fact that the United Way helps all kinds of people was abundantly clear at their annual luncheon held last Wednesday. Photographs of people of all colors and ages decorated the tables to illustrate the theme “The Faces of Giving.”  TSA was represented in a photograph of Major Roy Williams on the stage backdrop. His smiling face was also on the program cover. Have you ever been helped by a United Way agency? My family has. My family is a typical middle class family but  we've been helped by at least two United Way agencies. One is the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges, where I try to work out twice a week. I've worked out with a physical therapist because it's covered by my medical insurance, but I choose to go to the Center because they're better. Same thing with Youth Services. Many years ago, one of my children was having typical teenage problems. Because we have medical insurance, we could have gone to almost any counselor in Tulsa, but we found the most  talented one was at Youth Services, a United Way agency.  
Check out the United Way's agency list here, and you may be surprised how many great non-profits you'll find, maybe even some that you've used. 
How many of you have been helped by a United Way agency? How many of you have been helped by the Salvation Army? I’m not asking for true confessions here, just the facts! How about sending some comments? 


See more photos from the United Way, here.

-Sallie