NBGC Welcomes Dedicated Youth Advocate

Williams to take Director Position

The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia is proud to announce Nakita Williams as the Newton County Boys & Girls Club Director. Nakita is an award-winning Youth Advocate, mentor and community leader. She has a strong passion for youth development and strives to motivate and inspire the youth she encounters.

“We look forward to Ms. Williams leading the development of the Newton County Boys & Girls Club,” Bob Mackey President & CEO of BGCNCG shared.  “Her leadership and experience will help provide a safe, fun, clean and productive environment for the youth of Newton County.”  

In 2013, Nakita began fulfilling a promise to give back to her community. She started volunteering with the teens at Daniels Mardak Boys & Girls Club, located in Milwaukee and shortly after joined the team as a Health and Life Skills Specialist. In that role, Nakita implemented many new programs and created several community partnerships. She led her club in winning first place overall in an Organization-Wide PSA Competition on Teen Pregnancy prevention. Nakita implemented a health fair dedicated to youth that has allocated re-occurring funds for her site form organizations such as Wheaton Franciscan Hospital and Children's Hospital Wisconsin-Milwaukee Campus to support the continuation of youth-focused health fairs. Nakita was able to engage stakeholders and funders in her efforts to support teen programming. Her success in this role led her to be promoted to Assistant Club Manager and Character Leadership Supervisor. 

Nakita served as a leader, allocated resources and grants for the organization, all while building relationships and serving as a mentor to hundreds of youth within the community. She was able to increase the memberships of teens, as well as the Average Daily Attendees. In 2015, Nakita was the recipient of the Ruby Groote Mat award, an award that is rewarded to one employee a year throughout the organization.Nakita is instrumental in supporting the professional development of others and serving as a mentor for other colleagues.  

"Nakita has always been able to inspire and motivate anyone she encounters.”Nakita served on various committees including the Youth Arts Initiative which focused on allocating resources funding Art Programs for youth,” The CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee shared. “To prevent more youth from experiencing the traumatizing experiences that she had as a child, she served as an advocate with the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare and provided insight on policies and procedures that were recommended to be in place to protect children.”

Nakita has over 15 years of experience working in the Human and Social services field.  She exhibits a broad knowledge in youth engagement and support as well as a proven commitment to ensuring the highest quality of services. The foundation of her success lies in her talent and passion for the youth and bringing real-world learning experiences to them.  Nakita has had much success in implementing best practices for youth growth and development throughout her career at organizations.

She has her undergraduate degree in Business Management from Bryant & Stratton College, Graduate Certificate in Counseling specializing in Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services as well as a Graduate Certificate in counseling specializing in Contemporary Theory in Couple and Family systems from Capella University. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree. Her goal is to not only have a better understanding of youth development, but to provide awareness on how family systems contribute to the growth and development in adolescents. While also developing different techniques to train staff on how to deal with at-promise youth that have experienced trauma. 

Nakita has overcome many obstacles which makes her “relatable” to youth. These obstacles fuel her passion for youth development. She also lives by the quote “I want to inspire people, I want someone to look at me and say, Because of you I didn't give up." This mindset has helped her become a pillar in the community.

Nakita welcomes the opportunity to provide the youth in the Newton County community with the Optimal Club Experience, by guaranteeing unlimited possibilities for all youth. She is honored to take on the role of Club Director at the Newton County Boys & Girls Club and support the mission of the Boys & Girls of North Central Georgia, which is “To enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” 

To learn more about Newton County Boys & Girls Club visit, www.bgcncg.com/newtoncounty. You can reach Nakita Williams at nwilliams@bgcncg.com.

BGCNCG Youth Named Semi-Finalist at State Comp

Griggs “shines” a message of positivity 

Ricquaria Griggs believes in empowering others – it’s a message she’s been spreading since joining Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club in 2012. It was there within the walls of her Boys & Girls Club that she found her inner voice and confidence to start sharing her positivity. And, it was on stage at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Georgia Youth of the Year competition she heard her inner voice say, “I’m here.”

‘Here’ was hearing her name being called as a semi-finalist in the state-wide competition, where she competed against more than 30 youth from Georgia Clubs. 

The statewide competition was a three-day competition, which consisted of interviews, essays and speeches focusing on how Boys & Girls Clubs impacted the youth.

For Griggs, the impact was easy to name – “the Club taught me to love myself and how I can in return take that love and give it to my community.”

And even though she didn’t take home the title of state-wide Youth of the Year, Griggs keeps echoing two words, “I’m here.”

“After the winner was announced a fellow Youth of the Year said to me, ‘but, I’m here’ and I couldn’t help but reflect on the meaning of those two words for my life and my future,” she shared. “Wherever I am meant to be and whatever I am truly meant to pursue, I will get there because I was here – because this Club and organization believed in me and because I believed in myself.”

Among those gathered to support Ricquaria was Greene County High School Principal, James Peek, who shared his excitement in her successes. 

“It has been a tremendous experience attending this Youth of the Year ceremony. We at Greene County High School are very proud of Ricquaria’s accomplishments,” he shared. “She is an outstanding student and tremendous leader in our community. I know that she is on the path to do great things in the future.”

For Mike Conrads, a Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia advisory board member and donor toward the Youth of the Year program, watching Ricquaria grow was an immense honor to participate in. 

“Shine is the word – Ricquaria is amazing,” he shared. “She’s such a great representative and she truly has her act together. She knows where she’s going, so humble and just a wonderful spirit. It’s been wonderful to watch her grow through this last year.”

Conrads added, “She’s going to be a superstar in the future – she already is.”

“She’s going to be leader and she is going to come back to our community and give back – that’s her.”

During the course of the last year, Ricquaria was been named Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, as well as the organization wide Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia Youth of the Year. Her accomplishments are marked by her unrelenting dedication to grow as a leader, as well as an individual. 

Bob Mackey, President & CEO of BGCNCG, said “We are so proud of Ricquaria. She truly lives and breathes our mission statement in her own community efforts to ensure every youth reaches their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”

“Her accomplishments also echo our core commitment to continue fostering great futures for our youth in North Central, as this marks the second year a youth from our organization was named a semi-finalist in this competition,” he added. “We’re also so grateful for the individuals who helped prepare Ricquaria for this competition. Thank you, Linda and Mike Conrads, June and Michael Tompkins, Terressa and Kim Jensen for helping prep her for the sessions.”

For Ricquaria, her future is bright and sure to be something “amazing.”

“Because of my local Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club and the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, I was given the opportunity to share my story and inspire others along the way,” she shared. “I now have the confidence to keep striving to be successful. I can’t wait to see what’s next for me because I know it is going to be something amazing!”

Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year recognition program empowers young people to reach their full potential by providing youth with access to the tools they need to build the great futures they imagine.

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia’s vision is to provide a world-class experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters its doors.

For more information or to donate, visit www.bgcncg.com. If you’d like to get involved, please contact 770-267-8034. 

Newton Federal Bank Shares Passion for Youth

Newton Federal Bank knows first-hand the importance of providing for the community’s youth, as several employees personally put youth first. 

“We see the need in the community for Newton County Boys & Girls Club to be here – it’s a natural fit,” John Smith, Newton Federal Bank President, shared. “I’ve been involved in youth all my life. It’s very important to me and my family.”

Nita Thompson, a NCBGC board member, shared her excitement in Newton Federal Bank’s partnership. 

“It says a lot for a community business to have the foresight to see the importance of a Boys & Girls Club being here in Newton County,” she said. “Their continued support will help us provide the opportunity to make positive impacts in the lives of Newton County children.” 

“Because of community members like Newton Federal Bank we are able to bring hope & opportunity to Newton County youth,” Bob Mackey, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia CEO & President shared. “We are excited for the ongoing partnership we will have with Newton Federal Bank.”

To learn more about Newton County Boys & Girl Club, visit www.bgcncg.com/newtoncounty or call 770-267-8034. 

BD Awards $5k to Newton Boys & Girls Club

  Pledges Ongoing Support

“We are very excited to support Newton County Boys & Girls Club’s doors opening and are thrilled to support moving forward as well,” Calvin Klitz, Vice President of Human Resources for BD shared.

BD, a global medical technology company, recently donated $5,000 toward NCBGC doors opening this year. It’s part of an ongoing partnership, Klitz mentioned, through Legacy Bard’s social giving program. 

“Community support is key to the success of Newton County Boys & Girls Club changing the lives of Newton’s youth,” Bob Mackey, CEO & President of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia said. “We are so grateful to BD for making the pledge to be supporters in our ongoing mission to serve the Newton youth with unique engaging programming that helps youth become productive adults.”

To learn more about Newton County Boys & Girls Club, visit Newton County’s club page!

United Bank Believes in NCBGC

“There’s nothing else like Boys & Girls Club,” Thomas Kephart, United Bank President shared recently to a room of Newton County Boys & Girls Club board members. The occasion was the awarding of $2,500 check toward the opening of the Club’s doors this year. 

For Thomas believes in the difference Newton County Boys & Girls Club will make in Newton’s youth. 

“United Bank is pleased to be a sponsor of the Newton County Boys & Girls Club.  We have seen firsthand the increase in the western Newton County population density, and we feel that the Boys & Girls Club will meet an immediate need in that geographical area,” he said. “The organization has a tremendous reputation as a community resource, and the success stories from youth who have been impacted through the Boys & Girls Club are truly exciting and motivating.”

Bob Mackey, CEO & President of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, shared his appreciation toward United Bank’s commitment to Newton County youth. 

“Community support is the life blood of what we do and without businesses, like United Bank, we wouldn’t be able to say that this year we’re opening the doors to a place where our youth can become in Newton County.” 

Thomas shared United Bank is confident that “the Newton location will provide huge immediate opportunities for the youth in the area.”

To learn more about Newton County Boys & Girl Club, visit our NEWTON COUNTY Club page.

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BGCNCG hosts fall Safety Training for staff & volunteers

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia recently held an organization wide safety training session for staff and volunteers at its Walton County Club location. Staff and volunteers were provided with educational tools to determine the best course of action regarding safety measures for the youth who attend BGCNCG Clubs. 

A review of BGCNCG safety regulations, which is upheld and guided by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, was provided by Karen Robertson, Senior Executive Club Director for Madison-Morgan Boys & Girls Club. 

“The safety of our youth is our No. 1 priority in providing safe spaces for our youth to learn, grow and prosper into young adults,” Karen Robertson shared. “It was a delight to also be facilitating this training alongside a Boys & Girls Clubs of America representative, who’s purpose it to monitor, give feedback and provide resources for us to utilize at our Clubs.”

Bob Mackey, President and CEO of BGCNCG, closed out training by giving the staff and volunteers a talk about teamwork and commitment.

“I’m so proud of the team we have for BGCNCG. Changing a child’s life starts with these individuals who see our youth day in and out at our Clubs,” he shared. “We truly strive for excellence in our commitment to the youth, which is why training is such a vital way of being successful at impacting the youth of North Central Georgia.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia serves Morgan, Greene, Putnam, Jasper and Newton Counties. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, visit www.bgcncg.comor call 770-267-8034.

Dollar General Customer Appreciation Night to benefit Newton County Boys & Girls Club