The Real News Louisiana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 26^th, 2025

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Samantha Leger

Event & Marketing Manager

sleger@bgcacadiana.com

Phone: (337) 268-9555

Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana Embarks on Serving More Youth and Creating Endless Opportunities

Stakeholders come together to support and launch “Unlocking Greatness,” an initiative to empower youth in unlocking doors to a world of potential.

Lafayette, LA – Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana (BGCA) is committed to equipping youth with the tools and guidance needed to navigate challenges in their community. For over 50 years, BGCA has provided safe, impactful, and high-quality experiences for youth and teens, fostering academic success, healthy lifestyles, and strong character and citizenship.

“Unlocking Greatness” holds support in BGCA’s mission of “empowering young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.” As the leading youth service organization in Louisiana, BGCA is proud to take a step forward to ensure sustainability and expanded opportunities for all youth.

Between now and the end of the decade, BGCA will enhance programs, facilities and opportunities for the youth who need it most. The initiative will focus on four key areas to create a plan for building great futures for today and tomorrow’s youth.

1. Providing innovative programs designed to empower youth to excel in school, become good citizens, and lead healthy, productive lives.
2. Connecting youth to the world around them through experiential access, exposure to various businesses and industries, and job and workforce training.
3. Continuing to provide and improve safe facilities, creating a haven for youth across all serving communities
4. Implementing a vision to recognize the needs of today and engaging with the community with opportunities to participate in the vision of tomorrow.  

“The ‘Unlocking Greatness’ initiative is a testament to our unwavering dedication to the youth in all the communities we serve,” says Edward Bienvenu, Board President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana. “As a Board, we are proud to support this initiative that not only invests in our young people but also strengthens the entire community. Together, we are creating pathways for success and ensuring that every child can achieve greatness.”

BGCA is dedicated to addressing deeper community issues that impact youth, movin, beyond their basic needs. The impact of “Unlocking Greatness” will focus on the following goals to foster success in every youth that walk through the Club’s doors.

1. Addresses disparities caused by academic and economic challenges by providing resources to help bridge the gap.
2. Promoting mental health awareness, especially among teens, to encourage healthy lifestyle choices.
3. Promoting conflict resolution, anti-bullying initiatives, and life skills training in communities where safety is a concern, helping create a safer environment. Clubs also inspire youth to advocate for change within their communities to make a difference.

As part of our ongoing commitment to serving the community, BGCA is taking steps to enhance our facilities to better meet the needs of the youth and families we serve.

We recognize the deep history and impact of our existing Clubs, and we are committed to a thoughtful and responsible transition as we work toward improved resources for our members. These updates will allow us to provide even greater opportunities, especially to the communities we serve, ensuring our programs continue to empower and inspire the next generation.

“At Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana, we believe every child and teen deserves the opportunity to unlock their full potential,” states Rhyan Wheeler, CEO & President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana. “The ‘Unlocking Greatness’ initiative represents our commitment to empowering youth who need us most. By expanding programs, strengthening our facilities, and deepening community connections, we are ensuring every young person has the support, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive – not just for today, but for generations to come.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana invites communities to explore and learn about opportunities to participate in “Unlocking Greatness.” We encourage you to explore the Unlocking Greatness Brochure to learn more information. To schedule a meeting, please email begreat@bgcacadiana.com.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana

This year marks the 55^th anniversary of Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana. Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana operates under a mission to empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Serving youth in 9 different locations, Boys & Girls Clubs provide opportunities through after school programs and summer camps with activities focusing on Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles & Habits, and Good Character & Leadership.

If interested in supporting the Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcacadiana.com/donate or call 337-268-9555.