The Benefit of Community Programs

It's often said "it takes a village" to raise a child, and Cliff's guest in this episode of OUTdrive believes that to be true. Gary Beckman is the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of West Central Missouri. He outlines the importance of programs and activities available to school age children through the Boys and Girls Club, especially in rural American communities. Gary has nearly 30 years of experience working with Boys and Girls Club and community members of rural areas across the Midwest. Gary entered the position of Executive Director in 2017 after spending the first 20 years of his career with the Boys and Girls Club in Illinois. He had previously spent 16 years as the Executive Director of a club branch in Pontiac, Ill. and had early career experience working with the YMCA in Chicago. Originally from La Plata, Missouri, Gary earned his bachelor's degree in exercise science from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri.  Tune in as Gary shares the characteristics of support, guidance and grit the Boys and Girls Club helps instill in the youth of our community, and communities around the world.  What you'll learn:  Gary's journey from the small town of La Plata, Missouri to working in corporate fitness in Chicago and how it ultimately led him to working for the Boys and Girls Club for the last 30 years in rural American areas What Gary's typical day looks like as the executive director The challenges facing an organization like Boys and Girls club in rural America The community partnerships the club has developed over the years and how important investors are to the organization Details on the Boys and Girls Club annual Night of Heart and Hope happening on February 19th, 2022 The characteristics of what rural America means to Gary Using storytelling in marketing and how sharing "your story" can have a big impact for non-profit organizations like the club The story of Gary's mother, a Hall of Fame basketball player and the importance of remembering our history