From left, Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg members Aspen R., Braxton M., Aaron M., Raeleigh P., Jay-Cee M., Bob Fehrenbacher, R-Wood, Hadleigh F., Jasmine D., CEO Lynn Reins, Izabella T. and Alannah C. traveled to Charleston last year for Club Advocacy Days. The organization was recently recognized as a Hero For Youth by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for its advocacy efforts. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg was recently recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for its youth advocacy efforts and is considered a Hero For Youth.

Through the Club Advocacy Program, clubs earn points based on impactful conversations and the totals determine a tier: Advocate, Hero or Champion.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg’s score landed the organization in the Hero tier which accounts for 40% of the organizations across the nation.

“Advocacy is an incredibly crucial part of our mission to serve youth and help families live, work and thrive in the Mid-Ohio Valley,” Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg CEO Lynn Reins said. “I am so proud of the efforts of our leadership and staff who advocate for Club kids at any given opportunity. It is through these important conversations that we can positively impact the futures of local youth.”

Because of the conversations that address issues youth face every day, Boys & Girls Clubs of America reported funding increases on the state, local and federal levels for priorities like workforce readiness, academic success, youth mentorship and more.

Reins plans to incorporate more advocacy work within the organization with a goal of reaching the top Champion tier by next year.

“We like to take any and every opportunity to share our message of building Great Futures, sing the praises of our staff and Club kids and our goal is to continue to be a voice for them,” Reins said. “Our hope is that these meaningful conversations help policy makers recognize the importance of Boys & Girls Clubs and realize how crucial it is to promote a positive future for youth.”