Jazlyn Frieson (Photo Provided)

BELPRE – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington County has announced the appointment of Jazlyn Frieson as unit director for the Belpre club.

“Jazlyn brings a strong combination of experience, passion, and proven leadership to the Belpre Club,” said Justin Clark, chief executive officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington County. “Her ability to build relationships, lead teams, and keep youth at the center of every decision makes her an excellent fit for this role and for the Belpre community.”

Frieson began working with school-age youth during the COVID-19 shutdown, an experience that sparked a lasting passion for mentorship and youth advocacy, according to a release from the club. She joined Boys & Girls Clubs in 2023 and was promoted twice within her first year in the Parkersburg organization.

Her background includes serving as a youth development professional and club director, as well as completing the Club Directors Academy in Louisville, equipping her with the skills needed to lead high-quality programming and build strong teams, Clark said.

“The Belpre Club appeals to me because it’s rooted in the school and has a close-knit community,” Frieson said in the release. “As someone who started in Belpre preschool, this is a meaningful opportunity to give back to the community where I began.”

At the heart of her leadership philosophy is creating a space where youth feel safe, accepted and empowered, the release said.

“It’s about creating a supportive environment where young people can discover their strengths, develop life skills, and become positive community members,” Frieson said. “They can be whoever they want when they walk in, and we’ll accept them. It’s about giving them tools to succeed — and opportunities to just be a kid.”

Frieson emphasized the importance of out-of-school programming for families in Belpre, noting the club provides a safe, structured environment that supports academic and social growth while giving families peace of mind and strengthening the community as a whole.

As unit director, Frieson’s goals include continuous improvement in programming, strengthening relationships with families and partners, and maintaining a strong focus on club quality, the release said.

Frieson prides herself on engaging families during club events and encouraging youth to give back through community service.

“We’re committed to being a valuable resource for families and a positive force in the community,” she said. “We are much more than after-school care.”

Outside of work, Frieson enjoys spending time with her family and embracing her new journey into motherhood — a role that further deepens her commitment to supporting children and families.

“The reason I’m excited to lead the Belpre Club is the opportunity to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of young people in our community,” she said. “When kids walk through our doors, I want them to feel welcomed, safe and inspired — knowing they belong.”

Frieson’s vision aligns closely with the Boys & Girls Club promise of Great Futures.

“Great Futures means empowering every child with the resources, opportunities and courage to pursue their dreams,” she said. “It’s about equipping youth with support to dream boldly and develop into resilient leaders for a brighter future.”