Parkersburg Boys and Girls Club Board Members Brandon DeCicco and Gary Cyrus, Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce, Parkersburg Boys and Girls’ Club CEO Darlene Murphy and Parkersburg Boys and Girls’ Club Director of Resource Development Candace Black, along with Leona A., Bennett P., Zelda A., Kahleena M., Emelia H., Harper M., Arianna S., Liam M., Aleea S. and Iris M., gathered at the club’s Mary Street location on Monday. Joyce presented the club with $35,000 in Opioid Settlement funding to support youth-focused programs and services. (Photo provided)

PARKERSBURG – The City of Parkersburg is providing $35,000 in Opioid Settlement funding to support youth-focused programs and services, such as the Boys and Girl’s Club of Parkersburg, as part of its community investment strategy.

Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce presented the funding to Darlene Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg, during a ceremony held Monday at the club’s facilities at 1200 Mary Street.

The award is part of the City’s broader opioid settlement strategy, which allocates resources toward prevention initiatives, youth engagement, workforce development and services that support individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder.

“The Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg provides opportunities, mentorship, and positive experiences that help shape the future of our community’s youth,” Joyce said. “Investing opioid settlement funds in prevention and youth engagement is one of the most effective ways we can create lasting positive outcomes for children and families.

“The City is proud to support the important work being done by the Boys & Girls Club.”

Murphy expressed her appreciation for the City’s continued partnership and commitment to local youth.

“These funds will allow us to provide expanded services to youth in the City of Parkersburg,” she said. “In the past two years, we have seen our numbers more than double and with the funding provided by the City of Parkersburg, we can continue to serve the kids who need us most.

“The work we do provides a safe place with caring adults and programs that work to prevent substance use and juvenile delinquency. We cannot do this work without the support of our local government.”

For years, the Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg has provided after-school programming, educational support, mentorship, recreation, and character-building opportunities for local youth. Through its work, the organization continues to serve as a valuable community resource for children and families throughout the region.