Boys & Girls Clubs in Maryland held their annual Legislative Breakfast, on January 24, 2024, at the Governor Calvert House in Annapolis, MD, which brought Maryland legislators together with Club representatives, to share the impact of Boys & Girls Clubs across the State.
We were pleased to have Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, Aruna Miller, share inspiring words about the much-needed services that Boys & Girls Clubs provide to youth, families and surrounding communities, as well as demonstrate the Moore/Miller administration’s support for our mission. As Miller meaningfully stated in reference to the important work of Boys & Girls Clubs, “Those closest to the challenge are closest to the solution.” Remarks were also provided by Senators Cory McCray and Steve Hershey to further acknowledge and congratulate Clubs and encourage others to join them in championing young people and the evidence-based programs that Clubs deliver through nearly 90 locations across the State.
In addition to state leaders, both 2024 Boys & Girls Clubs Maryland State Youth of the Year recipients spoke to legislators and guests on behalf of the Boys & Girls Club movement. Jailen, Maryland State Youth of the Year from Boys & Girls Clubs of Carroll County, shared the importance that being a Club member has had on her life, spotlighting the Club’s positive effect on mental health. Jailen shared, “At the Club, I learned that it is okay not to be okay every day. I love Boys & Girls Clubs because they gave me the tools to be a strong, resilient woman.” Amari, Maryland Military Youth of the Year from Joint Base Andrews Youth Programs, told his inspiring Club story as well, impressing the importance of this experience in shaping not only his life, but the future generation of teens.
Finally, Timika Thrasher, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County, shared her passion for youth advocacy, and her excitement for the ongoing expansion of Maryland Boys & Girls Clubs, including renovation of Mace’s Lane High School and new Club openings to take place in Cambridge, Salisbury, Hagerstown, Indian Head, Lothian, Westminster and Baltimore City.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Maryland thanks: Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller; Senators Malcolm Augustine, Jack Bailey, Pam Beidle, Paul Corderman, Arthur Ellis, Steve Hershey, Michael Jackson, Cory McCray and Mike McKay; Secretaries Emily Keller and Paul Monteiro; State’s Attorney of Prince George’s County, Aisha Braveboy; Colonel Roland Butler; Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention & Policy; along with every state legislator and special guest who joined us for this year’s Legislative Breakfast. We thank everyone for your dedicated support of Maryland’s young people, which makes a profound impact in ensuring that they are given access to opportunities that positively affect their futures.