Georgia Power, Boys & Girls Clubs of Georgia mark 25 years of partnership

For over two decades, the Georgia Power Foundation has donated over $2 million to the Boys and Girls Club through a continued partnership, helping to fund projects addressing the needs of the local clubs. Everything from supporting summer camps, implementation of workforce readiness programing, personal protection gear to keep clubs open during COVID-19, to capital campaigns supporting club renovation programs.

"Georgia Power Foundation has a long-standing partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs across Georgia. We applaud the Clubs’ dedication to providing a safe and nurturing environment, helping youth to develop life skills and supporting them toward high school graduation and exploring career options.” Rita Breen, Executive Director of Georgia Power Foundation, said.

The Boys and Girls Club is a non-profit organization geared towards providing a safe, positive, and fun environment for children after school. There are currently over 140 clubs throughout 64 counties in the state of Georgia.

In addition to funding, the Citizens of Georgia Power employee volunteer group has been closely involved with the organization. Employee volunteerism in communities around the state has long been a hallmark of Georgia Power, going back at least a century, and is recognized in its longstanding motto, “A Citizen Wherever We Serve.”

Throughout the years, there have been nine restoration projects at Club locations led by Citizens’ chapters from the Northwest Mountain region, all the way down to Valdosta.

In 2023, the Valdosta Citizens’ group has dedicated their annual legacy project to upgrading the Valdosta Boys and Girls Club, which serves over 1,000 children and teens daily across seven sites in both Lowndes and Brooks County. Well over 140 volunteer hours have been dedicated to renovating the Lake Laurie facility.

Georgia Power employees also serve as mentors to the youth at their local clubs. Every month, several employees schedule a time lead various activities including goal-setting sessions, teambuilding, paddleboard lessons and visits to Okefenokee Swamp Park.

“I am continually grateful for our local Georgia Power crew! They have jumped in feet-first to work one-on-one with the youth we serve and have helped us to better our facilities through vital renovation projects,” Bill Holt said, who currently serves as the Vice President of the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta. He continued, “Through the Georgia Power mentoring program, local GP employees are matched with our youth and spend consistent time getting to know them, helping them set goals, and just have some fun... These kinds of experiences are landmarks for the at-risk youth we serve. Georgia Power employees are the real deal. They have worked with our kids and Club with heart and purpose, and we are blessed to have them partner with us.”