Boys & Girls Club continues growth, changes under new leadership
HENDERSONVILLE - The Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County has seen many changes in the past couple of years, including a new CEO, who said changes are all geared toward making the club a better place not only for the youths it serves, but also the community.
Carolyn Ashworth was hired in May 2023 as the new CEO, taking over the job held by Julia Hockenberry since 2009. Ashworth said she stepped into the role amid a significant period of transition, as two other club leaders also chose to go their separate ways just before Hockenberry's departure.
Several other employees of the club also decided to step away, and Ashworth said it was to be expected.
"Change after so many years is hard, and we anticipated some level of attrition in welcoming new leadership. We have had some turnover, but it is not much different than what many other local employers are experiencing," Ashworth said.
Fresh perspectives
With new leadership comes new ideas and new methods, Ashworth said, and she's seeing these changes produce results.
"I've witnessed an incredible transformation within our team. We've cultivated a diverse leadership group, blending internal promotions with passionate club alumni who are dedicated to imparting the same life-changing experiences they received as children," she said. "Change, in this context, has been invigorating. It's brought forth fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and an unwavering commitment to our mission."
Ashworth said the club is serving 10% more youths that it did in 2022 and 50% more than in 2021.
"We are set to increase the number we serve by 25% in 2024. About 85% of our members have a C or better average in school, and 34% are on the honor roll, including 11% of our members who have straight A's," she said.
Ashworth said the club has also enrolled 20% more youths in Project Hope, its college readiness and scholarship program.
"We know how much this work matters. I can also say that in surveys, 98% of our parents tell us that the club makes it possible for them to keep their jobs," she said.
Another change is attempting to reduce waitlists for kids wanting to join the club.
"We give priority to our existing members who attend regularly, as well as a few other groups. For example, kids in foster care, kids being served by Safelight, military-connected youth — these are examples of groups we would prioritize," Ashworth said.
Still growing
Founded in 1993, the club served 200 young people in its first year in a 2,000-square foot building located in the Green Meadows community. Today, its campus is 60,000-square feet and serves more than 1,200 young people annually with year-round programs in the areas of academic success, health and wellness.
"The club shows itself, and it shows very well. We try to invite people out to the club to take tours as often as possible," Boys and Girls Club Board President Stephen Gwaltney said. "There is something that typically draws an individual to one part of what we do here. It could be tutoring, transportation, volunteering with kids at the gym and working here or serving on the board. We try to get as many people here as possible, and we've had some phenomenal outcomes from that."
The club continues to add new programs, Ashworth said, and the latest addition is its STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) offerings.
"Our initiatives speak volumes: a groundbreaking reading program, dynamic STEM offerings and fun new classes centered on cooking, nutrition and healthy living," she said. "Moreover, our partnership with the Hendersonville Police Department underscores our commitment to holistic youth development, ensuring the safety and well-being of our members.
Another new addition is the Claire Waddell Reading Program, which launched on Feb. 14. This came about through the idea of a long-time club supporter and features a child-friendly vending machine that accepts unique tokens, which club members can exchange for a book of their choice. The Boys & Girls Club now has two of those machines.
Ashworth said none of these changes were possible without the support from the community.
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"Everything we do at the club is 100% free for our members and their families and depends on the ongoing goodwill of our community," she said. "If anyone from our community would like to see what we are up to firsthand, I extend an open invitation to tour our facilities and witness the transformative work our team is accomplishing every day."
The club is located at 1304 Ashe St. For more information call 828-693-9444 or send an email to info@bgchendersonco.org.
Dean Hensley is the news editor for the Hendersonville Times-News. Email him with tips, questions and comments at DHensley@gannett.com. Please help support this kind of local journalism with a subscription to the Hendersonville Times-News.
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Henderson Co. Boys & Girls Club sees changes under new leadership
