Rick Troutman serving our at-risk youth with dedication, commitment and passion
Vicki Baker
When the school bell rings at the end of the day, thousands of children across Denton County pour out of the classroom. Some head home and are met by parents who help with homework before driving them to basketball practice or piano lessons. For others after school options are far less certain, stable and safe.
In today’s world children are faced with enormous challenges threatening their chance at promising futures. Safe places to learn and grow with positive adult relationships, life-enhancing programs and character development experiences are vital to their future success. The Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central Texas (BGC) provide these safe havens for low income, at-risk youth. For more than eight years the Kiwanis Club Robson Ranch has been an honored partner of BGC through financial support and volunteer hours.
BGC is headquartered in Lake Dallas providing services to local youth at four Denton county locations: Denton, Lake Dallas, Lewisville and Little Elm. A majority of the club’s youth live at or below the poverty level with 49% of those being from single or no parent homes. The club provides daily education, recreational, social and cultural enrichment programs and currently services over 450 children.
Twelve years ago Rick Troutman shifted from the corporate world to non-profit work. He now dedicates this life and passion to BGC and currently serves as CEO and president. Rick proudly reported the BGC’s accomplishments during a recent Kiwanis Club meeting. Over the past decade of those youth serviced, 95% maintained a B grade or above, 100% were promoted to the next grade level on time, 100% are scheduled to graduate from high school on time, no children entered the juvenile justice system and there were no teen pregnancies.
These positive outcomes were achievable through the many services offered. The after-school program serves healthy snacks and drinks. Children engage in outdoor activities and exercise. Volunteers and mentors help with homework. College students, police officers and juvenile judges serve as role models. Prevention and education programs address drug and alcohol use and premature sexual activity.
Unfortunately these programs cannot survive without financial support. The BCG’s fundraising event, Kids and Tailwaggers, is set for March 25. The event includes 5K fun run, one-mile dog walk and Woofapalooza, a dog zone designed for your four-legged friends with a fetch and retrieve contest, paw painting, dog cake walks and more. For more details visit kidsandtailwaggers.com or call 940-239-9309.
The mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central Texas is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens by promoting education, positive choices and healthy lifestyles. BCG children become better people and leave legacies for the future every day.
Interested in leaving your own legacy for a greater tomorrow? Then join the Kiwanis Club Robson Ranch on the first and third Friday at 8:30 a.m. in the Clubhouse. For more information contact Jim Galbraith at [email protected].