Huntington has “A Heritage of Caring”

Heritage Days 2025, June 11 through June 15, will celebrate the people of Huntington and how they care for one another with the theme, “A Heritage of Caring.” Over the years many individuals, businesses and organizations have united the community in caring for one another. Each week the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce will highlight one of these entities in this column.

The mission of the Parkview Boys & Girls Club of Huntington County is to enable all young people, especially those who need them most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The staff of the Boys & Girls Club care for young people every day after school and all day during the summer to ensure that they have a safe, fun and positive environment to be a part of.

Ashley Allen became the CEO of the Parkview Boys & Girls Club at the end of 2024 following Mandy Reber who led the Club for 19 years beginning in 2005. The Club began as a single site caring for 35 children to the county-wide organization that it is today supporting over 900 youth in three locations. Allen has been with the Club for 21 years and serves with Desiree Frederick, Education and Career Development Director, and a trained staff.

High yield activities and targeted programs give members of the club tools, guidance and opportunities to achieve academic success. Regular attendance is encouraged along with good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles.

Through the food program Club members are cared for each day through snacks and supper at no cost. A healthy diet is promoted to the boys and girls who eat meals at the Club. The Healthy Habits program at the Club encourages young people to eat smart. It covers the power of choice, calories, vitamins and minerals, the food pyramid and appropriate portion size. Physical activities to a higher level are encouraged by providing sports and fitness activities for all youth.

The vision of those who care for the youth attending the Club is to change the future generation of Huntington County by instilling civic leadership, a productive work ethic and the willingness to give back in the youth they serve. The Character and Leadership program helps youth become responsible, caring citizens and acquire skills to participate in the democratic process. Youth develop leadership skills and gain opportunities for planning, decision-making, contributing to the Club and community.

The Keystone Club within the Boys & Girls Club is a teen program for youth ages 14 to 18. Leadership development opportunities are offered through participation in activities, both in and out of the Club. Three areas are focused on including academic success, career preparation and community service. An adult advisor guides the Keystone Club to positively impact teens, their Club and the community.

Several programs within the club help students meet state and local academic standards in core academic subjects such as reading and math. Students are also offered an array of enrichment activities and literacy and education services. Graduation and career planning are encouraged, and consistent support from caring and trusted adult mentors in developing the academic, emotional and social skills needed to achieve academic success is provided.

Robust safety policies, programs and training for the staff and volunteers are designed to promote child safety and protect young people from threats that are present in society. The Parkview Boys & Girls Club of Huntington County implements layers of safety policies and guidelines to keep children safe. Areas of protection include the facility, supervision, transportation, communication and prohibiting private one-on-one contact. Mandatory criminal background checks are required every year for every staff and board member. The staff and volunteers are all mandated to report any critical incident/safety concern to local authorities immediately.

Adrian Halverstadt, is the president of the Parkview Huntington Boys & Girls Club of Huntington County board with Nicole Johnson, vice president and Tom Mills, treasurer. Events that help to raise funds for the Club include the upcoming Steak and Burger Dinner on Monday, May 5. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the program at 6:30 p.m. A silent auction will be a part of the evening. Just Desserts will take place November 6 with all proceeds going to support the programs of the Club.

The Holly Sale Scholarship Fund was established in 2024 at the Be You event about women’s empowerment. Sale worked for Parkview Huntington Hospital for over 30 years, creating Parkview Huntington’s Rehabilitation Center. Holly was the Club’s secretary when she passed unexpectedly in 2017. Club girls benefit from this scholarship and funds are welcomed.

Three locations care for the young people of Huntington County with the main location at 608 E. State Street, Huntington, phone (260) 359-1750. The Warren site is located at 1063 E 900 S, and a new Andrews Boys & Girls Club opened August 7, 2024 in partnership with the Andrews Lions Club, 365 S. Leedy Lane. For more information about the Club, to donate or buy tickets to its events, visit the website or see their Facebook page.