Dominique Barber, program coordinator for the Boys and Girls Club in New Richmond, puts a fresh coat of paint on her office door.

Dominique Barber, program coordinator for the Boys and Girls Club in New Richmond, puts a fresh coat of paint on her office door.
By Megan Alley
Sun staff

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Clermont County are now under the management of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati, a change that also brings facility upgrades for the New Richmond location.

“Parent engagement is vital, because it is a change,” said Britton Martin, who took over as County Director in April. “Things will look different, but we will have different expectations for the kids too.”

Previously, kids who visited one of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Clermont County, including locations at Glen Este Middle School and Amelia Middle School, were free to spend their time shooting hoops, working on homework, doing arts and crafts, engaging in music and socializing.

“Starting August 31, those programs will change significantly,” said Martin.

The clubs will now focus on the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati’s core program, Graduate, Fit for Life, Ready to Serve. The program focuses on strong academic success, physical fitness and community service.

“Kids who come in will have a set schedule where they work on homework for 45 minutes, have 45 minutes of organized gym time, and then have specific time to immerse in hands-on projects that benefit themselves and the local community,” said Martin.

A new full-time education coordinator, who will split time between the three Clermont County locations, has been hired to help students with their homework.

“The clubs are a continuation of the school day,” said Martin. “We check on grades, speak the same language and have the same disciplinary policies as the local schools.”

He added, “For instance, I’ve talked with [New Richmond Local School District] Superintendent Adam Bird, and he’s been very supportive. We’re all looking forward to working together to support the kids.”

Also, as part of the Fit for Life program element, and encouraging kids to make healthy choices, kids at the New Richmond location will be served a hot dinner and snack each night.

“Communication with parents is vital, and ensuring that they understand expectations,” said Martin. “Before, the clubs were looked at just as a safe place to be. Now, we have a new program, with expectations and obligations. Kids are free to attend, but they must participate.”

Martin has been with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati for 10 years. He was promoted to his new role when the Boys and Girls Clubs of Clermont County executive director position was eliminated earlier this year.

As part of his initial duties, Martin was tasked with evaluating existing policies, procedures and staff performance.

“I was in charge of hiring a new staff, which meant existing staff had to reapply for their positions,” Martin said.

New Richmond Program Coordinator Dominique Barber, who recently helped open an all-teens Boys and Girls Club in Columbus, is excited about all the changes.

“I’m looking forward to meeting new kids and developing new relationships,” said Barber. “I get to be an adult mentor, and help kids see they can do their best.”

An official merger is anticipated to be finalized by the beginning of 2016, which will include the dissolving of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Clermont County name. The merger will also help secure the financial future of the Clermont County clubs.

The Boys and Girls Club’s New Richmond location, at 213 Union Street, will re-open August 31. The clubs provide free after-school and summer programing and one free meal a day for kids between the ages of six and 18.