Optima Chemical Pledges Support for Local Boys and Girls Club
Committed to Helping Young People Reach Their Full Potential
Douglas, GA – Optima Chemical Group LLC is demonstrating its dedication to improving the lives of young people in Douglas and Coffee County, GA, by announcing its support for the establishment of a Boys and Girls Club. Optima Chemical has pledged $10,000 per year for the next three years to assist with needed funding to launch and operate the local club.
The mission of the Boys and Girls Club is to “enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” The organization carries out this mission by providing a series of programs that address academics, leadership, life skills, arts, sports and fitness and a host of other areas that help mold the lives of those who participate in the program.
“It means so much for business and industry to support our cause,” said Barry Bloom, President of the Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors. “The Boys and Girls Club will emphasize the importance of education and development of a future workforce here in Coffee County. Optima’s pledge means they believe in our cause and our community.”
Optima Chemical understands that providing young people with the tools and opportunities they need to become successful academically and mature into productive members of society is not only important to the future of Douglas and Coffee County, but to the future of the state and nation.
“We live, work and raise our families here in Coffee County, and as a company and private citizens we are committed to doing whatever we can to help our young people succeed through academic achievement,” said Optima Chemical President Gene Williams. “The Boys and Girls Club has made a tremendous difference in the lives of local youth through a variety of programs in many communities throughout the country, and Optima is very proud to support this valuable and much needed program in our community.”
In addition to providing a positive outlet to engage young people and help improve their academic performance, the club operates during the hours young people tend to get into the most trouble – after school.
The Boys and Girls Club also has a track record of significantly impacting the lives of the young people who become part of the organization, Williams said. According to club statistics:
• 57 percent of club alumni say the club saved their lives.
• 90 percent of club alumni graduate from high school.
• 81 percent of club alumni agree that the club helped them develop a sense of responsibility to give back to their community.
The City of Douglas will allow the Boys and Girls Club to use an existing facility beginning in January 2014. The club will initially serve 100 students when it opens with plans for rapid expansion to meet community needs.
