Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/779061
10 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • February 2017 " Forrest Parker credits the organization he helped to establish in Fredericksburg 16 years ago for saving his life when he was a youth. "If it weren't for the Boys & Girls Club growing up, I would have been destined to be part of the system," said Parker, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Rappahannock Region. Since 2001, Parker has been at the helm of the Boys & Girls Club in Fredericksburg, which oper- ates out of the old Walker-Grant School. Parker didn't intend to become the executive director, but he answered the call and loves what he does. The club, which was under the guidance of The Boys & Girls Clubs Greater Washington, selected Parker to head its steering committee to explore Fredericksburg as a potential location for expansion. Under the care and guidance of Parker, the club has developed programs to help children build a solid foundation. Its Passport to Manhood is one Parker is especially proud of. The club partners with local fraternities to work with boys ages 11-15 develop specific aspects of character and manhood through interactive activities. There's a Life Skills program that educates children about decision-making and a Money Matters program that encour- ages wise financial decisions. They also work with Smart Girls. Every initia- tive spearheaded by the club is focused on helping keep young people with self-improvement and steer them away from environmental factors that could negatively impact their future. "We serve about 100 kids per day from kindergarten through Twelfth grade from 3 to 7 p.m.," said Parker. "Research has indicated that is the time when most of our young people make bad decisions. So we need programs like ours to fill that gap for young people to learn thrive and grow." Parker wants to see a boost in community involvement to ensuring that the club—which requires $1,000 per day to do its work—can help more young people have successful outcomes. We need more volunteers who can come in and implement programs, mentor our kids, provide support and of course, we want new innovative board members who want to be actively engaged in our activities and help raise money to keep our doors open," he said. "Our mission is to serve those who need us most. We're open to all kids, even kids in the suburbs with two parents. We are here to pro- vide a support base." profi le Forrest Parker WRITTEN BY CHRIS JONES WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR OUR SPRING CONCERT CELEBRATING OUR CULTURE SATURDAY MARCH 4TH 7:30 PM JAMES MONROE HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM TICKETS: $20 FOR ADULTS $15 FOR SENIORS (65+)/ COLLEGE STUDENTS CHILDREN 18 AND UNDER WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR OUR SPRING CONCERT CELEBRATING OUR CULTURE SATURDAY MARCH 4TH 7:30 PM JAMES MONROE HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM TICKETS: $20 FOR ADULTS $15 FOR SENIORS (65+)/ COLLEGE STUDENTS CHILDREN 18 AND UNDER PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS AT: RAPPAHANNOCKPOPS.ORG OR AT THE DOOR ALSO AVAILABLE AT: ROBERSON'S MUSIC THE POPCORN BAG Celebrate our musical culture with the POPS! We will also feature the amazing talents of guest artists: ASHLEIGH CHEVALIER & TYLER REESE Other Upcoming Performances April 2 Small Ensemble Concert (Central Rappahannock Regional Library) May 29 In Memoriam (Free) (Mary Washington Hospital)