In this episode of "Sarah from the Club," Sarah welcomes Mitzi, the executive director of the Texas Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs, for an in-depth discussion. Mitzi shares insights into her role, where she represents 69 club organizations and nearly 400,000 youths across Texas. She discusses the strategic benefits of the alliance, including leveraging state, private, and federal funding to support club missions and initiatives effectively.

Mitzi highlights the challenges and adaptations post-pandemic, emphasizing the varying capacities of clubs and the continuous effort to support club leaders through resources and training. The discussion also covers the Texas Youth Summit and its impact, with Mitzi explaining how statewide events like this help align the clubs toward common goals and facilitate direct interaction with state legislators and training opportunities.

The podcast also delves into new initiatives like the educational partnership with the American Electric Power Foundation and the support from the state for pandemic-related educational catch-ups. Mitzi enthusiastically talks about the successful advocacy efforts at the state level, thanks to the visible impact of these programs.

Finally, the episode touches on future plans and ongoing challenges, including addressing youth mental health and food insecurity, and the importance of adapting fundraising strategies post-pandemic. Mitzi emphasizes the alliance’s role in connecting clubs with resources and the broader community, highlighting the significant impact of collaborative efforts across such a vast state.

Interview with:

Mitzi Stoute Faniola

Executive Director

Texas Alliance/Boys & Girls Clubs in Texas