Contact:
Marissa Gleockler, Vice President of Communications
mgleockler@bgcofslc.org

FORT PIERCE, FL: In a touching display of dedication to workforce readiness and community service, teen members of Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County recently crafted a special gift for their local heroes. As part of their workforce readiness program, six Club members came together to build a doghouse, which they generously donated to the K-9 Unit of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.

Donning the Sheriff’s Office’s signature green and gold and custom plaques gifted by St. Lucie County Fire District’s Steve Boyd, the doghouse was delivered to the K-9 Unit officers on Wednesday, October 25th. The passionate Club members were guided by their commitment to our community as they collaborated with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters’ Job Corps to accomplish this remarkable project. In addition to this doghouse, Club teens previously crafted a similar doghouse for the Humane Society of St. Lucie County and park benches that can be found throughout the community.

St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara has expressed his admiration for the Boys & Girls Clubs, recognizing the invaluable role they play in nurturing positive connections between youth and law enforcement. He highlighted the importance of these initiatives that engage teens in hands-on projects while simultaneously inspiring them to give back to their community. In his words, “Boys & Girls Clubs are teaching young adults to engage with law enforcement in a positive way while encouraging them to do positive things in the community, which is a benefit for all of us.”

Sean Mitchell, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County’s Director of Workforce Readiness, echoed the sentiment of community-first initiatives. He expressed his deep pride in working with Club members on projects that create a win-win situation for both the Club members and the local community. He emphasized the significance of giving back to the Sheriff’s Office, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the endeavor. “To be able to give back to the Sheriff’s Office in this way is really special,” he said.

This heartwarming initiative is a powerful display of community engagement, skill development, and mentorship, and represents just the beginning of this program. Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County has future plans to construct more benches, doghouses, and other projects for their community partners, recognizing that these programs are pivotal in teaching teen members vital skills that they can carry with them in their futures.