As president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, Bill Sadro knows what kids need. In his 35th year with the organization, he has held roles throughout the NPO, from Assistant Program Director to his current position.
“I think you are in this job because you are always hands-on and you want to be with young people on a daily basis. Let’s go,” says Sadro.
Sadro, now a bus driver, is careful with his wording, rarely using “I” and instead replacing it with “you” or “we”. For Sadro, the organization’s mission cannot be accomplished without his team. Many of them were club alumni and grew up as members of the organization.
“You are talking about an incredible group of people who care so much about young people and their communities.
The Boys & Girls Club is an important outpost for children ages 6 to 18 who are empowered to attend after school and participate in programs that improve the skills they are passionate about. A place where you can feel. Clubs are strategically located in Northport, Venice, Newtown, Arcadia and Fruitville Road, home to our largest facility, the Lee Wetherington Club.
“We go where young people and families really need us,” says Sadro. “And I have to say that the biggest problem right now is the mental health of young people. From social media to the pandemic to Hurricane Ian, their daily lives have been hit hard and schools You can see its influence in your behavior on social media, how you interact with friends, and in many other areas.”
To alleviate these struggles, the club has implemented partnerships with local mental health organizations and incorporated social workers into the club to address the needs of its members. To get noticed, the organization put together an extensive program to reach teenage members simply called The Club. By providing unique opportunities focused on leadership development, volunteerism and community service, entrepreneurial education, vocational training, academic success, and college and career preparation, the club and Sadro are nationally recognized and recognized by the Boys. Received the first Youth Megaphone Award by & Girls Clubs. America representing her more than 4,300 clubs across the country. Boys and girls clubs in Sarasota and DeSoto counties were honored last May.
“If we’re talking about serving an entire community, what should be more recognition than giving young people a voice?” says Sadro. “For me, what we can say about this organization is to give these teens a chance and a chance to have their voices heard.
Sadro has been at the forefront of these initiatives, but has avoided direct attention. “We have so many community partners and supporters who make all of this possible. “It makes a huge contribution to the “It really takes a village, but we have some of the best people here in Sarasota and DeSoto counties.”
