Coach Mike Bobo.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Moultrie/Colquitt County has a simple, straight-forward mission: “To enable all young people, especially those that need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.”

And since its inception in 2009, the club has been doing just that, while reaching more of those children each year.

The Boys and Girls Club, located at 420 W. Central Ave., had an enrollment of 96 youngsters its first year.

Last year, that membership grew to 360 young people — including an average daily attendance of 160 — who can take advantage of the club’s academic, character and citizenship development and healthy lifestyle programs.

“And we are accessible to the kids who need us the most,” says executive director Joseph Matchett IV, expanding on the club’s mission. “We are within walking distance of most of the kids who are members.

“The need is so important. And we think we have an impact on the kids and families we serve.”

The club will highlight its goals and successes at its annual Founders Banquet, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, at Heritage Church.

Mike Bobo, the offensive coordinator of the University of Georgia football team and a former Thomasville High and Georgia quarterback, will be the guest speaker.

Tickets are $50 and are available from the club’s Board of Directors. Tickets also can be purchased by calling the club at 890-8600 or LIsa Clarke Hill at 873-9528.

The board members are Tenero Bender, Michael Boatwright, John M. Carlton Jr., David Durham, Richard Edwards, Larry Franklin, Tangela Hayes, Lisa Clarke Hill, Amanda Holt, Robert Howell, Barbara Jelks, the Rev. Alfred Jones, Susan P. McBrayer, Patrick Mobley, Myrtis Ndawula, Judy H. Payne, Luke Strong III, Holly Taylor, Phillip Thomas and Jerry Vereen.

Matchett is a former member of the Boys and Girls Club in Valdosta and says his experiences there as a youngster made a positive difference in his life.

While attending Valdosta State University, he started working part-time at the Valdosta club as a youth development professional.

He remained with the club for eight years, serving in a number of capacities.

The Boys and Girls Club of Moultrie and Colquitt County opened its doors in the former Kelly-Reeves Furniture Store on June 1, 2009.

Matchett became the director a year later and has helped it reach out to greater numbers of youngsters in need of the services the club provides.

He notes that 97 percent of club members are living in poverty and qualify for free or reduced-price lunch programs compared to 74 percent of the school population at large.

And 77 percent of the club members live in households headed by a single female.

Matchett said the club has programs designed to enhance educational development, with members receiving homework assistance and tutoring each day.

When homework is completed, the youngsters are instructed on ways to reach their potential as responsible citizens.

Among the club’s programs are:

• Power Hour, the after-school homework program.

• S.M.A.R.T. Moves, teaching responsible decision-making.

• Triple Play, which focuses on health, nutrition and fitness.

• Youth of the Year, which recognizes leadership and character development.

• Wanna Play?, which teaches good fitness and nutrition habits.

• Be Great, Graduate, which helps young people most vulnerable to dropping out of school to develop academic, behavioral and social skills needed to be successful.

• Money Matters (Make It Count), which promotes financial responsibility among teens by teaching basic money management skills.

According to information from the club, its members watch less television, perform better on assessment tests and have exceptional attendance records.

It reports that 94 percent of club members met or exceeded expectations on the CRCT exam and 59 percent had five or fewer absences in the 2010-2011 academic year.

“We want to help them become employable and we want to teach them to give back to their community,” Matchett said.

The club’s programs are available to children between 5 and 18.

The annual membership fee is $10. There is a $25 per semester fee for the after-school program and $100 for the 10-week summer camp, which includes 10 hours of supervision and two meals each day.

The club does not turn away children based on ability to pay and several receive scholarships.

It costs the club about $2,000 a year per member.

The club will accept tax-deductible donations.

The Boys and Girls Club of Moultrie/Colquitt County’s website is www.bgcmoultrie.org.