Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

The local chapter of The Boys & Girls Club is dedicated to helping the youth of Monroe County build better lives for themselves, and by doing so, creating a better community.

"The Boys & Girls Club of the Monroe Area offers a wonderful service and truly prepares the youth of today for excellence tomorrow," said Executive Director Jamison Sliger.

Sliger was named the new executive director of the Monroe County chapter in late May after Melanie Phillips resigned from the position, wrapping up her tenure at the end of April.

Sliger said the summer months at the Club offer activity-packed opportunities for the youth, including educational field trips, swimming, community service and more. While at the "Club" in the summer months, youth also receive a free lunch every day and trained counselors are on hand to ensure that the days are safe and fun.

One of Sliger's goals as the new executive director is to get rid of the perception that the Boys & Girls Club only serves a limited number of the area's youth.

"We have more than 1,000 kids in our clubs," said Sliger. "That's a lot of kids for our area."

See full story in the Wednesday, June 20, edition of The Advocate & Democrat.