Two Manhattan Boys & Girls Club staff members have received awards.

The Association of Boys & Girls Club Professionals has recognized Barb Allen, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manhattan for her outstanding service to the eight-state Southwest Region. The Contribution to the Profession Award is given annually at the regional level, and as a recipient, Allen is eligible for the national award to be given at the National Convention in Atlanta, GA in April 2002.

Allen has been executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manhattan since March 1999. She currently serves on several regional Boys & Girls Club committees, and has been a trainer for the local, regional and national level.

Regena Banks, Director of Program Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manhattan was named the Southwest Region Youth Development Professional of the Year in Oklahoma City. Banks, a four year employee of the Boys & Girls Clubs, was selected from 650 youth development professionals from the eight state Southwest Region.

Administered by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Youth Development Professional of the Year Award is given annually in recognition of a professional who epitomizes excellence in developing programs and services for members. Youth Development Professionals provide programs, services and activities for members consistent with the organization’s youth development mission and goals, and provide guidance to members to help them realize their full potential.

Banks began affiliation with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manhattan in April 1996 as a parent volunteer. In September 1998 she was hired as a Program Leader. In July 1998 she was promoted to Unit Director, and in April 1999 was promoted to her current position of Director of Program Development.

The Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Manhattan community for seven years, providing daily programs and services to more than 1000 young people in 2001. For more information about the Club, please call 539-1947.