SPRINGFIELD, June 4, 2020. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield is celebrating an incredible recognition. We are pleased to announce that through a national partnership, Maytag and Boys & Girls Clubs of America selected Jeff Long as a recipient of this year’s Maytag Dependable Leader Award, which includes a $20,000 financial grant for Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield.

The Maytag Dependable Leader Award recognizes Club officials who are committed to making a difference in the lives of youth and who are dependable and exceptional role models. Jeff joins a distinguished group of more than 110 winners from over the past 20 years. Each individual is nominated by peers at their local Boys & Girls Club and following a comprehensive review of the nomination forms, Maytag selects the winners. Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield will hold an award ceremony on July 17, 2020 to recognize Jeff.

“We are so proud of this well-deserved recognition for Jeff. He is a true Club professional who is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others and for the Springfield community,” said Brandy Harris, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield.  “The Clubs rely on Jeff for so many things because he has the heart and the will to do all things in the best way to provide great futures for our Club members.”

In order to receive this honor, one must demonstrate dependability, reliability, and a commitment to excellence.  Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield will receive $20,000 in Jeff’s honor to be used for a Club program of his choice.  He has requested that the funding be used to start a MemoryMaker photography program and to enhance our ImageMakers photography program with new cameras, backdrops, and studio lights.  Club members in the program would also learn leadership skills by working with the Club community to offer services for family photos and senior pictures, which may not otherwise be a possibility.

As Unit Director (and photographer), Jeff started the BGCS Photography Club many years ago. He invited area photographers to teach club members, who then competed in the Kodak ImageMakers Exhibit, winning national ImageMakers awards.

Jeff is committed to the Club's mission to help young people to seek great futures, evidenced by his devotion to performing well in every aspect of service to the Clubs and by his impressive Boys & Girls Clubs artifacts collection. He grew up as a Club member and 24 years of his career is with BGC, serving many positions up to Operations Director.  Jeff works hard to make sure that staff and Club members have the training, safe spaces, staff, tools, and supplies needed in order to enjoy quality programs, focusing on our priority outcomes of academic success, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles. 

Jeff created an annual Games room Festival, involving multiple regional Boys & Girls Clubs.  He helped Johnathan Key, a former club kid to learn program leadership skills and take Festival leadership; Johnathan later became a Program Director. The Musgrave Unit won the Be Fit, Be Healthy, Be Great Award in 2013-14 for the most outstanding Games Room in the BGCA under Jeff’s leadership.

Jeff has served many years as the advisor for award-winning Keystone and Torch Clubs, Two Way Street reading skills and implemented BGCA National Programs, including SMART Moves, Torch Club, and Positive Action, making sure staff have training for effective leadership.

Jeff was admitted to the BGCA Academy of Youth Development Professionals in September 2009 and in 2010 completed the BGCA Management Advanced Leadership Program. He has the engaged support of his wife, Linda, and his sons, Caleb and Brian, who are Club members.

Jeff is an active member of Springfield Sertoma, a large source of volunteer and funding support for the BGCS. He volunteers for Sertoma fundraisers which provide major funding for our programs and operations, including new vehicles, security systems, funding for Teen Summer Nights and much more.

(For more information, contact Didem Koroglu, 417-862-9249 or dkoroglu@bgclubspringfield.org)

About The Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield provide programs that guide and direct youth from all backgrounds, particularly those from at-risk environments. Through social, physical, and educational development activities, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield teach youth the values of life, strengthen their self-esteem, and make them better citizens of our community. 

The Club offers daily access to a broad range of programs in five core program areas: The Arts, Character and Leadership Development, Education and Career Development, Health and Life Skills and Sports, Fitness and Recreation. Giving the youth of the community the proper tools they need to become successful students and citizens is an important part of our mission.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield provides program opportunities to over 13,000 local youth each year. Parents interested in having their children join the Club and learn more about its youth programs can contact the organization at 417.862.9249 or visit www.bgclubspringfield.org.