John L. Barr President and CEO

Boys and Girls Clubs

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is pleased to announce John L. Barry will serve as the organizations new President and CEO. As leader of the organization, which has served thousands of young people for more than 50 years in Denver, Barry will guide programming that helps young people achieve academic success, live healthy lifestyles and make positive choices.

 

Barry is a proven leader with a notable background in education and a vision for youth development. From 2006 to 2013, he served as superintendent of Aurora Public Schools, the sixth largest district in Colorado. He brings a deep understanding of public education and the importance of after-school programming that promotes the success of the whole child, including educational, lifestyle and activity choices. Prior to joining Aurora Public Schools, Barry had a distinguished military career. He served for more than 30 years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a “two-star” major general. His well-rounded experiences, through civic and community service will enhance the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs through expanded innovation and growth.

 

“Having positively impacted so many of Denver’s youth since its founding in 1961, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is well positioned today to respond to the changing face of our local communities,” Barry said. “In the military I had the honor and privilege to help defend the nation; as superintendent, I had the honor and privilege in helping to defend the right of children to learn; now, as part of the Boys & Girls Club, I will have the honor and privilege to help defend the right of youth in metro Denver to reach their maximum potential.

 

At Aurora Public schools, Barry and his team helped decrease the drop out rate from 10% to 4.7%, significantly increase the graduation rate, and spearheaded programming that gave 75% of graduating seniors access to college credit courses.

 

 

 

 

Please  look at where  you can help.  On the left is a list of KidSight events.  Click on the event to see the details.  You can sign up online by clicking the event and them the Member Registration button.  When you do this Fletcher will receive an email that you have signed up and you will receive a confirmation reminder.  The upcoming KidSight Events are:

 

 

 

The Colorado Lions Foundation Board has worked very hard this past year with dedication to further the foundation original goal to benefit the clubs of MD 6 and the communities which they serve. A listing of the items developed or changed are:
• Rule of Audit policy  (same amounts as MD6)
• Has agreed to a new lease with the Colorado Lions Camp
• Developed an Emergency grant request process and application.

 

The CLF board will be working on several critical items in the following year.
• A contribution form for donations to the CLF. We need more clarification as to where the donor want’s the fund to go.
• Work with other clubs that would like to take advantage of investing their excess funds. Develop a deposit form for this purpose.
• Develop the Parade of Checks into a format that is been received by the lions of MD 6.  Very low participation has been experienced in the last few years. Clubs do not seem to be taking advantage of the awards for their members and community members for the order numbers are very low. I would like to encourage clubs to recognize someone with a Humanitarian or Ann Sullivan award this year.

 

The Colorado Lions Foundation will be operating on a calendar year rather than a fiscal year starting on January 2016. You will find future year-end reports will reflect information from January 1 to December 31. The year-end report will still be given at the MD 6 Convention.   

 

Thank you for your support

 

PDG Walter Lemon
CLF President