On Oct. 6, Stacie Rohn, executive club cirector of the Boys and Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle, was one of 12 winners nationwide to be named a recipient of a 2016 Maytag Dependable Leader Award for her dedication to the organization.

In addition to the award, the Boys and Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle will receive a $20,000 grant from Maytag. Maytag’s brand, best known for their commitment with Whirlpool Corporation and appliances, is an active partner of the Boys and Girls Club of America in their efforts to support communities across America.

Rohn said that the $20,000 grant will be used to support arts programming and outreach to Club teen members.

“A lot of the work that we do with the club requires us to have a caring team of staff that is here every day and makes a commitment to our kids,” Rohn said, “in that it requires some financial support.”

“The money offers the chance to be a part of the program. The money we get from Maytag will actually help to sponsor and support a child’s membership here in the club for the year,” Rohn explained.

“Once we remove all grants and outside funding from the organization, the unfunded portion of a child’s membership is about $1,000 per child. If we calculate that out to $20,000, that’s 20 children that their membership for the club will be supported in,” Rohn added.

Rohn, who has been an advocate and supporter of the Boys and Girls for the past two decades, said that the award was a team effort.

“I’m overwhelmed and humbled by the award but this wasn’t a solo award by any stretch,” Rohn said, “We have a phenomenal team of staff and volunteers who do the work.”

A press release by the Boys and Girls Club of America said that Rohn’s past positions within the organization transcended her dedicated commitment to the Boys and Girls Clubs and the kids they serve.

“From program coordinator and grant writer, to finance manager and now currently chief professional officer, Rohn supports every aspect of the Club to guarantee things are operating efficiently and members are receiving the best possible resources,” the press release said.

Rohn said her duties as chief professional officer range from cleaning bathrooms to talking to corporate executives.

“I think that’s the thing about the work. You can’t be afraid to really step up and do the unpleasant things as well as being able to thank people and the major donors for the gift they have given to the organization,” Rohn said.

“My favorite part of the job is expressing gratitude in every opportunity and it’s an important part of the work but it also teaches kids that it’s important and we need to be grateful for what we have,” Rohn added.

Rohn said her experience with the club over the decades have given her a better perspective of community need.

“I get to work with not only kids, but their families. I get to see what their daily lives look like and it is not always easy. It has truly make me grateful for what I have and to be able to look at a child who’s been with the club and has grown up to become successful is the exciting part- to see that we matter and have made a difference on a young person at a time when they needed us the most,” Rohn said.

By using her motto “faith is what happens when hope and opportunity meet,” Rohn is able to spend countless hours helping Club members reach their full potential as citizens.

To get involved, Rohn says one can start a “giving circle.”

By starting a circle, one simply finds 10 friends who are willing to donate $10 per month on the Clubs website www.bgcepwv.net.