Jessica Arky took over as executive director June 1 and brings both nonprofit and business development experience. JWYC believes that Arky's experience makes her an ideal fit and asset to the organization. She is also involved in the ad hoc committee for the proposed Battle Mountain Community Recreation Center.
Arky will take over for former Executive Director Ruby Bryant, who served in the position since JWYC's inception. JWYC thanks Bryant for her commitment and dedication to the organization and is grateful for her continued support and involvement. Bryant will remain on the Board of Directors for Jacob's Well and continue to voluntarily staff the youth center.
Monetary support from Newmont's Legacy Fund, its employee driven donation program, made it possible to hire a part-time executive director to fully achieve the vision of Jacob's Well's founders - Ruby Bryant, Lois Erquiaga and Donna Coman.
"Newmont's corporate and employee support is truly a blessing and allows JWYC to continue offering services to the youth in the Battle Mountain community," said Coman.
Newmont and Marigold have sponsored summer interns to work at JWYC over the next three months. Caitlin Updike, Newmont summer student, will act as the program coordinator intern. Her primary responsibilities will focus on creating events, activities and programs that enrich youth.
Updike is a 2011 Battle Mountain High School alumna and her parents, Cathy and Dale Updike, are 17-year residents of Battle Mountain. She recently completed her first year at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, where she is majoring in musical theater.
Marigold summer student Blair Keller will serve as the marketing and communications coordinator intern and focus her energies on defining the brand, developing a marketing plan targeted to the youth and generating overall awareness of the organization and future events.
She is the daughter of Brenda and Greg Keller and a 2010 Battle Mountain High School graduate. She graduated from Great Basin College this past May with her associate's degree. This fall she will pursue a bachelor's degree in elementary education at the University of Nevada, Reno.
"I have no doubt that these talented young ladies will make invaluable contributions to the youth center," said Arky. "Their efforts will far exceed what I could do alone and I am grateful to them, and both Newmont and Marigold for placing them with JWYC. I hope that their time here is meaningful and resume worthy."
Jacob's Well Youth Center is a faith-based nonprofit serving Battle Mountain youth since 2009. JWYC offers a safe place for teens 12 - 18 years old in the Battle Mountain community.
As a volunteer-run organization, it strives to keep the doors open every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information visit www.jwyc.org and please be patient while the kinks are worked out of the new website.
June's activities consist of Youth Bingo on June 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for ages 12 - 18 and a Rat Slap Tournament on June 26.
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