Shelton, CT — The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley is proud to celebrate Jennifer DeLeon, Area Director of the Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse, who was recently honored with the Debra Williams Clarke Spirit of Keystone Award at the National Keystone Conference in Orlando, Florida.
The national award recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of Keystone through their commitment to inspiring, coaching, and empowering teen leaders and advisors while helping build a legacy of excellence throughout the Keystone movement.
For Jennifer, the recognition is especially meaningful as she also celebrates an incredible 20 years of service to the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley—a journey that began when she was a youth Club member herself.
Jennifer grew up as a member of the Club and jumped right into working as a Youth Development Professional in her teens. Over the years, she continued to grow professionally and personally within the organization, ultimately working her way into her current role as Area Director of the Lavietes Clubhouse.
Her journey represents the very mission she works to instill in the young people she serves: that with support, opportunity, perseverance, and belief in yourself, great futures are possible.
Anyone who knows Jennifer knows just how deeply she cares about the Club, its members, and its families. She has dedicated two decades to creating opportunities for young people to find their voices, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover their potential.
Her impact is especially evident through her work with teens and the Club’s Keystone program, where she has helped countless young people grow into confident leaders and engaged members of their communities.
“Jennifer has dedicated her career to helping young people believe in themselves and their ability to make a difference,” said Shaye Roscoe, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. “What makes her story so special is that she knows firsthand the impact a Boys & Girls Club can have. She was once sitting in the same Clubhouse as the young people she now leads and mentors. Twenty years later, she is helping create those same life-changing opportunities for the next generation.”
The Debra Williams Clarke Spirit of Keystone Award recognizes Jennifer’s unwavering commitment to the Keystone movement and her ability to inspire both teens and fellow advisors. Her leadership, mentorship, and dedication have helped strengthen the Club’s Keystone program while empowering young people to become the leaders they are capable of being.
The honor also reflects Jennifer’s broader impact across the Boys & Girls Clubs movement, where she continues to champion the voices and potential of teens.
As she celebrates 20 years with the Club, Jennifer’s story serves as a powerful example of what it means to be a Club kid for life—growing up through the Club, finding purpose and opportunity within it and ultimately dedicating your career to ensuring other young people have the same chance to succeed.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley congratulates Jennifer on this well-deserved national recognition and celebrates her two decades of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the youth and families of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.
Congratulations, Jen, on 20 years of making a difference—and on a truly well-deserved honor!
About the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley
For 70 years, the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley has provided young people with a safe, supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. Through impactful programs focused on education, leadership development, healthy lifestyles, and workforce readiness, the Club empowers youth to build bright futures.