Connie Franklin is a social worker by profession and a 27-year veteran leader at Boys and Girls Club of South Central Kansas. She was recently recognized as Distinguished Leader of the Year for the State of Kansas.
But she’s just “Mrs. Connie” to the thousands of young men and women who have benefitted from her support through the years.
Kiana Knolland, who was one of those students and the winner of the Boys and Girls Club 2013 National Youth of the Year Scholarship Contest, says Mrs. Connie is a maternal figure to so many.
”She represents peace when so many kids may be experiencing agony in their lives at home,” said Knolland. “I’m thankful to know her and love her, but I’m even more grateful that she has been able to positively influence and change the lives of so many irrespective of race, socioeconomic status and other barriers that prevent people from bridging the gaps in our community.
In the Beginning
Mrs. Connie remembers her introduction to the Boys & Girls Club almost three decades ago.
“I met one of the founding leaders at an event where I was volunteering,” she says. “I fell in love with the vision and the mission to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”
She became an employee shortly after that first introduction and has been with the organization ever since. She currently serves as the unit director at the Chautauqua site, located inside Holy Savior Catholic Church.
Mrs. Connie doesn’t think of her vocation as a “job.”
“I consider myself a servant to the community and a servant to the boys and girls who need us so much,” she said.
More Accolades
Wayne Bell, district director of the Wichita office of the Small Business Administration, first met Mrs. Connie as a parent of a Boys and Girls Club member.
“My son attended Boys and Girls Club and I was so impressed with how gracious she is with her time and what a great role model she is,” said Bell who currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of South Central Kansas. Mrs. Connie is a “pillar of the team and the staff and one of the most key leaders” in the organization,” Bell continued, who says his son, who is now 21, still stays in touch with Mrs. Connie.
“She is so much more than just a happy face at work – she truly cares and values each human being she interacts with,” says one of her coworkers, Ashley Hatman. “Most of our club alumni know Miss Connie and credit their success and confidence to her. She has truly made an impact and a difference not only in the local community but in the future generations.”
Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas provides safe, fun, high quality, and enriching out-of-school care and programming for children from kindergarten through 18 years old at 17 locations. There are currently about 1,100 children enrolled.
Enrollment at Boys and Girls Clubs is $60 for the school year and clubs are open during spring break, winter break and district-wide in-service days.
More Accolades for Miss Connie
From Kianna Knolland
2013 National Boys and Girls
Youth of the Ear
“I witnessed ‘the Club’ experience many leadership and cultural changes, but Mrs. Connie’s presence has always been a constant. She is a maternal figure to many. She represents peace when so many kids may be experiencing agony in their lives at home,” says Knolland.
“She is a motivator and a strong woman of God. When I was awarded the prestigious National Youth of the Year Scholarship, she was by my side every step of the way. We traveled all across the country spreading light and joy.
Mrs. Connie’s impact will be felt for decades to come. I’m thankful to know her and love her, but I’m even more grateful that she has been able to positively influence and change the lives of so many irrespective of race, socioeconomic status and other barriers that prevent people from bridging the gaps in our community. There is no limit to her reach.”