The recognition was presented by Dr. Contobia Adams, Assistant Bureau Chief and State Director for Florida’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, a division of the Florida Department of Education’s Bureau of Family and Community Outreach. The award marks the first time the recognition has been presented statewide, with Griffin selected as one of only six professionals across Florida to receive the inaugural honor.
Griffin oversees 20 federally funded 21st Century Community Learning Centers programs operating across 16 Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida locations spanning Clay, Duval, Nassau, St. Johns, and Alachua counties. Through these programs, nearly 1,600 children and families have access to safe, supervised environments during critical out-of-school hours, along with academic enrichment, project-based learning experiences, nutritious meals and snacks, caring mentors, and opportunities to build brighter futures.
Funded through the Florida Department of Education, 21st Century Community Learning Centers programs play a vital role in supporting working families by providing year-round afterschool and summer programming that keeps young people safe, engaged, and learning beyond the school day. In addition to academic support and enrichment opportunities, participating youth receive healthy meals and snacks that contribute to their overall well-being.
While Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida serves nearly 5,000 youth each day across 59 Club locations, Griffin’s leadership directly impacts young people and families across five counties, helping ensure they have access to the resources and support they need to succeed.
The impact extends far beyond academics. Every day, Club members build confidence, develop leadership skills, form positive relationships, and gain access to experiences that help shape their futures. They are surrounded by caring adults who encourage healthy choices, strong character, and lifelong success.
“This recognition reflects the tremendous impact Lendward has had on children and families through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers programs he oversees,” said Wyatt Parlette, Chief Operations Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida. “His leadership helps ensure that nearly 1,600 young people have access to safe environments, academic support, nutritious meals, and meaningful opportunities to learn and grow throughout the year. Being named one of only six recipients statewide is a well-deserved honor and a testament to his dedication to youth and families across Northeast Florida.”
Griffin said the recognition reflects the collective efforts of Club professionals and the resilience of the young people they serve.
“This recognition is truly about the young people, families, and Club professionals who make our mission come to life every day. Whether it’s helping a child succeed in school, providing a safe place to go after school, or giving a family peace of mind, our work has the power to change lives. I’m honored to be part of an organization that invests in young people and creates opportunities for them to succeed. Seeing our members grow into confident leaders is the greatest reward any of us could ask for.”
As demand for youth development services continues to grow, so does the need for community leaders, mentors, volunteers, and supporters willing to invest in the next generation. Griffin’s recognition serves as a reminder that when communities come together to support young people, lives are changed, families are strengthened, and futures are transformed.
His leadership reflects the Boys & Girls Clubs mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential.
