Last month, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast and of Tampa Bay announced a shared services agreement. By sharing pieces of operations including strategies, resources and leadership, they are better equipped to serve their neighboring communities. A key point of the partnership is both organizations are now led by president and CEO Freddy Williams who has served the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast for the past 7 years.
“Being able to have one CEO of both organizations allows us to find ways to bring the best practices from both entities and collaborate in more meaningful ways,” said Williams. “From a day-to-day standpoint, it ensures our programs are still intact and running well. It also allows me as the CEO for both organizations to identify areas where there may be existing synergies or opportunities to better work together.”
How it Began
The clubs came to this agreement after having worked together for multiple years on various minor projects. In recent years, their separate leadership boards began gathering to discuss successes and strategies. This built trust and community which would become the foundation of the agreement.
A staffing change eventually sparked the idea of sharing resources and adopting an innovative operating model. To build the best version for their leadership team, they connected with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and pulled ideas and data from other nonprofits around the country. After realizing the most effective option was sharing a CEO, all further choices were based around that.
“One of the key differentiators of this operating model is it’s a strict strategic collaborative effort rather than an expedient collaborative effort,” said Williams. “Oftentimes, nonprofits will examine other operating models whenever they’re in a form of crisis. But neither Boys & Girls Clubs are in a state of crisis. Both are stable and doing great work. That allowed us to really take a strategic approach to this.”
Fulfilling Their Mission
The goal of the initiative is to increase the capabilities of both organizations in helping the youth of the area. Williams noted the importance of facing the challenges impacting children and families, especially after the pandemic. Already, he has seen the effects of the agreement and how they’re better serving their communities.
“We’ve found it would be much more difficult as a singular organization with a singular focus to be able to address the needs, future challenges and growth of young people,” said Williams. “However, working collaboratively helps us be better equipped to address these concerns. The clubs are needed now more than ever, but it’s going to take courage and leadership.”
Besides increasing the bond between the Boys & Girls Club of the Suncoast and Tampa Bay and, Williams has seen many other relationships strengthen. They’ve received valuable feedback and support from community partners, members and staff who recognize their improved ability to serve the children in their community.
“We’re in the business of providing hope and opportunity for young people,” said Williams. “If we can do that for them and their families, and they can clearly see how we’re able to provide additional support and experiences because of this operating model, then it’s a job well done on our part.”
Want more resources like this sent straight to your inbox each week? Sign up for a digital subscription here.
