Ozarks Profile - Bill Stalnaker

Tell us about your organization.

Stalnaker is the executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield. "Since 1938 the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield has been a fixture of the Springfield community, providing quality leadership and educational programming for at-risk children ages 6 to 18 years old. We are dedicated to ensuring that the 5,000 children who come through our doors each year have greater access to quality programs and services that will not only enhance their lives, but shape their futures." Boys & Girls Club programs, are structured on a foundation of five core areas to encourage participants in becoming active and productive citizens. Those five areas are character development and leadership development; education and career development; health and life skills; the arts and sports; and fitness and recreation.

What led you to your present position?

"I have always had a desire to work with children, especially with children who were faced with difficult challenges in their lives. I love creating opportunities for these young people so they can take their rightful position in our society."

How important is philanthropy and support to your organization?

Stalnaker said community support is crucial to the success of Boys & Girls Club of Springfield. "Our children and families do not have the ability to support our program from their personal resources. It is for that reason we must convey the message of our children's needs to the community, he said. "The United Way provides critical support for our programs and is our greatest single source of income. The Sertoma Clubs of Springfield provides additional support for our capital needs such as vans, buses, new kitchen equipment and computers for our educational programs. The remainder of our income is provided by the generous support of individuals in our community. Boys & Girls Club of Springfield is in the midst of its "My Generation" Capital Campaign, an effort to raise $7.2 million for the construction of a new facility in Smith Park, new administrative offices, and other projects.

Tell us about your family.

"For the past 41 years I have had the privilege to be married to the love of my life and high school sweetheart, Barbara. Together we have raised four wonderful children who have, in turn, blessed us with seven grandchildren who are the light of Barbara's and my life," Stalnaker said. "Barbara and I grew up enjoying the beautiful hills of West Virginia, which is why the stunning scenery of the Ozark mountains makes us feel entirely at home."

How do you spend your free time?

"My favorite pastime has always been spending time with my wife, who is the joy of my life. I also treasure the time I get to spend spoiling my grandchildren. They have a way of making me feel like the luckiest man in the world."

by Maria Hoover