Extraordinary team member helps shape Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley

I first met Siah Nix about six years ago. At first sight, he made a striking impression. Tall, stately, well-dressed, good looking with rows and rows of dreadlocks cascading down his back. He greeted me with a smile and introduced himself as the director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley's (BGCCV) Gerald R. Ford La Quinta Clubhouse. He was articulate and passionate about his job.

Nix showed me around the clubhouse. It was just minutes before school was to let out across the street, so the BGCCV building was for the moment quiet, awaiting the stampede of after-school kids. As he gave me a quick tour, I was able to absorb all the marvelous educational and activity rooms, including a full-sized basketball court.

When dozens of children came through the door and saw Nix, it was obvious that they loved and respected him. Backpacks were meticulously lined up in neat rows on the floor against one wall, which showed even more respect for Nix and the kids' after-school environment. They were well behaved and knew exactly what to do and where to go. It was a jaw-dropping moment.

After coaching for five years for the Desert Parks and Recreation District, Nix became the sports supervisor for the BGCCV Coachella Club as a part-time employee. In 1998, he was promoted to a full-time position as the athletic director of the La Quinta Club. After doing an outstanding job in that department, he applied for and was promoted to the branch director of the La Quinta club in 2006.

"When Siah entered my office roughly 25 years ago," said Tony Williams, now director of operations for BGCCV and then director of the La Quinta Club, "he had just returned from middle manager's training. He was all fired up and announced that he wanted to advance and promote the organization. He told me that I was the key. I told him that he would have to be willing to listen to whatever I said and to give it his all. He had what it took. Not only did Siah verbally commit, but his work ethic, focus and intentionality lined up. Siah earned where he is at now, and I could not be prouder of the person he is — as well as a gift to our youth, especially those in La Quinta."

Nix grew up in Miami. He is the proud father of four and husband to his lovely wife, Lorene, of 25 years. It is an understatement to say that he loves his job with BGCCV.

"Throughout my tenure," Nix said, "I have enjoyed and admired how our organization is fully invested in their staff and their clients. It is all about safety and providing opportunities to the kids like training, scholarships, advancement and connections to services. Along with an outstanding network of support, it is truly an honor to be a part of BGCCV and its legacy. One should always have a meaningful purpose in life. Through my service as a youth development professional, I now truly understand my purpose."

The BGCCV is all about bringing a brighter future to the mostly low-income children who walk through the doors of its four busy clubhouses in La Quinta, Indio, Coachella and Mecca. It is also a positive place where they can get a nutritious hot meal and, most importantly, feel safe and special.

What is most impressive about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley is that 96% of its high school seniors graduate on time, and 80% go on to attend college. Many of the high school graduates are awarded a four-year college scholarship, and 87% of the scholarship recipients finish their programs. Many of the alumni return to give back and serve their home communities.

To find out more about Boys & Girls of Coachella Valley and its youth programs, call (760) 836-1160 or visit bgcofcv.org .

DeAnn Lubell, writer, novelist and publicist, has represented nonprofits and businesses in the areas of marketing, event planning and fundraising productions in the Coachella Valley since 1991. She is a PR and marketing representative for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley and Read With Me Volunteer Programs as well as her own nonprofit Amy's Purpose, an educational pet safety and predator awareness and counseling service.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Extraordinary team member helps shape Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley