09/03/10
By Howard Lent
Karen Edwards has been appointed chief executive of Bolton Lads and Girls Club after starting her career there as an unpaid volunteer more than 15 years ago.
Karen takes over the role from Jerry Glover, who will now lead the OnSide North West project to replicate BLGC in new youth clubs across the region.
Karen began volunteering at the club in 1995 on Thursday and Friday evenings after deciding she wanted to work with young people.
Within six months, she had embarked on a part-time youth work qualification and spent her spare time planning activities for young club members to enjoy, admitting she "got hooked" on the positive atmosphere and opportunities the club brought.
By 1997, Karen's hard work paid off when she was given a full time job at the club, setting up and coordinating a new project - mentoring.
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