Fournier recipient of Lions’ Melvin Jones Award

Burke Center Executive Director Steve Fournier was awarded the Melvin Jones Award by the Dripping Springs Lion’s Club at their Monday meeting.

Communities around the world know of the Lions International generosity and service to the community. The first Secretary-General of the organization Melvin Jones, a successful businessman asked himself a question.

“What if these men," Melvin Jones asked according to the Lions website, "who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition, were to put their talents to work improving their communities?"

Jones’ words inspired many to community service, and in keeping with the sentiment, the Lion’s Club also seeks to recognize people who embody the sentiment.

In recognition of his work with young people, The Melvin Jones Award was presented to the Burke Center’s Executive Director Steve Fournier.

Since 2015, Fournier has transformed the Burke Center for boys in Driftwood, adding facilities and programs to help troubled boys who currently can’t live in a family setting due to abuse and trauma. The center helps to change their negative behaviors and help them to be productive adults.

According to their website, “The Burke Center for Youth provides therapeutic experiences and treatment services at the ranch to young men and boys from all parts of Texas. The Burke Center for Youth provides hope and healing for close to 180 Texas children annually.”

Fournier is a veteran and who held the rank in the Air Force of Lt. Colonel, a businessman and a former Executive Director of the non-profit Loralee Foundation. He is a graduate of the Air Force Academy, holds a Master of Education from Incarnate Word and a Master of Technology from the University of Texas. 

For more information on the Dripping Springs Lions Club, please see:

e-clubhouse.org/sites/drippingsprings

For more information on the Burke Center, please see: burkecenterforyouth.org.