2025
Your Impact You helped a quiet girl become a confident leader.
When she joined the Boys & Girls Club two years ago, Timya rarely spoke. “She was quiet – very quiet,” Club Director Zuhail Nieves says. It took a while, but the kid with the captivating smile started mingling with other members, sharing laughs and taking part in Club activities. “She started opening up and making friends,” Nieves says. Today, Timya, 14, is a Club leader and a good student. As a member of the Torch Club, a leadership group, she helps plan community events as well as field trips. In addition, she helps younger children read and complete projects at the Club, which has more than 90 members. She loves coming to the Club every day. “I feel good, I feel happy because there are people here I can socialize with, people I can talk to and do all sorts of fun things and activities with them instead of being by myself,” Timya says. She admits it took some determination to break out of her shell. “I was just thinking one day, well, I can try (the Club) out,” Timya says. “So I signed up, and now I’m here. I’m glad I’m here.” Timya developed a strong interest in science, technology, engineering and math skills, commonly known as STEM. She is particularly fond of engineering techniques and “building stuff.” Timya says she is glad she took a chance on the Club. “I do feel way happier here,” she says. “I love it.” None of this would have been possible without you. Because of you, Timya has found a safe place to belong, supportive friendships, and opportunities to grow at the Club. Thank you for making stories like hers possible.