Feature story

feature

OUR GOAL:

To INSPIRE AND ENABLE YOUTH

BY Lauren Sou L am

“At the Club, I felt like I had a purpose, like I finally had a place to belong.” Eighteen-yearold Club member Natalie Grady shared a common sentiment among kids at the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows. For parents, it is a safe place for their children to spend those critical afterschool hours, but for kids, the Club is a place to embrace new experiences, make new friends and find that place to belong.

Natalie first joined the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows (BGCTM) a decade ago. She recalls being a quiet, introverted child who had trouble making connections with others. That changed when she became a Club member. “On my first day [at the Club] I remember being intimidated by so many unfamiliar faces and trying to keep to myself, but I quickly came to realize that it is impossible to feel alone at the Boys & Girls Club,” she said.

As time passed, Natalie began connecting with Club staff and making friends among her peers. She could often be found the homework room, working on assignments and earning those all-important Power Points. “I lived for the Power Points Store at the end of the month, when I could use all the points I accumulated to buy special Club privileges and presents for my family,” she said. Natalie also joined BGCTM service clubs and found that she enjoyed holding leadership positions and taking the reins in different projects.

As she became a teen, Natalie joined Leaders in Training, through which she earned one of a handful of coveted paid Junior Staff positions. Her accomplishments ultimately earned her the title of BGCTM’s 2017 Female Youth of the Year. Today, as a high school senior, Natalie’s future is bright. She plans to attend college next year to study international business and ultimately land a job in a major financial district.

Her counterpart, 2017 Male Youth of the Year Joseph Ryan, also found his footing at the Boys & Girls Club. Joseph’s young life was full of strife as he was in and out of foster care. He and his younger sister were adopted when Joseph was six, and a few years later, his parents registered them for the Boys & Girls Club. “Even though our dad was retired and would have been home with us, our parents chose to enroll us in the Club instead,” he said. “They wanted to give us the opportunity to make connections with new kids and spend time in a positive environment.”

Joseph shares that the Club became a second home for him as it helped him navigate the transition following his adoption. He attended every day after school, made new friends and found mentors in the Club staff. He has particularly fond memories of attending Marge’s Camp, BGCTM’s week-long traditional summer camp in the California mountains. “Marge’s Camp is what solidified me as a true Club kid,” Joseph said. “I was hooked!”

Now, as a 17-year-old senior, Joseph continues to find the support he needs at the Boys & Girls Club. “Throughout high school, the Club helped me to focus on my next steps. As much as I got from the Club as a kid, it really is the best place for a teen to be for opportunities and resources. They exposed me to different career paths, taught me how to manage my money and save for college, and showed me how to set and obtain my goals.” Joseph has his sights on college next fall and ultimately wants to become an entrepreneur.

my next steps. As much as I got from the Club as a kid, it really is the best place for a teen to be for opportuni ties and resources. They exposed me to different career paths, taught me how to manage my money and save for college, and showed me how to set and obtain my goals.” Joseph has his sights on college next fall and ultimately wants to become an entrepreneur. suburban and rural neighborhoods, thousands enable youth, especially those who need us

A place for every kid

While Natalie and Joseph’s stories are extraordinary, they not unique. The pair are the face of the more than 14,000 young people who will attend one of BGCTM’s 22 locations in 2017. With sites in urban, suburban and rural neighborhoods, thousands of kids throughout the Truckee Meadows and beyond have access to the Club’s experiences and resources. Across all sites, however, the mission remains the same: “To inspire and enable youth, especially those who need us most, to become responsible, productive and caring citizens.” BGCTM accomplishes this mission by offering a blend of programs that build knowledge and skills in a fun and interactive environment.

Programming at BGCTM focuses on five core areas: 1 Education & Career Development: BGCTM offers daily afterschool homework help and tutoring as well as money management courses, college and career preparation, computer classes, science camps, literacy clubs and much more.

2 Character & Leadership Development:

These programs give members ample opportunity to serve their community and others as they build integrity, learn work ethic and grow into our community’s future leaders. CONTinued on page 13