  I’ve been a Board of Trustees member of the Boys & Girls Clubs for 8 years. During the last three years, I have served as a coach of the Club Basketball team, the Sonics. The kids were one of the younger teams in the City League and lost more games ... Read More
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Testimonials
I’ve been a Board of Trustees member of the Boys & Girls Clubs for 8 years. During the last three years, I have served as a coach of the Club Basketball team, the Sonics. The kids were one of the younger teams in the City League and lost more games than they won. While winning is important, we choose to stress sportsmanship and treating all involved with respect – fellow teammates, other teams, referees and, of course, one’s self. The kids shake hands with the referees and score keepers both before and after each game. Last year, we lost our second game in the playoffs and were really disappointed; however, a referee who had worked a couple of our games throughout the year came up to us and said, "Your team is in a league of their own." Still feeling the sting of the loss, we asked "In what way?” His answer surprised us: "In terms of sportsmanship." There are several life lessons that are learned along the way in sports and we do our best to teach those in a positive manner. Three years ago we started with one team, and the sports program has expanded rapidly since. We now have flag football, soccer, baseball and, of course, basketball teams. For many of our kids, being on a team at the Boys & Girls Club is their only chance to participate in organized sports. We are constantly looking for people interested in coaching and making a POSITIVE impact on a child´s life. If you’re up for this challenge, let us know. -Jeff Fusco, Board of Trustees and Volunteer CoachI love my job and knowing that we´re making a difference in our members’ lives. I truly believe that the Boys & Girls Club has a great impact on our community and its children. We´re helping to shape their future and that´s awesome! -Brooke, Youth Development Specialist I came back to the Boys & Girls Clubs in January of 2006 as a volunteer through a class I was taking at the University of Akron. I enjoyed being here so much I actually did more than the hours needed for my course requirement. I was offered the opportunity to take a position as youth development staff and now, a year later, I am the school services coordinator. I’ve been asked why I decided to come back and my reply is, “I never left the Boys & Girls Clubs.” I just took a little break because you never fully leave something you love.
The Boys & Girls Clubs is a safe place for kids to participate in many activities. My daughter has the opportunity to be involved in team sports, music and instruments, games and art activities. Homework time/help is provided on a daily basis, as well as field trips to events I cannot afford. Several family times/participation are scheduled each year.
The staff genuinely cares about each child as an individual and they continually encourage the kids to grow and learn. There is a deep, on-going commitment to cooperation, teamwork and treating all of the club members as a “family.” The staff is always available to parents and other family members.
I never worry while my daughter is at the Club, because I know she is in a safe, nurturing environment.
-Kate, ParentThe staff at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve skillfully serve our young people by providing a safe, positive environment, fun, supportive relationships, opportunities and expectations, and recognition. These efforts provide the foundations for programs that enable Club members to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. I am proud to be a part of a powerful Movement that leads with impact and deepens Boys & Girls Club experiences by ensuring that each member realizes their dreams and reaches their full potential. -Jack Evans, Director of OperationsI met my two best friends because of Club. -Mario, 18The reason I like coming to Club is because it is the most fun and safest place for me to be while my parents are at work. -Fanta, 8If I did not come to the Boys & Girls Club then I would not have had the opportunity to learn about leadership. I am currently the Vice President of our Keystone Club and this has allowed me to learn first hand how to lead others in impacting my community positively. -Anthony, 16
The Club is absolutely a positive place for kids, but it is also a comforting place for parents. My children and I currently live in a low-income housing complex that has its share of troubles. Gangs, drugs, teenage pregnancies, and school flicking are just a few of the problems we face living in this particular environment. That is why my children have been Club members for over 3 years. It gives me a peace of mind to know that my children are somewhere safe after school and during the summer. I have a 15 year old daughter whom I’ve watched grow into a responsible, helpful, caring young lady and I can truly say that some of that nurturing has come through the staff at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve. I have a 12 year old son that I was very concerned about because he is at the age where he can easily be influenced by material gain, the kind a person can get doing illegal things, so the Club is sort of a street intervention for him. He can go and do fun things with other youth in his age group that will keep him out of trouble. My 9 year old son was very selfish at one time, being the youngest of 8. But the club has taught him that sharing can be great. Now he seems to look for ways to be kind and helpful to others. Although I try to offer my time in any way I can to support the Club, I could never give them back what they have given to me and my family. A place for my children to go and grow and peace of mind for me knowing that they are involved in something so positive. I truly respect all of the work and time that the staff of the Boys & Girls Clubs and all its donors are pouring into my community and I pray that they all will be divinely blessed. -Victoria, parent |
