I feel since we started this column many of my stories have been sad and somewhat disturbing to many readers. I have received emails, phone calls and comments about how unaware people are of the situations we deal with every day. In one way I believe this was the point of these short stories; on the other hand I don't want the joy and rewards we receive from our children daily to be lost in the devastating words I share here.
Many of the children who attend the Boys and Girls Club do so because their older siblings did, or even their parents, and some attend out of nothing else to do but one thing is for certain, they keep coming because it is a fun place to be.
When staff members hear kids calling them auntie or uncle, mom or dad and especially "friend" the pride they feel is enormous. When children are hurt and they find their way to the club for our staff to help them they feel concern and compassion. Mostly though when the children call to ask how long until we open, to ask what we are planning for today and to ask if their friends are there we know we are their point of interest that day.
The feeling of safety and security is important and the knowledge we are there to help is paramount but, in all honesty, when you are a child the most important factor is fun.
That is exactly what we do; we have fun with the kids who attend. The staff members are fun, exciting and engaging. Our members look up to them as friends, role models and mentors.
It is because of the hard work and dedication of my staff that I can do my job well. They allow me to focus on other aspects of the organization - organizing, fundraising and grant writing.
Still, when every one of our hundreds of kids knows our names, recognizes us while shopping and run to us for a hug "just because" it can make everything worthwhile.
Here at the Boys and Girls Club we are always looking for new and exciting ideas, fun games and new places to explore, however the tried and true ideas are still our foundation. Invest in the children, ask them about their day, what's happening in their lives and what they want. Listen and pay attention to the answers, show them caring without expectation and share their dreams. These are the fundamentals of every program we offer, every event we plan and every life we are lucky to touch.
Everyone involved with this organization is a beacon of hope to many of the members of our club, our staff and board, our volunteers and community supporters are shining every day. With the hard work of everyone we make the Boys and Girls Club, every day, a good place to be
