Download PDF - Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve

Positive Outcomes, Proven Results.OF ANY LOCATIONWITH A VERY LONG NAMEFollowing a tragic death in the family, Breanna, age 6, wasstruggling in school. Now, through her participation at Boys &Girls Clubs, she has become more outgoing and is a leader inher first grade class— reading above grade level and excelling atmath. She enjoys reading to the class, loves art, and really likesto bowl. Her favorite thing about Clubs? “I got a lot of SuperStar Letters!”BreannaBefore coming to the Eller Club, 14 year old Antonio says he andhis brother “were hanging out with the wrong crowd.” Sincehe began participating, he has developed into an impressiveleader. He was voted Captain of his basketball team, where heencourages team members to maintain academics and stay outof trouble and stands in for the coach at practice when needed.He is also a leader during health and wellness activities at theClub. His favorite program at the Club is Money Matters,where he has learned about budgeting and managing money.“Iused to just blow my money, but now I’ve started saving it.”AntonioAntonio recently went through a very competitive selection process and was hired as aJunior Staff member at the Clubs. He was also elected by his peers to Sergeant at Armsin the Keystone Club.Antonio really appreciates knowing that he can turn to Club staff when he has aproblem. “Ms. Tiffany helps me figure out things, she gives me good advice, andis always available to talk.” When asked why he thinks Club is important, Antoniostressed: “It changes lives. It keeps kids out of the streets. Some kids are in gangs andcarry guns. Maybe that wouldn’t happen if they came to Club.”XiomaraOriginally from Puerto Rico, Xiomara, age 16, escaped an abusivepast and has emerged as a resilient and talented young lady.She has consistently made the Honor Roll and served on StudentCouncil in both middle and highschool. Used to getting all A’s inthe past, she is now enrolled inAkron Early College with a 3.3GPA and says she appreciateshow challenging the courseworkis. She looks forward to earninga degree that will allow her topursue a career that helps others. Xiomara’s experiencewith domestic violence has inspired her to seek a careeras a social worker for abused women.The thing Xiomara most appreciates about the Clubis that the Diplomas to Degrees program hasmade her think about and plan for her future.“It has“I would recommendthe Club to anybody.It helps you grow.It teaches you thingsyou wouldn’t learn inschool. It also helps yousucceed in school.It’s a place you goto feel better whenyou are down. It canchange people.”made me more responsible. The staff has helped me look for scholarships and jobs. I’velearned how to write a resume.” After a rigorous hiring process, Xiomara was selectedto be a Junior Staff member at the Clubs. In addition, she has really enjoyed collegetrips and community service projects.6Annual Report 2012