Board members who are making a difference

I was asked to share my thoughts as the leader of an organization that many of you feel passionate about, the Boys & Girls Club of Carson Valley. I am unsure of everyone's story or what truly drives you to support the youth in the community but I will tell you my story and my reasons I wake up every morning ready to face what comes my way during, what I have to say, one of the greatest jobs around. I heard a quote many years ago that I have never forgotten and am reminded of often. It goes something like this, "Every child is like a blank piece of paper and everyone they come in contact with leaves a mark."

As adults we often forget what it is like to be a child again. I know I did. I have been reminded though in the past several months that with all of the joy that childhood brings it also comes, at times, with more pressures and challenges then any child should ever endure. Let me take a moment and tell you all what I have seen our club children face: Depression - feeling they are a burden to parents, Fear - that they do not have a safe place to go home to, Uncertainty - of where they are going to live next week, Confusion - if smoking, drinking, doing drugs is taught as being harmful then why are my parents doing them, Feeling Hungry - not knowing when their next full meal will be fixed or bought, Anger - no longer having a stable family because of divorce, Cautious - not understanding who can be trusted, Ashamed- because they are being teased about weight, sexuality, and interests that appear odd or dumb, Jealousy- thinking that they are not good enough, smart enough or funny enough. They face unbelievable decisions and situations every day that include but are not limited to experimenting with drugs, being pressured into sex. They are facing discrimination, having to be pretty, and thin and "fit in." These feelings and pressures are at all ages and not limited to less fortunate. It is found in all social economical levels.

I wake up every morning knowing that even though we as adults and professionals, no matter our amount of passion, cannot lift the burden off of these children's shoulders in one day, or in one week, or at times, at all. What we can do is provide a club. A safe place, a reliable and trusting place, a place where the kids can be themselves, can express who they truly are more fully, experiment with creativity, athletics, teamwork, and individuality. Build healthy long-term relationships with other kids as well as adults and know that no matter what they face at school or at home they have a place with us. Any given day, at the club, you may even see a child crying because they have to go home. Not that anything is wrong with their home but rather everything was right at the club.

The Boys and Girls Club of Carson Valley can truly make a difference not only in children's lives, but in families' lives and this community as a whole. I may witness all of the emotions and situations talked about above but I also want you to know that we are supporting a cause that brings to our children, Confidence- in who they are as precious gifts, Happiness- in their independent decisions and play, and feelings of Hope - that they can make a difference and that they matter!

Let me share some stories of success. A new member enrolls in the club at the end of the '09 school year. He appears quiet and shy with a hint of anger and no known friendships at the club. He also came with a whole list of instructions, warnings and concerns. Approximately, two months later, after experiencing what the Club has to offer he transformed into one of our most standout kids. He is making friends, helping out staff with projects, joking around, becoming more athletic and behaviorally made a complete turn around.

A teen girl is brought in by her mom for re-enrollment with the Club and this is the last place she wants to hang out. Having grown up too fast, with an attitude of independence and air of cockiness she has one conflict after another with not only the other kids but staff as well. After several months of consistent communication and action in a caring environment she finally realized that we would miss her if she were gone and that we would be missed by her. She apparently has stopped drinking, smoking pot, cares more about her appearance and went from low self-esteem to someone others can look up to.

One of the youngest, newest members initially walked in completely quiet, suffering from shyness and feelings of being overwhelmed. He went from hiding in corners to being friends with everyone. When he is not running, playing and interacting he is coming up to staff and teasing them continuously.

Weekly we see improvements in many club members' attitudes, behaviors, decision making ability and overall sense of self. They are learning compassion, non-judgment and how to be better friends and individuals.

The Boys and Girls Clubs are built on 5 Key Elements:

1. Provide a safe positive environment

2. Have Fun

3. Build supportive relationships

4. Give the kids opportunities and have expectations

5. Show recognition

We do all of that. You support every aspect of those elements in your fund-raising, and friend-raising, and grant applications, and using your personal time toward publishing newsletters and flyers. You also support the Club by you sharing your skills in accounting, investing, marketing, banking, public relations, political and professional affiliations, and business building.

I will end with our Mission Statement because this is what convinced me to take the job as your Branch Director. The Boys and Girls Club of Carson Valley Mission is: To enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to lead such an incredible organization.