“Me and my younger sister like coming to the Teen Center to interact with staff. It’s better than sitting at home, bored. We have been coming to the Clubs since we were 9 and 10 years old, and I think more than anything, what keeps us coming back is the lasting friendships that we have gained through the years.
Even the staff friendships are important to me. Mr. Derrick (a youth development professional) is like the older brother I never had. He keeps me honest and if I do something wrong, he tells me so I get a chance to fix it.
Growing up with a father in the Navy Reserves meant that sometimes I didn’t see him for stretches at a time. I know his absence helped me relate with Club kids who didn’t have two parents at home or who had trouble with their parents. Sometimes it gave me a chance to be an older brother figure to them. I also think being a military kid has made me more independent.”
Your support will give more military youth like Steven the chance to start their great futures. It will give them a safe place to connect with role models and make friends, a quiet place to do homework, and a support network that keeps them returning to the Club.
You can help more kids begin their great futures at the Club with your tax-deductible year-end gift today.
