by Babs Cape –

It has been said that a quality relationship can be a game changer for off-track students. The Boys and Girls Club’s efforts to assist children in need can help turn lives around. In a visit to our grantee’s site, in the old Carver Elementary School, a group of Seeds of Strength members saw a vibrant and active community resource, serving as many as 180 children in the after-school hours.

Director Daniel Anstee says that a cookie cutter solution does not work for these children. Creative ideas, individual solutions, and a lot of TLC is used to motivate these young people in need of attention, support, encouragement, direction and caring. Daniel began this project in 2006 with 30 kids. Now, as many as 180 come through the doors each day during the school year. Moving from Stone Haven to Carver has been a great help for the growing enrollment. For $10 per child per year, children can be part of the fun; and they will also receive the support needed to develop healthier and happier lives.

With a grant of $25,000 from Seeds of Strength, the mentoring program has entered its second year. Our grant allows 9 of the staff to each spend 30 minutes a day with 4 children identified as having special needs. Teachers often recommend students who would benefit from the extra help.

As relationships are developed, the mentors determine how best to reach each student, whether by playing games, watching a video together, reading a book, or just chatting. Daniel and assistant director Tommy Rice work with the children having behavioral problems.

Mentors often meet one-on-one with their children, but group settings are also important for providing leadership training and developing social skills. Completing homework is also a primary concern, and help is seldom available outside the club.

The setting at the Boys & Girls Club is happy, perhaps best represented by the library; colorful and peaceful all at once. Combined with the smiles on the children’s faces, it appears that the Boys and Girls Club is on track for using our funds to help them succeed in their mission:
To enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

As Daniel waves goodbye to us, leaving in a bus to pick up more children,
I leave with a lump in my throat for being a part of this good place.