Club Memories: Alexa Kuzmich
As an alum of the South Boston Boys & Girls Club, I can speak first-hand about the impact the Club and the staff have on our members.
When I turned six, my parents were quick to sign me up for the Club. Coming from a family where my father often worked two jobs while my mother worked full time, the Club became like a second home to me and the staff became my second family.
When I was growing up in South Boston, it was easy for a kid to get caught up in all the wrong things. Many of my childhood friends headed to rehab before I even graduated from high school.
In 1998 I became a member of the Teen Center; it was there that I met staff member Kate Croteau. At the time, Kate was the Teen Education Director at the Club. Kate and I clicked instantly and within days it was evident to everyone that we were like two peas in a pod.
Over the years, Kate became my mentor, guiding me through all of the difficulties of adolescence. She was the person that I turned to for advice, help with school, and support in general. When it came time to apply for college, Kate made it a point to walk me through the process. From college visits to filling out applications and even helping me find scholarship money, Kate was there through it all.
My relationship with Kate is one that I still cherish today. When I left the Club for college, that relationship didn’t come to an end. Kate continues to be my mentor, my friend and the big sister that I never had.
From providing me with a mentor, to keeping me off the streets and involved in my community, the Club was always there for me. I will be forever grateful for that. If not for the Club, I can say, with absolute certainty, that I would not be the same person I am today.
Today I am still involved with Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, but in a different capacity. This past May, I graduated from Stonehill College with a degree in Communication, and just like when I was younger, the Club proved to be there for me. At the end of the summer, I was hired as the Operations Associate at the Main Office. I always knew that I wanted to give back to the Club in some capacity after college, and this job has provided me with a way to do just that.
My role has allowed me to provide exciting new opportunities for members, just like the opportunities I was given. I am incredibly proud that this past October, we launched a mentoring program at our clubs, and I have had a role in shaping it. Being an alum and understanding the benefits of having a mentor, I know the positive and essential impact our programming has on young people.
Just last week, one of our mentors came to me to let me know how much he is enjoying his mentor match…..a member who happens to be my cousin. I know the difficulties this young man has faced in life; from the loss of his father to being separated from his younger sister. He has seen more hardship at the age of 14 than most will see in a lifetime. While he has the love of his family, there are no male adult role models in his life, and there will be times when he will need one. The opportunity to have an older male be his mentor is likely to dramatically change his life.
Coming from a community like South Boston, where working class families are especially hard hit during tough economic times, I am very concerned about the children and teens who come to our Clubs. But I also know that the caring staff will work twice as hard to make sure these kids don’t lose hope. From my unique perspective both as a former member and a current employee, I am inspired every day to help kids and to maximize the impact of our generous donors’ support.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Everything that you do and will do makes a difference.