Testimonials

Teen Outreach Director:

“There is no place I would rather be than the Boys & Girls Club of Boston.  It is truly a joy to work with our teens and young people, to work with such dedicated and gifted colleagues. I feel like I am making a difference every day. I feel like I’ve found ‘family’.”

Membership Director:

"Over the past few years, our Club and community have grown very diverse.  Many of the parents do not speak English, and communicating with them has been very challenging. I plan to use the Myra Hiatt Kraft Staff Professional Development Award to become fluent in Spanish so that I can better communicate with all members of the Club and their parents.  This will enrich not only my life, but also the Club and the community." 

Club Social Worker:

"Since September of this year I have taught a seven-year-old, whose mother can not read or write, how to play Candyland.  I have assisted a family of seven, living in a shelter and recently arriving here from Puerto Rico, to [find] food, clothing, and educational services for the children. I have met weekly with parents of an autistic Club Member to stay on top of how we can best promote their son’s success at the Club.  I have sat on the floor in a circle with 10-year-old girls, explaining puberty and the life cycle. I have made three trips to the court house, five trips to a high school, held 16 parent meetings, and four visits to outside agencies – all for one teen!  I’ve dried tears, changed soiled pants, applied ice packs, and found lost jackets.  I have painted pictures, read books, roller bladed around the gym, and shared pizza with some of the greatest kids in the world. And, unfortunately, I have sat in front of a group of teenagers that I care deeply about and had to break the news that one of their friends and fellow Club members had been murdered. But I have the greatest job in the world. Not a day goes by at the Club that I do not hear good news, that I do not hear laughter, that I do not witness a profound success of a child who is overcoming challenges and barriers in his or her life that most of us could not even fathom. It’s these every day instances that we have to focus on…they show us that every day, we’re fulfilling our mission."

Youth Service Providers Network Social Worker:

“When I first told my mother that I had chosen to become a social worker, she said, 'There you go again, wanting to change the world.' That was 10 years and one huge realization ago.  I have not and will never change the world. Instead, I have focused on changing my relationship with the world around me.  I have focused on how I see and work with youth.  As a part of YSPN and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, I have been able to build relationships and connections with some of the most amazing and resilient young people.”

Development Associate:

"It is such a pleasure and a privilege to work with this talented and dedicated team. I truly appreciate all of the opportunities I have been given here at BGCB and can only hope to find such fulfillment in my future employment."

Volunteer:

"A year ago I came to volunteer to help the members and inspire them, but ultimately, I am the most inspired and touched by the kids and support from the BGCB staff members. My experience has been life changing."