Testimonials

		Meet  Iassca - Boys & Girls Club Alumni         Iassca has overcome many unbelievable obstacles in his young life.  Due to family issues, Iassca has been living on his own since he was 17, taking care of paying rent and bills while balancing school work and a part-time job.  He learned to be independent at an early age and also helped look after and raise his younger brothers and sisters.    “The Boys & Girls Club opened my eyes and gave me strength to make it on my own.  I feel like I have helped others with my leadership skills that I have learned at the Club.” comments Iassca.  “I currently live on my own and pay my own bills.  It is a hard task for a 17-year old to do, but I am able to do so with the guidance and support from the wonderful staff members at the Club.”   Iassca has been very active in the Boys & Girls Club and his community serving as the President of the Keystone Club and has organized a variety of service projects including taking care of the elderly and collecting food for the needy.    “I want to make a difference in other lives and to have a positive impact on them they way that the staff has had on me.” says Iassca.

De’Andre says he owes his life to the Club.  At age 13, De’Andre was spending time on the streets getting into trouble and selling drugs.  Then something happened to change his trajectory.  “Some Staff Members of the Boys & Girls Club sat me down and convinced me to come to the Club.  I started coming and realized that I should stop doing all the bad things I was into,” shares De’Andre.  Now 16 and an involved Club Member, De’Andre says “I really like coming to the Club, it keeps me off the streets. There are a lot of good activities that keeps me from being bored. I know if I didn’t start coming here, I would probably be dead or in jail.”

De’Andre has seen a transformation in himself since stepping foot at the LeBlond Club.  He shares, “I have changed in a really big way.  I have more positive people in my life.  I take advantage of the mentors here. I don’t think about the streets anymore.”  His grades have transformed as well.  Previously, De’Andre was getting Cs and Ds and now he is proud to share that he is earning As and Bs.   “I get homework help and I’m more focused on my schoolwork.”

De’Andre has grand plans for his future - he wants to go to college and pursue a career as an architect.  “Before the Club, I wasn’t even thinking about college.  I was barely going to high school.”  While his attitude toward the future has changed, his continues to be enterprising as he shares, “I’m pretty sure I can make more money being an architect than selling drugs.”

“I love coming to the Club because there is nothing to do at home.  When I come here, I can be with my friends.  Its fun and I get to meet new people too.”  “When I’m here, I’m happy.  It’s my favorite time of the day.  School is stressful and home is boring.  Being around other kids at the Club, I can learn different things and have fun.  Since coming here, I laugh more.  Every day, I can’t wait until I come here.”   -Johnay, Age 14

“The Club makes me feel good.  Miss Lindsey is nice and sweet.  Coming here is the bestest part of my day.” - Hernan, Age 6

“I come here to let go of all my anger and doubts. I know all of the staff is here for me and there is always something for me to do.” “I used to have a really hard time in math. I hated going to math class. I worked really hard and got tutored at the club. Now math is my favorite subject, I’m really good at it!” -Justin, age 15

“I like to play basketball and I get homework help.  The staff members help me with my problems.  It’s fun and you can get help with your homework and meet new friends.” -Quinton, age 12

“It’s good to come here.  It keeps me out of trouble and from doing the wrong things. The Club has changed me.  It has taught me to stand out more and be myself.” - Victor, age 16

“I really do feel like the Club is a place where you can kick back and relax or just have fun. The Club means a place to have fun and to get help for things you need to do.  It made me a smarter and active person.  I’ve learned to respect others of all colors and have fun doing things.” - Demontre, age 8

“There’s lots of things to do at the Club. I like to color and play with the kitchen.  The Club makes me feel happy and excited. Everybody’s nice and everyone’s special.”  - Zakiyah, age 6

“The Club is awesome because I like playing basketball, pool, and using the computers.  The Club feels like home to me.”   -Dalesean, age 10