"Congratulations to the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County on celebrating your 20th anniversary of serving and impacting the lives of so many youth. I had the privilege of working at the Club from its inception in August 2002 to September 2007.

As staff, Kevin and I hosted a Back to School Kickoff event on the front lawn of the downtown clubhouse next to the courthouse, and we hit the ground running. I started as Program Director, and two years later, I became the Director of Program Operations because we had opened five locations throughout the community. That astonishing growth of the Club would not have been possible without support from key community leaders, members, and volunteers committed to providing a safe, positive, and fun learning environment for kids after school. 

Leaving the Club after five years was the hardest, most bittersweet decision I had to make during my life at that time. My favorite memory was building relationships with Club members by simply welcoming them to join the Club. 

Teens appreciated the Club as a place to hang out, share snacks, get homework help, go on field trips, and experience new activities they may never have had if not for the Boys & Girls Club. With the burden of both parents working, youth need a place with positive role models who believe and empower them to be the best they can be for a brighter future. My heart would melt when students would stroll into my office asking if I needed help with a task. Sometimes we just talked and oftentimes they would challenge me to a game of carpet ball.

Portage County is truly blessed to have this fantastic youth organization that instills a sense of belonging and hope towards becoming productive and successful community members. I cherish every moment I spent at the Club!"