A SENSE OF BELONGING

At our 2024 Harvest Dinner - presented by Miron Construction, Member Donnie spoke to our guests about the connections he has made and the sense of belonging he finds at the Boys & Girls Club. 

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"The Club is a safe place where my friends and I can go every day and I love it there," he said. "I can be myself. I can learn new things. I can have fun. Most people don’t think about teens needing a safe place to go, but without the Club where would we be? Where would we go?"

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Donnie was one of 18 Club Members who volunteered their time at Harvest Dinner. Donnie has been a Club Member for the past three years and attends the Club at Greenheck Turner Community Center almost daily.

 

Providing opportunities for community service with friends and safe and inclusive spaces to do homework or to connect with others are just a few of the ways that the Boys & Girls Club welcomes young people like Donnie to belong. ​​

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"I like that I am able to give back to the community and Club through service activities," Donnie said. "I am an outgoing person by nature, but attending the Club has helped me learn that I can connect with people and that I can make a difference."

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When he's not at the Club with his sister and friends, Donnie works hard on his grades to earn his spot in the National Honor Society, plays in the band, attends jazz club, and plays soccer and tennis.