We’ve had the joy of watching Maia grow in so many meaningful ways since she first joined the Club.

When Maia arrived, she was quiet and kept mostly to herself. She seemed a little hesitant, unsure of where she fit in, and took her time observing the rhythms of the Club from a distance. But even in those early days we got a sense that she was simply waiting for the right moment to step forward.

With support, patience, and encouragement from staff and peers, that moment came. Slowly but surely, Maia began to open up. She revealed a warm, confident, and engaging presence at the Club and is someone who laughs freely, participates eagerly, and brings her own spark to every activity she joins.

Maia has built strong friendships, and it’s been amazing to see how naturally she brings others in. She’s inclusive, thoughtful, and always willing to lend a hand or offer a kind word. Her creativity and sense of humor shine in group settings, and she’s become someone others look to as both a friend and a role model.

One of the most inspiring parts of Maia’s journey has been watching her find her voice. She shares her ideas more openly now, contributes meaningfully to group discussions, and takes pride in expressing who she is. Her confidence continues to grow, and with it, her ability to try new things, embrace challenges, and support others in doing the same.

Maia’s growth is a great reminder of what’s possible when kids are given the space, support, and encouragement they need to thrive. We’re incredibly proud of her and can’t wait to see what she continues to discover about herself.

The Boys & Girls Club is more than just a place, it’s a home away from home for the many kids who walk through its doors each day. It’s a space where they can develop emotional and social skills that will stay with them for a lifetime. Here, they can escape the stresses of their environment, embrace their true selves, and thrive under the guidance of positive role models.

For Beau and Kaylyn, this experience has been especially meaningful. Their journey at the Club has been one of growth, joy, and self-discovery, witnessed firsthand by the staff who support them every day.

Kaylyn’s confidence continues to soar during her time at the Club. We have watched her blossom in incredible ways, thriving in an environment that encourages her to be her best self. She is helpful, playful, and full of energy, and her vibrant personality shines through in everything she does. The Club has given her the space to flourish, and she embraces it wholeheartedly.

Beau’s kind heart and gentle spirit make him a perfect fit for the Club, and in return, the Club has given him a place to nurture those qualities. His presence brings smiles to the faces of both members and staff. With a natural love for helping others, Beau finds fulfilment in the supportive atmosphere of the Club, where his kindness can truly shine.

It’s clear that Beau and Kaylyn have found comfort and security at the Club. To them, it’s much more than an after -school program, it’s a sanctuary, a place of solace, support, and belonging.

They have built strong connections with staff members, often asking, “Can we stay later?” or “Can you tell our mom to pick us up late today?!” Their love for the Club is so deep that goodbyes can be tearful, a testament to how much this space means to them. Seeing children feel safe, valued, and eager to return is the very heart of our mission.

Beau and Kaylyn express their love and gratitude time and time again, not just for the Club itself, but for the staff who make it feel like home. Their full hearts and joyful spirits are a reminder of why we do what we do: to create a place where kids feel safe, supported, and truly loved.

Up until about 2 ½ years ago, Kaiden, Damien and their mom had not heard of the Boys & Girls Club. Mom was working long, crazy hours and the boys were missing a lot of school. They were struggling both academically and socially. It was the Parent Coordinator at the boys’ school who reached out and told her about the Boys & Girls Club. Mom thought that the Club might be an affordable, safe option for them so, with support and assistance from the Parent Coordinator and the Club, the boys got signed up with school year memberships and registered for the Club’s before school program. 

The Club was able to feed the boys and started taking them to school each morning. They stopped missing school, and they began to catch up on schoolwork. In fact, mom says they rarely miss school now and they are actually thriving academically today. Mom says she has so much less stress and worry knowing that the boys are getting to and from school each day while she is at work. The boys like being at the Club so much that they ask if they can go even on Mom’s days off! She is so grateful that they are getting help with their homework, making friends and having fun in a safe, supportive environment. By the boys getting the extra help with their schoolwork while at the Club, mom says she is able to have more quality, meaningful time together in the evenings.

Since the boys have been attending the Club, there have been a couple of times when the family struggled financially because of medical issues. The Club has been able to relieve some of the financial worry by providing scholarships for the boys to continue attending programming before school. While it doesn’t amount to a whole lot, Mom says it’s enough for her to fill her gas tank a few times each month and make sure there is food on the table each night. For this, she is so thankful.

Not only does the Club provide a safe, positive place for Kaiden and Damien while Mom is at work, but it also provides on-going support and assistance to Mom as well. That is the power of the Club.

I gained custody of my nephew, Atticus, and my niece, Willow, in the summer of 2020—right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was already an incredibly challenging time for everyone, but the situation was even more difficult given the instability they had experienced in their home life. Their parents were struggling, and the transition to living with me was a big adjustment for all of us. I went from being a single adult with no children to suddenly becoming a full-time caregiver for two kids who desperately needed stability, support, and love.

At the time, we were living in Richland, WA, where the Boys & Girls Club became an absolute lifeline for us. They provided two invaluable services—childcare and socialization—both of which were critical in helping us navigate this new chapter. The isolation caused by COVID had made it even harder for the kids to connect with others, and they were starved for meaningful adult interactions and peer relationships. Miss Misty, one of the amazing staff members at the Club, worked closely with us to help ease the transition. Her support played a key role in helping Atticus and Willow adjust to our new family dynamic.

Over time, I watched my kids blossom. Thanks to the structure and positive environment of the Boys & Girls Club, they developed essential social skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives. They learned how to communicate, build friendships, and navigate social situations in ways that were healthy and productive. Of course, as with all children, there are still challenges and learning opportunities along the way. But those moments are just as important, as they teach them how to treat others with kindness and respect and how-to problem-solve in difficult situations. That’s exactly what a nurturing, supportive social environment is supposed to do—help kids grow, learn, and thrive.

Now, we live in Lewiston, ID, and attend the Boys & Girls Club in the Orchards. Just like in Richland, we have been met with kindness, patience, and professionalism from every staff member we’ve encountered. Atticus and Willow love the Club so much that they often ask me to pick them up later than usual because they don’t want to leave! Seeing how much joy and security the Club brings to their lives reassures me that we are in the right place. I am beyond grateful for the Boys & Girls Club and the impact it has had on our family. We love the Club!

For Zayleigh, Zyllah, and William, the Boys & Girls Club has been more than just an afterschool program—it has been a place of comfort and belonging since 2022.

When Zayleigh and Zyllah, twin sisters full of curiosity and creativity, first started at the Club, they were a little quiet, observing everything around them. But as time passed, they found their voices—in laughter, in friendships, and in the activities they loved. Whether expressing themselves through art projects, diving into group games and activities, or simply feeling safe in a place that welcomed them with open arms, they have flourished.

For William, the Club became a place where he could feel supported, build confidence, and discover his strengths. He quickly found a love for STEM projects, sports, and learning new things, and with every challenge he took on, his self-assurance grew. He has built strong relationships with the staff and peers who see him for the kind, capable, and resilient young man that he is.

More than anything, the Club has given these three something truly priceless: consistency and care. When their world felt uncertain, the Club was always there—offering support, encouragement, and a space where they felt safe to be themselves. It has been a place where they could experience joy, friendship, and hope for the future.

For Zayleigh, Zyllah, and William, the Power of the Club isn’t just a phrase—it’s a reality that has shaped their journey. It’s a reminder that no matter what life brings, they will always have a place where they are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

In December of 2018 our nanny unexpectedly had to move home to take care of her dad on hospice, and we had no idea if or when she’d be back. We were scrambling to find care for our 8-month-old (Nevi), 3-year-old (Isaiah) and kindergartener (Grace). We heard from a couple friends that their children had gone to the Boys and Girls Club on Highland; yes, even in kindergarten. I was nervous but we needed to do something, so I went to talk to the staff. I walked in just before the bus arrived and as I was asking questions and filling out paperwork I thought, “This sounds like pure chaos”. As I listened to the staff interact with the kids, I heard them say things like, “Nope, don’t drop your backpack, go hang it up in your school section”, “Yep, your grandma is picking you up later”, “Hey, how did your test go?” It was the first of many examples of how well the Club staff know their kids!

Gracie loved all of it and as my mom commented after hearing about the Arts and Crafts room, “So its basically like summer camp fun all the time”. Early on Gracie participated in 5- and 6-year-old soccer and now, 5 years later, she is thrilled every time she gets to help plan another teen night in Phase 2.

In 2020, when the world shut down, the Boys and Girls Club went back to the drawing board and figured out how they could serve children in a safe way. When they were able to go back, I could feel a sigh of relief from Gracie as something felt normal to her. The children were getting homework packets instead of full-time school hours and the staff in the Venture center would help with those as well.

As time went on my children have joined STEM and writing clubs, they have met friends outside their own elementary school, participated in club wide competitions and dress up days, they go on field trips and teen nights. They participate in volunteer opportunities at the Food Bank and raising money for the foster system by working in a lemonade stand for Phase 2. They get to go bowling, to movies, the aquatic center and Sno-Zone visits the Club in the summer; many activities that they never would’ve been able to do in the summer since their dad and I both work full-time.

Go to an awards night and you will realize that all the staff are in college and pursuing some type of education degree or related field. Sure, many are college students but this isn’t just any side job to them. This is what they want to do with their lives. They truly care about *their* kids.

On the day of Gracie’s very first theater performance she told the staff she was nervous. We walked in to the theater and spotted no less than 6 staff members who came with flowers to support her! Later that week, other staff attended which they continue to do in each successive show.

Isaiah’s favorite buddies don’t go to his school, instead he met them at the Club. When his sisters don’t want to play video games, he knows there is always another Super Mario tournament around the corner at the Club.
Before Nevi was even old enough to start at the Club, she and the Front Desk staff had a “secret handshake” with each other. They were both so excited for Nevi to finally go to the Club as well.

The first thing I tell anyone about the Club is that no one will ever love your child in the same way that the Club loves your child. Isn’t that all we really want? To know that someone is loving our kids when we aren’t with them? The Club loves our kids and our kids know it.