Staying Connected with Club Alumni
Zachary joined Boys & Girls Club at age 13. Now 26, he has his sights set on his own non-profit for at-risk teenagers.
An important focus area of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond’s recent strategic plan is to expand services and support to our alumni. During the COVID-19 pandemic, life has become increasingly challenging for many of these young adults who are facing tough odds navigating their post-secondary and/or employment plans.
In March, BGCMR’s staff — both Club directors and executive officers — reached out to numerous alumni to reassure them of the Club’s lifelong commitment. Since then, BGCMR has assisted over 60 alumni by helping them make ends meet and continue to pursue their aspirations.
“Mr. Miller reaching out to me during the pandemic was not surprising, and it assured me that they still care about my well-being, dreams and goals.”
“We understand they are at a demanding age [18-22-year old’s] where they may not be fully settled into college plans or careers,” said Chief Operations Officer Sean Miller. “We knew some of them may need help during this pandemic — be it assistance with maintaining or securing employment, navigating a changing college environment or financial assistance to reduce the fragilities like bills, food, and other things of that nature.”
Two alumni the organization connected with and provided support are Zachary and Denisha.
Zachary, now 26, joined the Petersburg Club at age 13 and is a former Youth of the Year organization level finalist. He has worked part-time for Boys & Girls Clubs after graduating high school, which has inspired him to want to start his own non-profit for at-risk teenagers in the LGBTQ community. Zachary noted that he isn’t aware of services that help these at-risk teens, especially those who may be living on their own and are in dire need of food, shelter, mentors and on-going counseling.
“The Club is where I first experienced positive male role models in my life,” said Zachary. “I want to provide others with the necessary tools and support that so many staff members gave me.”
Admittedly, Zachary struggled at an early age while a member at the Club. He said he had a “tough” attitude on life and behavioral challenges in school. “I was in survival mode at the age of 13, but the staff showed up for me and put me on the right path,” he said. “They harnessed my talents and put me into leadership roles.” While at the Club, Zachary participated in the national organization’s Keystone Club program that brings together members from all across the globe to participate in activities in three focus areas: academic success, career preparation and community service.
The pandemic may have slowed Zachary’s pursuit to start his own non-profit, but not his will to continue pursuing it. He is using the time to think through and develop his plan, partnerships and proposals. Right before and since COVID-19, he connected with Miller and received advice on how to build a plan, the processes he will need to put in place as well as advice on people to connect with and grants. In addition, Miller also was able to provide Zachary financial assistance through BGCMR’s emergency COVID-19 relief fund to help him through this period and continue to pursue his passion.
“Mr. Miller reaching out to me during the pandemic was not surprising, and it assured me that they still care about my well-being, dreams and goals,” Zachary noted.
When the Clubs connected with Denisha, she was preparing to apply to the Reynolds Community College nursing program for the 2021 spring semester. Since graduating high school in 2017, Denisha has been taking classes and working various jobs, including as a program leader at the Northside Club before the pandemic.
Denisha first joined Boys & Girls Clubs when she was around 7 years old. In eighth grade, she became a member at the Northside Club where she met program director, Mr. Tyler. “Mr. Tyler helped me come out of my shell as a person and get involved in leadership programs,” said Denisha.
Like Zachary, Denisha participated in the Keystone Club program and was recognized as Junior Youth of the Year in 2014, which recognizes the next wave of leaders, ages 10-13, within the Club environment. While with the Club, Denisha also orchestrated other BGCMR community-based activities. She started a breakfast club that served meals to members and their families on Saturdays. And, she developed fundraising programs for members to take team building trips outside of the Clubs.
While unemployed during the first several months of the pandemic, Denisha was able to receive financial assistance for her college classes this fall through BGCMR’s COVID-19 relief fund. She said, “the organization cared about me and continues to help me with my school and career goals.”
With the help of BGCMR, Denisha recently was able to get an interview and secure a job through VCU’s Pathways program as a Care Partner at VCU Health where she helps prepare patients for surgery. She said her Club experience helped develop the communication, interpersonal and leadership skills necessary for her to get the job and continue to pursue her goals in the nursing profession.
“Our alumni like Zachary and Denisha who are pursuing their dreams and goals during this challenging time need us now more than ever,” said Miller. “We want all of our alumni to know they can come to us, whether during this pandemic or any other time they are in need.”
Thanks to mentors at Boys & Girls Club, Denisha was able to come out of her shell and get involved in leadership programs. Today, she is a Care Partner at VCU Health where she helps prepare patients for surgery.
“the organization cared about me and continues to help me with my school and career goals.”