At the Boys & Girls Clubs, we witness firsthand the incredible impact our organization has on the young people we serve. Every day after school, we provide a safe, welcoming space where youth develop the skills they need to become the productive, caring, and responsible citizens that our society needs. Our mission is simple but powerful: to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Every child has unique strengths and challenges. Our role is to help them uncover those strengths, nurture their potential, and give them the tools they need to succeed in life. Whether it’s through education, recreation, or mentorship, we are committed to preparing youth for life beyond high school graduation.

A key part of our work is teaching life skills that will serve them well into adulthood. From decision-making to communication and teamwork, the skills we emphasize help youth navigate the complexities of our world. We also focus on fostering resilience and encouraging resourcefulness. These are the qualities that empower young people to face challenges with determination and creativity.

Our work doesn’t stop at providing a place for youth to spend time after school. We prepare young people for college, trade school, or entering the workforce, and help them understand what it means to be a reliable head of a household. We hope you enjoy hearing the stories of three remarkable former club members who are already making a difference in our community:

Twenty-five-year-old Shawnta grew up in the Sequim Club from the age of 7 and has been a member of staff for three years. As part of our commitment to safety, our youth development professionals are required to be CPR certified. On her way home from work recently, Shawnta put these life-saving skills to the test when she was unexpectedly presented with an individual who was unresponsive in a parking lot. She went into action as a concerned citizen, performing crucial aid while waiting for emergency first responders. Shawnta credits the hands-on training she received at her club for helping to save a life that day.

Twenty-four-year-old Dominic started attending the Port Angeles Club when he was 8. Against all odds, he persevered and graduated from Central Washington University with a teaching degree. As a club teen, Dominic participated in Torch Club, volunteered at community events and became a summer food worker. After college, Dominic returned to his community and will be working at the club until he secures a teaching position. He has taken a classroom approach to running programs in the gym that promote healthy life skills.

Twenty-three-year-old Darren started attending the Sequim Club in first grade. After completing his undergraduate degree in psychology, with minors in business and law and justice at Central Washington University, he returned to his club family last year and is our Behavior Support Specialist while he applies to law school. Darren will likely attend Roger Williams University on a full tuition scholarship this fall. We are excited to follow his impressive journey from our games room to practicing law in a courtroom.

These are just a few examples of the incredible young adults we have the privilege of working with every day, and they highlight the power of investing in young people’s futures.

What makes these impactful stories of success possible is not just the work we do within our Club, but also the investment made by our community. Without the support of local businesses, donors, and volunteers, none of this would be possible. The generosity of our community helps us provide scholarships, create enrichment opportunities, and maintain state-of-the-art clubhouses with engaging programs that help youth to thrive.

As we continue to work toward fulfilling our mission, we express our gratitude to everyone who supports the Boys & Girls Clubs. Your dedication makes a tangible difference in the lives of young people, helping them navigate the challenges of today and preparing them to be future leaders. Together, we are creating a stronger, more resilient community where every young person can succeed, and we are deeply grateful for your continued commitment to creating great futures for all.

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Mary Budke is chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula