Meet Jake
Jake was ten years old when he joined the Boys & Girls Club. On his first day, he stood apart from the other kids, shy and a little skeptical. Jake was from a single-parent family, his parents recently divorcing and his mother was now having to work two jobs. Prior to availability of our Vero Beach Club, Jake had been on his own after school.
Flash forward eight years and Jake has become a successful high school graduate, excelling in academics, sports and music and is currently enrolled at Indian River State College pursuing a degree in education. What is most gratifying is that this timid, fearful boy also became a part-time staff member, helping young kids to get on the path to success that Jake had discovered at the Boys & Girls Club.
When asked what the Club means to him, Jake replied, "It means everything. Without it, I probably would have a record. I've learned how to deal with challenges that come my way and to find the positive in every situation."
Meet Jason
Below are the words of one of our parents sharing how the Club has made a difference in her son's life.
"About three years ago, we were told our son Jason, was diagnosed with high-functioning Autism. Since my husband and I both worked all day to support our family of five, we needed help for after-school supervision.
Throughout elementary school aftercare was available for a price; but when Jason went to middle school, we discovered that there was no after-school care available. Due to Jason's condition it was recommended that he not be left home alone. During this very stressful time, Jason was always calling us at work, needing reassurance when making decisions and other minor problems he could not deal with. The continuous phone calls from him were putting a strain on our jobs and job performances. The pressure of the constant worry and anxiety was taking a toll on the family.
Then we learned about the Boys & Girls Club Teen Center. Jason was almost a teenager and the Club allowed him to join a few months short of his thirteenth birthday. Fortunately, the Club is right across the street from the special school program Jason attends. If the Club had not been so conveniently located we would have been faced with a transportation issue. Finally, things were falling into place and our prayers were answered.
All the staff are very supportive of Jason's condition and work with him one-on-one to improve his social and coping skills. Jason is very happy at the Club and he now shows a willingness to participate in a variety of activities. Jason has also volunteered several times with the Youth Volunteer Corps at car washes, parades and activities during the holidays. Thanks to the Club, we have seen dramatic improvements in Jason's inter-personal skills and now have peace of mind when he gets out of school."
