I enjoy impacting and making a difference in the lives of our youth. I took our Torch Club members to Six Flags in Maryland few years ago. Torch Club is a group of members along with a staff that meet the special character development needs of boys and girls ages 11 to 13. We try to do something fun at the end of the school year. Members voted to go to Six Flags Amusement park. We worked hard to raise the money for the trip. While heading to Six Flags, some of the members, shared they have never been out of the state of Virginia. To make a long story short, our members had a great time! Even though the group I took are now young adults, they are grateful for the Boys & Girls Club. Among other things, we took some of them on their first trip out of the state of Virginia. Talking about an impact! It's the little things that go along way. So grateful for the opportunity to invest in the lives of our youth. Now some of them are making an impact on the world.
It's not an everyday chance to find a job position that allows you to pursue an interest or interests that you're very passionate about. In my case, I love marketing and helping the youth in my community. I'm currently a senior in college and this semester I served as the Marketing and Special Events Intern with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula. My internship experience has given me the opportunity to combine both of my two interests into one position. Each day I looked forward to going into the office, because I knew that something different would await for me; whether it be a new challenging task for me to complete, or a fun chat with one of my coworkers, I knew that that particular day would not be like the one before. The best part about my position was that I had the best of both worlds. I gained the professional experience of working in the administrative office, and I also visited our Clubs and spent time with our youth weekly in the evenings. I looked forward to visiting the Clubs and seeing the smiles on our members faces, while knowing that my efforts made an impact towards a greater cause. Working for a non-profit organization requires a lot of work and dedication. This is something that I definitely learned first hand through my internship experience. I'm proud to say that I'm a part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula.
Boys & Girls Clubs of The Virginia Peninsula stands by their mission and values. " To inspire and enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens." This statement means many things to multiple people, but for me I have seen this mission statement being put into action. The staff members are like a family they work together daily to empower the youth and the communities they serve.
Their mission to serve 6,000 kids in the Peninsula area Is outstanding for our community. The staff and admin office work hard to take care of the kids in the 13 clubs and 2 Thrift Stores. The feeding program, mentoring, computers, workforce development, smart smiles, helping with school work, spring and summer programs. The list goes on and on. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula is first on my list to give money and volunteer time.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula is a one-of-a-kind organization filled with amazing staff and quality Board members who truly make a difference in the lives of children in the Hampton Roads community!
My personal experience with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula has far exceeded my expectations. I started out volunteering at the Thrift Store, to working at a club and now in an Administrative capacity. I have found out what true compassion encompasses. I truly love working for this organization. Everyone I have come in contact with is passionate about our mission and striving to do the best we can for our kids.
This year at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula's annual Steak N' Burger Event, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend & lead our volunteers. Each year, this event is intended to recognize the tremendous efforts of our outstanding Youth of the Year. I will have a lasting impression of the speeches that each nominee gave during this event. These speeches made me realize just how crucial and inspirational our mission of enabling all youth, especially those who need us the most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens truly is.