When my kids went back to school and they needed backpacks, pencils, and folders, I went out and bought them. When my kids need help with their homework, or an ear to listen, or a shoulder to cry on, I’m there for them. These are things we sometimes take for granted; however, not all children have that kind of support in their lives.
This is where organizations like The Boys and Girls Club come in. The Boys & Girls Club’s mission is to enable all children, especially those that need it most, to become productive, caring, and responsible citizens. They do this through a series of targeted programs that fall under the core areas of Academic Success, Character & Leadership, and Healthy Lifestyles. Because The Boys and Girls Club is a non-profit organization, they rely heavily donations, and are always in need of supplies. The Boys and Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley has helped children in the Valley for over 60 years, and in four towns, they serve over 1,000 children per day. The Seymour location opened in 2013 with 13 members, and they are currently serving over 130 members per day, from ages 5 to 18.
With this growth comes an increased need for services, supplies, and financial support.
It’s important for us at CT Working Moms to not only share our lives with you through our writing, but also give back to the community whenever possible, and what better way to give back than to help an organization like The Boys and Girls Club that spreads so much positivity and kindness, and gives so much to our community.
Here is where you can help make sure all kids have the support they deserve.
We are raising money to buy some much-needed supplies for The Boys and Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley and we’re asking for your help.
My friend Jesse works at the Boys and Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley in Seymour CT. When I asked her if she could share a personal story about her experience, she passionately told me she had “approximately 7 billion.” Here is one of those many, many positive stories:
We have a child here, Nick P., who has been attending the Club since we opened in 2014, when he was 9 years old. He’s a very sensitive, kind, thoughtful young man. His family experienced some turmoil in his third year as a member, and as a direct result, were no longer able to afford the program. We were able to provide Mom with a scholarship until they got back on their feet, enabling him to keep a constant in his life while everything else changed around him. This year, he is in 8th grade, he’s is old enough now to go home after school, and responsible enough to get his work done. He came to me the first week of school and said, “I don’t want you to be offended if I stop coming here. It’s not that I don’t love it, because you guys are my family, it’s just that I’m getting older now, and I’d like to start going home after school.” I told him I understood, and I hoped he’d stay in touch. The conversation moved into schoolwork, where he started to cry and confessed that he was struggling in his journalism class. We pulled up his assignments and worked on a project together, we talked about goal setting and study strategies. He explained that because his parents’ first language isn’t English, he didn’t feel as though he could go to them for help. A few days later he came to me again and asked to speak to me privately. He was emotional, and couldn’t wait to show me that he’d gotten a B+ on his journalism project. “I’ve decided that I will keep coming here,” he told me, “Because I know that the reason I did well was that you helped me. If I didn’t have you guys, I’m not sure where I’d be. I’m not ready to leave yet, and I’d like to start helping the younger kids because I should give back what you guys have given me.”
We are so lucky to have such amazing and kind followers, and we know we can count on you to help us if you’re able.
Any little bit helps and is so appreciated!
CT Working Moms 