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Her home away from home
 After
school program is a positive influence in Ariel’s life.
For a period of time in her life, 16-year-old Ariel says she started
letting her peers and friends influence her in negative ways. But during
that time, she had something that pointed her back in the right
direction—something that kept her grounded.
United Way-funded services at Boys and Girls Club was and continues
to be that ground for her.
Positive Impact
Looking back at the time she has spent at Boys and Girls Club, Ariel
recognizes the impact it has made on her life.
"It means that I have people I know I can trust and who care about
me. It has also brought me relief from whatever may be stressful in my
life."
Ariel has always enjoyed her time at Boys and Girls Club, but until
recently, Ariel didn’t understand why her parents allowed her to go when
she was grounded from other activities. It is making more and more sense
to her now.
"If I’m not at home, I’m here," said Ariel. "It gives me things to
do."
Keeping Busy
Staying involved in constructive activities is often the key for a
child to remain on the right track in life, and Ariel has found plenty
of things to do at Boys and Girls Club. From dancing to cooking, Ariel
participates in a large variety of activities.
Future Preparation
Boys and Girls Club has also helped Ariel prepare for her future. She
says her job skills, social skills and leadership skills have all grown.
Ariel now sees herself as a leader and mentor to the other club kids.
From helping them with homework to encouraging them when they are down,
Ariel has built trust and developed relationships with many of the youth
at Boys and Girls Club.
Her First Job
After Ariel had been a club kid for several years, she began to
volunteer her extra time to help with activities. Soon after that,
Ariel’s responsibilities increased when she became a junior staff
member. She now works part-time as a receptionist and helps out with a
variety of other tasks.
Ida Phillips, unit director, says Ariel has great ability in working
with youth.
"Ariel is a great kid. She is a very respectful child," said
Phillips.
Youth of the Year
After writing an essay, and giving a speech, Ariel was awarded the
Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year Award for the Wichita area. From
there, she went on to win the state competition and finished in the top
four at the Midwest Regional Youth of the Year Competition in Dallas.
Thanks to funding from United Way, Boys and Girls Club is a place
Ariel can spend her time. She calls it her "home away from home," and a
second home is a great thing to have.
See column at right to find out
more about how your support of United Way of the
Plains is helping our community. More Stories:
click here. |
