Success Stories
Making a real difference in the lives of Chicago children is a priority for the Boys and Girls Clubs. In an effort to quantify that difference in Club members' lives, the Boys & Girls Clubs partnered with Public Schools to examine the relationships between Club involvement, school performance and juvenile delinquency.
- After becoming Club members, 72 percent of those considered juvenile delinquents avoid further police contact.
- About 60 percent of Club members plan to attend college or trade school following high school graduation.
- Clubs members attending ULBGC average a 13.4 percent higher GPA than their non-club-attending peers. Club education program participants earned a 38 percent higher GPA than members who did not participate in Club education programs. Nearly 84 percent of middle school Club members avoid using alcohol or cigarettes.
Additional study results are expected to continue showing high value in Club membership for youth who live in disadvantaged circumstances.
Below, we have some personal testimonials.
Anthony Colon & David Mejia
During his sophomore year in high school, it was discovered that Anthony
Colon couldn't read, even though he was taking advanced math courses. With the help of our 2006 Lafayette Club Youth of the Year, David Mejia, Anthony learned to read and will be attending the Chicago City Colleges this Fall.
David wrote an outstanding college admittance essay about his experiences tutoring Anthony, which was published in the Chicago Tribune Magazine:
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I sat on the bench staring across the turf at the opposing team's dugout. Looking back at me was a familiar face proudly sporting a baseball cap and smile.
I remembered the first time they escorted me to the basement to tutor. It was not a place meant for learning, but for storing broken chairs and books that were in old Corona boxes. It was a place where kids were expected to get help, but mainly where objects were left and forgotten about.
These children were teenagers, young Latinos just like me, certainly not the age group I had experience with from my work as a camp counselor. They were resistant at first, embarrassed to ask for help. When the sun broke through the barred windows I would see their enigmatic expressions. I sat down feeling rejected. Noticing the boy's baseball jersey next to me I inquired about it, hoping to achieve some social interaction. He talked about baseball and we shared are mutual respect and love for the game. He replied with a no when I asked if he played for his high school and he explained that it was for academic reasons.
I persisted in helping him with his homework but he remained confused by the information in his book. Finally I came to the startling realization that he couldn't read. My supervisor asked me to talk to him because he did not know how to go about it. I encouraged him to keep trying and continually worked with him. Gradually his grades soared from Ds and Fs to Cs and Bs.
Seeing his smile that day at the game, I smiled back and the feeling of completion overwhelmed by body. I attained victory before the first pitch was ever thrown. My trance was broken when the two most appropriate words were uttered: "Play ball."
Austin Fleming Service Award
Since being established at the Barreto Club in 1986, the Austin Fleming Service Award has been given to the Senior Club member who, under non-salary conditions gives the time, labor and assistance on a volunteer basis to the Club. In its 18 year history, at least 12 of the past winners have grown to become staff members at the Club and the Camp.
Christina, this year's winner, has been a member of the Club for the past nine years. Having been involved in the Club for such a long time, Chirstina has been a constant presence in the Club's Leadership, Educational, and Arts programs. Christina is a third year student at Clemente High School and has been active in many community based activities such as the Food Pantry and Food Mobile programs.
She is an officer with the Keystone Club program and has participated in several Leadership Conferences. Christina is also a published author.
Mary Ann Mahon Huels
Mary Ann Mahon Huels has been involved in the Boys and Girls Clubs movement for over 27 years and was awarded the 2002 Executive of the Year from the Boys and Girls Clubs Midwest Region.
She was appointed Director of the Union League Boys and Girls Clubs in December of 1999. Prior to this she served as Vice President of Operations for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago. Mary Ann received her B.A. from the University of Illinois in Education and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Roosevelt University.
"When the younger members need someone to talk to, need something or just need a friend, they come to me. As a person I feel they look up to me, therefore, I give my all to be there for them - not only as a friend, but, also as a role model."
- Youth of the Year 2003