Turning kids into community leaders

Jamaria Glover found her voice at the Boys & Girls Club. That is where the Sandusky High School senior learned to be a leader not by shouting the loudest or by promising the most. She did it by being honest and showing respect for those around her. "I refuse to follow the crowd," Jamaria said. "I would much rather do what's right and encourage others to do the same. I respect myself and hold my name to the highest standard because I know what I am capable of. I respect those who believe in me and help guide me as well." Kids like Jamaria are one of the reasons I love my job at Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio. In Erie County, and across our region, our clubs provide safe, fun places for kids after school. They get homework help, play sports and find caring adult mentors. For members like Jamaria, belonging to the club is a life-changing experience — one that helps kids become responsible adults. Jamaria has remarkable poise. That was so apparent recently when I watched her deliver a speech to the Sandusky Rotary Club. A Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio Youth of the Year finalist, she is an independent woman with a very bright future. She is the Sandusky High School student council president, captain of the volleyball team and holds down a part-time job. Oh, and she also carries a 3.7-grade-point average. Our clubs need support from Ohio's leaders and local community members. That is why club members like Jamaria and Ohio legislators, like State Rep. D.J. Swearingen are going to participate in the April 2021 Ohio Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs State Summit. Rep. Swearingen got a first-hand look at our Erie County Clubs during a recent tour. "The commitment by Boys & Girls Clubs to promote workforce development and support educational initiatives will serve our children well into the future," Swearingen said. Clubs do not just help kids. They are also important to working families. They fill the gap between work and home. And they help communities. A University of Michigan study found that for every dollar invested in Ohio Boys & Girls Clubs, their communities receive $11.35 in economic benefits. For more information about the clubs and their impact, you can visit bgcneo.org or bgcohio.org. Boys & Girls Clubs are providing a positive, welcoming environment for Jamaria and dozens of other young people in Erie County. They deserve our support.