United Way funding allows children like Jasmine to grow, free from judgment through understanding staff and new opportunities. She can now take her newfound confidence and apply it to any part of her life. She is no longer afraid to try new things or be herself, and the Club has been instrumental in that change. 

 

Jasmine grew up in the Augusta area with her brother and mother. Her brother was the more the loud, energetic, boisterous type. Jasmine usually erred on the reserved side. Jasmine grew up estranged from her father, struggling to establish a connection with him and his side of the family.

 

Though she did well in school, Jasmine didn’t join any extracurricular clubs or activities. After school, she would come straight home. Other than her family and personal friends, Jasmine didn’t spend much time or energy trying new things.

 

When Jasmine first joined the Club, she had no intentions of participating. Because of personal insecurities. She felt more comfortable not engaging with various activities around the Club. She used this as her shield. If she didn’t try, then she wouldn’t have to worry about potentially being embarrassed or left out. She would feign disinterest and tell herself that she didn’t want to join anyway.

 

However, after seeing how her brother would come to the Club day after day, putting himself out there and being accepted, she began to consider taking a leap of faith. Slowly but surely, Jasmine tested the waters by opening up more to staff and other members. She joined in on group games or projects that she would have earlier passed up. She now embraces a more artistic side of herself by participating in dance classes at the Club and discovering her interest in drawing.

 

Nowadays, she can’t envision a life apart from the Boys & Girls Club. She’s been a member for many years and it’s a place that she can consider being instrumental to her growth. 

 

Jasmine is an example of what the Club is meant to do when it works. We help turn children who need us the most into productive, caring, responsible citizens. She’s now indistinguishable from the person she used to be. She loves to be involved and try new things. She’s now the one to get her friends to try activities they don’t believe they will like!