“Ten years ago, I got my dream job. I became the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley. I love kids. I love the community. When I got the job, we had about 13 kids a day. Now, we have 4 sites and an average attendance of 360 kids a day. We have kids who need us emotionally, socially and who may need us financially. This club is about helping these kids by teaching them to help each other and their community. And, that is one of the most important lessons we have to offer. It’s about teaching these kids that you can give back with your time, your talent and your heart. We have kids going to the Food Pantry to help stock shelves. We have kids making dog bones to take to the Humane Society. This is about building a community. Any child between the ages of 8-18 can come. I’m so lucky to be able to have this job. I get to see the differences we make. I’m really grateful. This is not just about a job. This is about being able to make a difference and being able to watch these kids grow into amazing and caring young adults. This is truly the hardest job I’ve ever done in my life, but I have never been happier, because I get to make a difference and teach these kids that they can make a difference too.”