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June 22nd, 2011
 Lincoln Ellis (CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana), Tamika Mallet (2010-2011 BGCNWI Youth of the Year), Ursula Burns (Chairman & CEO, Xerox Corporation) Earlier this month, Tamika Mallet, 2010-2011 Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana Youth of the Year, received the opportunity to meet Ms. Ursula M. Burns, Chairman & CEO of Xerox Corporation. Ms. Burns joined Xerox in 1980 as a mechanical engineering summer intern, and assumed the role of Chairman of the company in May 2010.
During the Centennial Technology Summit and Global Leaders Luncheon hosted by The Executives’ Club of Chicago featuring Ms. Burns, Tamika said, “It was absolutely amazing to meet her. At first, I didn’t believe her story. I didn’t think it was true someone like her could come from a similar setting and have that kind of opportunity to make it that far. But when she stood up and spoke, I could feel all the sincerity in her voice, her poise…and just from being in her presence, I knew that it was the truth – she really did struggle, but she made the best of her predicament. Just listening to her story gave me even more hope. I realized that where I am now does not reflect where I’m going to be and how far I’ll be able to make it in life.”
Ms. Burns gave Tamika her autograph, and Tamika says it reminds her, everyday, the heights she can reach in the world if she “keep on keeping on”. “I’d like to live boldly and fearlessly, like Ms. Burns,” Tamika said.
Posted in Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana, East Chicago Katherine House Club, Youth of the Month, Youth of the Year | No Comments »
June 22nd, 2011
Crayons, markers, and paint usually make a big mess when in the hands of a child. However, children should have the opportunity to freely use these tools. The visual arts allow children to see the world around them differently, and encourage them to express themselves.
 Artwork created by a Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Indiana Club member Be Expressive
Art is a great way for children to express themselves. Club members at Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana participate in regularly scheduled art classes. These classes help them develop self-confidence, self-discipline, persistence, and the understanding of trying new things.
Be Social
Learning through play is essential, and the visual arts have a large role in this development. When Club members at Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana are provided with art lessons that use their hands to touch and manipulate, they are able to understand the concept of hardness, resilience, softness and hardness. Oxford University Press found that children learn important skills through art such as social responsibilities and self-understanding.
Be a Problem Solver
Problem solving is a large part of art creation. Children use problem solving to figure out placement of objects in an art piece, to understand art techniques and to use art materials. According to the Dryden Art Department, art education assists with strengthening problem solving skills in children, which adds to children’s overall school success and achievement. Oxford University Press found schools rich in visual arts increase mathematical capabilities of children.
Be Creative
The human imagination needs visual arts to help develop creativity. Oxford University Press found that the connection between art and play are fundamental and helps build the human imagination.
Adapted from Sarah Lipoff’s article, The Importance of Art for Children, published on eHow.com
Posted in Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana, Education | No Comments »
May 19th, 2011
 Nicole Melendez - Cedar Lake Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Nikki Melendez describes herself as a “normal” teenager living in an average, everyday American family. As a driver for a trucking company, Nikki’s dad travels quite a bit. Her mother recently accepted a position at Nikki’s high school – something Nikki was a little unsure about at first, but now admits she enjoys seeing her mom everyday during school time. Despite her positive relationship with her parents, Nikki feels there are some topics she just does not feel comfortable discussing with them, especially with their recent divorce. Nikki states that the Club’s staff is her second family.
Nikki is outgoing and unique, and she attributes her high self-esteem and confidence to her involvement in many school and community activities. Nikki loves school and has maintained good grades. Her favorite subject is science because there is so much to learn, explore and discover. She plans to attend college and study Biology. Nikki also is the goalie for her high school soccer team – a sport she adores. She helps her Club by coaching soccer during their league season. Currently, she is a Junior Staff member at the Club. She states, “The Club has shaped me as a person. I’ve had some of the greatest experiences of my life at the Club. The Club has helped me with citizenship, helping myself and others, and bettering my life. The Club will always be remembered as the start to my life.”
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May 19th, 2011
 Andrew King - Gary John Will Anderson Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Andrew King is the 10th oldest child of twelve siblings, and is very proud to be a member of the King family. It was a long road for Andrew to become part of this family, and a story worth hearing. The King family adopted Andrew’s biological sister first, and when they found out she had a little brother they wanted to adopt Andrew. Andrew met his biological sister at the age of 6 and was adopted at the age of 9. It has not always been easy for Andrew. At such a young age, he has experienced so many trials and tribulations in his life from surviving child abuse, moving in and out of over ten foster homes, being moved to many group home facilities – Andrew certainly can be called a survivor.
Described as a visionary, Andrew King has been developing a blueprint of a business project titled, “The King Teen Job Agency,” a project that will bring more jobs to teenagers throughout Northwest Indiana. A four-year member of the John Will Anderson Boys & Girls Club, Andrew is an active community advocate. In 2008, he brought together several agencies to participate in a food drive which resulted in forty-five families receiving food and toys for their children. In 2010, he worked closely with Centier Bank in helping to organize and implement a Reality Store for the youth and family residents of Gary. Community service is very important to Andrew.
Andrew has long term aspirations of opening a school in Haiti and several Boys & Girls Clubs in Africa. Once a foster child himself, he wants to open a counseling facility for foster children and their biological parents. Andrew states, “The Club is a great place for me and other children that have challenges to overcome in life. I will tell anyone, it was God that saved me; it was the Club that helped me to survive.”
Posted in Club Members, Gary John Will Anderson Club, Youth of the Year | No Comments »
May 19th, 2011
 Jarrett Sanders - Hammond Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year When Jarrett Sanders was twelve years old, his mother needed to go back to her career of driving trucks. As a result, she sat Jarrett and both his older and younger brother down and talked to them about her decision, explaining that she would be gone for weeks at a time and upkeep of the house and themselves would need to carry on while she was gone. Jarrett’s youngest brother was still too young to understand how serious this situation was, and his older brother utilized his mother’s absence as vacation time. This immediately placed Jarrett in the position of “man of the house.” From obtaining monetary resources for miscellaneous household items to cleaning up behind his brothers – Jarrett did it all! As Jarrett explains it, leadership was forced upon him by circumstances out of his control. However, he acknowledges that he learned of his natural ability to really “step up to the plate” and do whatever is necessary to create positive outcomes.
Since Jarrett has been a member of the Club, he realizes what it means to give back. He can be found at the Club everyday assisting at the front desk, helping younger members with their homework, providing help in the kitchen with food distribution – he even coaches!
Jarrett’s goal is to enroll in college at North Carolina A & T and pursue a Ph.D. degree in psychology, with a minor in business. He states, “The Club is basically a second home to me. Everyday, right after school, I’m in the Club faithfully working, playing, or just helping when needed. I get a hello when I walk through the door; even the young ones run up and hug me. They make me feel wanted, needed, and loved.”
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May 19th, 2011
 Brianna Johnson - Lake Station Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Brianna Johnson is a young soul with very strong determination. For Brianna, family means everything! She works hard to ensure that her family comes first, and that they are happy. There is a reason for such strong family ties. Brianna is one of five siblings that reside in a single-parent household. At very young ages, Brianna and her brothers and sisters witnessed horrible domestic abuse of her mother. Disturbance calls were rendered to the police so often that the landlord of their home eventually asked the family to leave. Young and scared, Brianna and her family were forced to live in shelters and inexpensive hotels. Despite this hardship, Brianna’s mother ensured that her children always went to school.
School became a safe haven for Brianna, encouraging her to earn good grades. Another safe haven she found was the Lake Station Boys & Girls Club – a place where she has been attending the last four and a half years. As a result of her own experiences, community service and “giving back” are very important to Brianna. She spends a lot of time at the Sojourner Truth House providing any assistance that is needed. She also volunteers her time at the Love Center serving food to its clients, as well as helping Indiana University Northwest in their efforts to implement their Special Olympics program. She is President of her Club’s Keystone group and is involved in the L.E.A.D. leadership initiative.
Brianna wants to attend Ball State University and study Molecular Biology. She states, “The Club has helped me realize my voice and my words are heard as long as I put them into a positive approach. The Club has taught me I can be unstoppable in the future, and I hold the key to my dreams. I know with what I have learned at the Club I can achieve all my dreams.”
Posted in Club Members, Lake Station Club, Youth of the Year | No Comments »
May 19th, 2011
 Tamika Mallet - East Chicago Katherine House Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year The picture society paints and deems common for most children was nothing but a fantasy for Tamika. At a very young age, she became the caregiver of the family as her mother fought the madness of addiction, and the whereabouts of her father not known. Though the family sometimes had help from relatives, Tamika became the role model of her younger siblings and, to this day, they look to her for guidance and support. Tamika’s mother and several of her older siblings never made it past grade school. Tamika will be the first in her family to attend college.
Tamika is a well-rounded student that has not only excelled academically; she has demonstrated her leadership skills through her school and community involvement. She is more than a faithful member of the Boys & Girls Club! At the Club, you can find Tamika helping younger members, or participating in a variety of teen programs. She is a minister in training at Greater Destiny Baptist Church. Recently, she helped her church organize the “WOW Fest,” an event that provides free back to school supplies, haircuts, school clothes, and food for the community.
After she graduates from high school, Tamika’s goal is to obtain a degree in social work and/or sociology. She states that one day she would love to work for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Tamika states, “As far back as I can recall there was never a time that the Club did not recognize me as someone significant. I have been provided with vast amounts of opportunities from the Boys & Girls Club. The Club has opened doors that I never imagined could or would be accessible to me.”
Posted in Club Members, East Chicago Katherine House Club, Youth of the Month, Youth of the Year | No Comments »
February 1st, 2011
For the month of November 2010 Crystal H. is in the spotlight. When Crystal initially became a member of the Boys & Girls Club she was in an alternative school. With the assistance of past Teen Coordinator Madalyn Hurt, she started to take pride in her work. After two semesters Crystal was mainstreamed back into regular classes at her high school. It was tough at first, but Crystal received tutoring and was able to maintain her position as Jr. Staff. This is Crystal’s senior year in high school. Recently, she shared her most recent report card with us; she received all A’s! We are all very proud of her!
Yunoka B., Youth of the Month for December 2010, has continued to excel in her commitment to the Club. She maintains a 4.0 G.P.A. and is the Valedictorian of her senior class. Yunoka has received several acceptance letters for college. Her dream was to attend Julliard but she seems to have decided on a college just as prestigious, but not as far away from home. Yunoka works well with a members and staff and it shows that she enjoys what she does.
Posted in East Chicago Katherine House Club, Youth of the Month | No Comments »
February 1st, 2011
 In the month of November the Hammond Boys & Girls Club thought of more ways to engage parents and members of the community. Ms. Rona Fisher (Membership Services Clerk) spearheaded a very special event that we are very proud of, the 1st ever Hammond Boys & Girls Club Multi-Cultural Thanksgiving Dinner. Staff and Junior Staff helped by planning, paying for food, cooking, setting up, serving, and/or cleaning up. The event was held on Thursday, November 18th and the menu included turkey, ham, greens, spaghetti, tamales, and much more. More than 200 people were served and enjoyed the event.
To see photos from this event click here.
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February 1st, 2011
 Hammond Boys & Girls Club Members Attended Purdue University Calumet Basketball Game HAMMOND, Ind. – The Purdue University Calumet men’s basketball team fell short in its upset bid of No. 7 Indiana Southeast on Friday night, as the Grenadiers escaped with a 66-61 victory in the opening day of the IU/PU Challenge.
The Peregrines fell behind early in the contest, but closed out the first half on a 21-7 run that was capped off by a deep trifecta by Jordan Champion in the closing seconds of the period. PUC maintained that lead much of the second half, before taking its largest lead of the game, 56-50, at the five-minute mark on Neal Hudson’s driving layup.
IUS would step up over the next couple minutes though, knotting the game at 58 apiece on a pair of Jazzmarr Ferguson free throws. Purdue Calumet answered the bell, as freshman Terrell Frank knocked home a shot from beyond the arc to help the Peregrines reclaim the lead, 61-58, one possession later. However, PUC could not find a basket in the final 2:36, as the Grenadiers closed out the game on an 8-0 run to squeak out the win.
The Peregrines used a strong defensive effort to stay in the game, holding an IU Southeast squad that came into the game averaging 98.5 points per game to just 33.3 percent shooting while also forcing 23 turnovers. PUC’s defense held Ferguson to 18 points, which is quite a feat considering the NAIA All-American came into the contest fresh off a 34-point performance against Cincinnati and ranks second in the nation in scoring with a 36.5 clip.
Purdue Calumet was hurt by a poor night from the field, managing just 32.8 percent shooting on the game. However, the Peregrines were helped by a significant output from its bench, as the PUC reserves recorded a 33-12 advantage over IUS. Champion led the Black and Gold with 12 points, all of which came from downtown while Patton was the only other player in double-figures with 10 points on the evening to go along with six boards and a pair of blocks.
Kameron Bright gave head coach Dan Voudrie a big lift off the bench in his first game of the season, as the 6-foot-5 forward tallied eight points and a game-high four assists. Andrew Anderson added nine points and three steals, while Kedric Williams pulled down a team-high eight caroms.
Courtesy Purdue University Calumet
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