In our vibrant yet challenging world today, young people in our community often encounter real and complex problems that are frequently overlooked. While it may appear that they are not facing any real issues, the truth is that they do.  

What may surprise you is this is especially true in our community. 

At Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County, we recognize these challenges. We are dedicated to providing the support our youth need to manage and overcome what they’re facing.  

Over the past couple of months, our staff has been working hard to implement a new program to provide extra support to Club members who need more caring professionals on their side. We’re proud to announce our latest initiative, VOICES. This new program is the start of an initiative to provide extra care and support to all our Club members no matter where they are in their journey. 

How We Got Started

Our truancy program, A+ Attendance, has shown us first-hand why some households need extra support to succeed. In this program, we identified an increasing number of Club members who needed assistance beyond the resources provided by their teachers, parents, and Club staff. 

Linda Soto, the Chief Operating Officer at Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County, came up with the idea of having advocates in our Clubs. She realized that our members needed extra push and support to improve their well-being as kids.  

The VOICES program includes a curriculum tailored to life skills and group bonding, promoting relevance and effectiveness among different age groups. We infuse fun into every session, creating an environment that feels less like counseling and more like an engaging, enriching experience. We aim to blend enjoyable activities with meaningful conversations, encouraging our members to explore new ideas, step out of their comfort zone, and encourage personal growth. 

When Linda’s vision was ready to be realized, she appointed Kayla Schug as the Director of Youth Development to oversee its implementation. Kayla has been at Boys & Girls Clubs for over a year, initially working in our A+ Attendance program.  

With the invaluable support of Tom Gariepy, our grant writer, and crucial funding from grants like the Children’s Services Council, New York Life, 21st Century, MPARM, and the St. Lucie Education Foundation, we have been able to assemble a solid foundation to build our program. Together, they provide the comprehensive support our Club members need to thrive. 

The Difference We Make in Mental Health

Currently, we have eight advocates at 18 locations serving hundreds of our Club members. Our trained advocates work between working in group sessions and 1-on-1s to offer a variety of support models to meet the needs of our members. We take a comprehensive approach to assess where members and their clubs are and to meet them where they need us.  

The VOICES program includes a curriculum tailored to life skills and group bonding, promoting relevance and effectiveness among different age groups. We infuse fun into every session, creating an environment that feels less like counseling and more like an engaging, enriching experience. We aim to blend enjoyable activities with meaningful conversations, encouraging our members to explore new ideas and step out of their comfort zones.  

“I just wanted you to know that I absolutely love my job and what I’m able to for these kids. So, this week we’re working on respect. Today I paired the kids up to interview each other because the more you know about someone, you’ll more than likely respect them more. So, I put these two girls who cannot get along, and would you know by the end of the activity, they were exchanging social media names and had breakfast together. They had so much in common. Something they wouldn’t have known because they never gave each other a chance. I was so happy that I was able to form a friendship between enemies. I have you to thank for seeing something in me and hiring me to make a difference in these kids’ lives.”

– Youth Development Adovcate N.C.

We welcome all Club members to join VOICES, and we encourage referrals from teachers, parents, and Club staff who know members who could benefit from additional support. Our doors are open to everyone from elementary through high school because we recognize that everyone needs support at some point. 

Understanding that each child and Club has unique needs, our advocates employ flexibility and creativity in their approach. Though members may require assistance, it’s important to note that every situation is different and requires a unique approach. This personalized strategy ensures that we provide precisely the right kind of support, enhancing the effectiveness of our interactions. Our advocates are trained to use creative strategies that build trust and foster open communication, creating a safe space where our youth can express themselves and thrive. 

Looking Forward: The Future of VOICES

Since the launch of VOICES, our Boys & Girls Clubs have witnessed remarkable growth in our organization, our staff, and, most importantly, our members. We’ve seen a surge in engagement, with more Club members eagerly participating and expressing a desire to join. Our youth are opening up in new and profound ways, actively participating and engaging in discussions. This has been especially notable among our high school members, who have shown significant responsiveness, affirming the success of this initiative. 

“[My Advocate] has been an open ear, is amazing with people and has helped me when I am aggravated and want to speak my mind.”

– M.M., Age 15

Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County are more than a place to pass the time; we are sanctuaries where children can feel secure and be their authentic selves. As we continue to implement VOICES, we are dedicated to maintaining these safe spaces and offering support to any young person seeking guidance, support, or simply a place where they belong. 

Through VOICES, we pledge to uphold the safety and well-being of our members, providing them with a supportive environment essential for their success. This comprehensive care is fundamental to our mission, enabling our youth to develop, share, and thrive within the nurturing confines of our Clubs. As we expand, we aim to secure more grants and increase the number of advocates across all our Clubs, ensuring every child has the support they need.