Aurianna has grown a lot as a Club member and a young person since she first started attending the Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County in 2018. Now, going into middle school, she has been able to put a lot of her past struggles aside and become a much better version of herself.

When she first started at Club, Aurianna and her siblings were in the Kindship Care program which made life a challenge full of uncertainty compared to a stable childhood. Growing up with a difficult family dynamic and lack of ability to rely on the adults in her life, she really struggled to trust Club staff. Every day, problems would arise between her and other members that would end in physical altercations because she did not know how to express her emotions in a healthy way. Breaking the instinct to “fight first, think later” became a daily struggle. It took a lot of work and patience from Club staff to work with her on these problems.

Eventually, there were more and more moments of break through where staff were able to see changes and growth within Aurianna. She was reaching out to staff about issues she was having at home, school, and at Club. Fights and harsh reactions to situations were being handled more reasonably.  Aurianna was starting to find comfort in her life and learning she could rely on the Club as a safe place to belong. She also gained additional support when her mother returned into her life and she found consistency at home.

Over the last year, while attending the Boys & Girls Clubs, she has been able to grow into a beautiful young lady. She regularly helps staff with activities, has a positive attitude and enjoys her time at Club. Breaking out of her comfort zone and accepting change is one key aspect that continues to impress staff. Based on where she started with her introduction to Club, she is a whole different person. Even though there are still days where we see her struggle with Club expectations and her reaction to difficult situations, she has put a lot of her bad habits away for good. There is so much more happiness and joy to her personality now.  Her time at Club has given her the skills to continue to grow into an amazing person, and Club Staff cannot wait to see just where life takes her!