The saying “it takes a village” holds truth at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County. From our trained professionals on the floor with Club members, the families and caretakers who do the hard work outside of Club, to the generous donors whose contributions provide the support and materials that allow us to become the difference in the lives of the children we serve, it is safe to say that our village works hard to provide the world class experience we offer.

Another part of the team is one that sometimes goes underappreciated. The time invested by volunteers is shorter, but just as impactful to a Club member. Meet Steve, a member of the community who has committed a couple hours a week to the Teen program.

Steve has always known about the Boys & Girls Clubs. He first learned about the organization while growing up in South Dakota, and the Club was always first on his employer’s donation list for supplies and materials. However, his personal assessment of the struggles facing kids and teens is what motivated him to begin volunteering.

Steve believes that children today are facing hardships that he didn’t in his youth. “Today, its harder to climb the socioeconomic ladder, it used to be a country where a person could pull themselves up by their bootstraps,” claims Steve. However, challenges stemming from social media, political differences, and a multitude of backgrounds are what he feels has made it difficult for a young person to climb that ladder. Steve’s recognition of these obstacles has caused him to ask: “Maybe I can help.”

Steve primarily works with 6^th through 8^th grade Club members, offering help with homework, research projects and assisting with Torch Club meetings. While his support is not always utilized to its fullest advantage by the Club members, he hopes his consistent presence provides reassurance to them. When a Club member needs help, he will be there the same day and same time each week.

The Club model is one that Steve admires. He sees Teen staff work one-on-one with a Club member on emotional regulation and de-escalation. He sees staff put members on a “course for good,” even when their attention is in constant demand. The member interaction between grades and staff is high praised by Steve, “You can tell [Club] has been a big part of their lives, where Club members can meet each other where they are.”

If you are thinking about volunteering, now is the time. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County is committed to providing an experience to Club members that offers positive adult role models. Contact the Club at 406-245-4457 for more information on how you can make a difference in the lives of Club members.