Christina

Often, nominations for Club Core Value Awards are for staff who have made a direct impact on the Clubhouse. While this staff member has certainly made some positive waves at her Clubhouse, she has also walked away from Club and used the Core Values to make major changes in her personal life.

Christina started her journey at the Lockwood Clubhouse in the summer of 2018. The first time we met Christina we immediately got the impression that she meant business- we did not want to get on her bad side! At first, Christina had a hard exterior and was not one to have warm fuzzy conversations with – she came to work and did her job and that was that. However, as the time went on, we quickly learned that Christina didn’t just have a tough exterior – she was tough through and through, in the best ways.

Christina was working two jobs, raising 3 kids, and struggling with her own hardships. During her first years at Lockwood, Christina often came in tired and stressed, and in 2020 Christina left Club to take on a full-time job at the school- a choice that was hard for her but the best way to support the needs of her family.  This decision was a pivotal point for her.

Even though Christina wasn’t working at Club, she always found a way to come and visit all the kids she had built relationships with and support Club staff and events. Working for the school helped Christina financially and with benefits to help her family, however we all knew she was juggling a lot at home and still having to make difficult sacrifices. As we like to say, the struggle was real, but she had to make difficult decisions that benefited her and her family. Change and growth are often uncomfortable and sometimes painful, but Christina never stopped persevering. While making healthier lifestyle choices, eliminating toxic relationships, helping her 3 teens navigate their circumstances and breaking away from the safety net of her job in Lockwood, Christina continued to look forward and better herself step by step.

Christina came back to Club to supplement her full-time job and we could all see she was a happier, stronger woman who was still making the tough choices to put her family’s health and future first. Even today, Christina works a full-time job and comes to Club every evening – even if only for an hour – to supplement her income and work with the members she is dedicated to. The Christina we know today is a fierce and strong woman who faced many challenges with a grace and a tenacity that dared anyone to try and hold her back. We are beyond proud of her growth and perseverance and know she will continue to pursue greatness no matter how hard or uncomfortable it may be. She is an incomparable role model to all of our families at Club who want better for themselves and their families.