Guest Blogger, Nick, tells what the new Ralph E. Capps Teen Center means to him

To view Nick giving his moving speech, click here.

Hello.  My name is Nick. and since my first day at “The Club” I haven’t missed a single day. I enjoy being at “The Club” because it’s finally something positive in my life. Before I came to “The Club” I was always in the streets hanging with the wrong crowds of people. Everyone always thought I was a bad kid and was never going to make it in life. Most thought I was going to become a drop out – even my own family. I even began to believe it myself.

From the first day I’ve been here the Club staff made me feel like I am somebody, AND a great leader. This is the first time I’ve ever felt like I was respected.  All my life I’ve heard: “You’re going to become a drop out” or “You’re disrespectful and selfish”.  The type of respect and kindness the staff here gives me makes me want to be here every day from open to close. I play basketball here every day and chill with most of my friends. It keeps me away from the bad group of people I hung out with before and it keeps me away from drugs.  If it wasn’t for Mr. Cook, Mrs. Crystal, and my mother I don’t think I would be writing this right now. It means so much to me that there are people who believe I can be someone in life.  To prove I’m grateful for this opportunity, I will continue to show up here every day and represent myself, the Keystone Club, “The Club” Teen Center, and my mother in a positive way.

Thank You

Nick

CLICK HERE to give your gift of a great future today!