Central Arkansas youth empowered through service and leadership at Boys & Girls Clubs

For more than 164 years, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America have inspired, mentored and empowered young people across the country. These programs aim to build not only academic achievement but also healthy lifestyles and strong leadership skills.

Now, those same values are being nurtured right here in Little Rock. This summer, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arkansas have partnered with the Ozark Mission Project to teach kids as young as fifth grade the power of volunteerism and community service.

“The lesson is that if we all look at what we have — and what we have extra of — and we give that back to the people around us, the community is going to thrive,” said Jules Anderson, Director of Communications and Program Operations with the Ozark Mission Project.

Sixth-grader Erin, who has been involved with the Boys & Girls Club for four years, spent her Wednesday not just measuring and marking wood, but making a difference.

“When people come out and they get to see their final product, their face lights up with excitement for what we’ve done,” she said.

The impact is felt by the volunteers and staff as well.

“Seeing it come back full circle — and watching them actually understand what we were teaching — that’s the best part,” said Ashley Ward, teaching support staff at the Thrasher Boys and Girls Club of Central Arkansas.

Alongside their volunteer work, students are also learning real-world life skills such as budgeting, hygiene and workplace etiquette.

“One of my classes was helping me with my money — how to save it, and use it when I really need it,” said Brooklyn Davis, a participant at the Thrasher Boys and Girls Club of Central Arkansas. 

The hope is that the lessons these students learn now will stay with them well into the future.

“If you help people, something will always come back to you,” Erin added.