“Thanks to the Club, I feel a lot lighter, a lot happier, and more confident about my future.”

When the Club came to Caden’s high school three years ago, he only wanted to join to get the black sweatshirt with the cool Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio logo. Then he discovered that if he wanted to join as a member, he would have to attend during his lunch hour. Not even the cool sweatshirt was worth missing lunchtime with his friends. But then one day he decided to walk through the Club’s door…

“I remember the first day that I came to the Club, the staff sat us down and asked us,

‘How do you feel right now?”

They didn’t ask how we were doing or how we were feeling about school. They actually wanted to know how we were doing mentally. All of a sudden, kids started sharing. Some people said they were battling with depression, anxiety, or just feeling alone. Some were confused about what they were doing with their lives. The Club gave us a voice and the ability to connect through the chaos.”

Although Caden admits that life can still be stressful at times, he says the Club has taught him how to manage that stress in positive ways. Before the Club, he never felt he could relax, and he didn’t sleep well. Today, all that has changed.

Since joining the Club, Caden’s GPA has increased from a 2.5 to a 4.0, a milestone he achieved while participating in numerous extra-curricular activities, clubs, and while starting up his own clothing line. He even choreographed his first fashion show at Northland High School where he attends, an opportunity to showcase his clothing line to his peers.

Caden says he can hardly believe that he has grown from being a quiet kid his freshman year to performing in front of the whole school.

“The Club has really helped me build my confidence on a global scale. With that confidence, I will be able to move through life knowing that I’m going to do something great.”

The CLUB is a safe space for teens ages 13–18 where you can drop-in after school, hang out with friends, and take control of your future.

Although every Clubhouse is unique, each teen space is designed to be fun, inclusive, and separate from younger members. It’s a place to connect and belong. It’s your home away from home.