In The Spotlight
by David Johnson

Throughout the Proviso Leyden Township, certain organizations have worked to make sure the youth in our community have a safe, fun, and educational environment to excel in. One such organization in particular is the Boys & Girls Club of Bellwood and Hillside. Changing from a boys club to a co-ed club in the early 90's, the Boys and Girls Club has become a second home to the youth of our communities. Not only does the Boys and Girls Club help the youth achieve their goals through educational, sports, and health programs, they also provide jobs to former members returning from college. One former member, Ed Sheehan, who is now the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls, explained his experience as a youth at the club as one that gave him many of the resources to accomplish his goals.
While Mr. Sheehan is a prime example of what members of the club can one day become, many others are on the same track of success. Some of these former members are: Lee Nelson, Andre Ware, Johnnie Johnson, and Katrina Johnson. One thing these former members have in common is that they all have gained the status of Youth of the Year. Becoming Youth of the Year is an honor and a challenge. It takes someone who is involved with helping out in their community as well as helping the younger members, maintaining good grades, and an excellent personality to be qualified for this title.
While the Youth of the Year Program is a way to help send members to college and can only be achieved by members who take advantage of the opportunities the club offers, the club can also assist the members who were not chosen as the Youth of the Year in their preparation for college. They provide means for college searches, resume building, and recommendation letters. The Boys & Girls Club also provides many leadership programs. Teen Reach, A.L.L.S.T.A.R.S., Keystone Club, and Torch prepare the youth for what lies ahead. The University of Illinois has an extension program that provides proper health skills to members of the club every Thursday afternoon as well as mentoring programs for the youth that need more careful attention.
While the club has continued to increase their educational programs over the years, the members have continued to have fun and enjoyed every moment of it. This contributes to a personal mission of the staff to build a relationship with each and every member. Joining the club for the youth in our community means new friends, more activities, and a safe environment for them to grow up in.