Changing futures, saving lives

(This article appeared in The Aegis newspaper today and was written by my daughter, Kristen Hunt. As a product of the Lamond-Riggs Boys Club in Washington, DC, I am very thankful and proud of Kristen's advocacy of Boys & Girls Clubs)

Editor:
Seat belts. Safety vests. The Clubs. What do these things all have in common? They are proven to save lives. While the third life-saving measure may seem like an unlikely counterpart, Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County continue to prove that an investment in a child’s future can be life changing, and in certain instances, even life saving.

It is a pivotal time for American children. With high school graduation rates plummeting, drug use on the rise, and teen pregnancy skyrocketing, teaching our youth strong life skills from the beginning is crucial to their success. The support and encouragement we provide to our kids is a direct investment in our nation’s future.

Every year, Boys & Girls Clubs keep hundreds of Harford County youth on the right track. Having a safe place to develop academically, artistically and socially has given countless children a chance to beat the odds. By pairing innovative programming with compassionate staff, Clubs have been able to instill strong values in each of its members.

While households all over the county prepare their children for the return to school, Boys & Girls Clubs have programs designed to help youth achieve academic success. After-school tutoring, designated homework time and career counseling are only a few of the activities that the organization employs to advance its mission of helping youth reach their full potential.

You can make a difference in the life of a Harford County child. Our Clubs prosper thanks to partnerships with neighboring organizations and local companies, as well as donations from dedicated community members. For more information on becoming involved with Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford County, please visit www.bgcharfordco.org.

Kristen Hunt
Intern, Harford County Boys & Girls Clubs
(Submitted for Ms. Hunt by Tim Wills, associate executive director, Boys and Girls Clubs of Harford County.)

This article also can be found at wwww.baltimoresun.com/explore/harford/opinion-talk.