Ashley our Black River Falls Lunda Center Director shares how the Club is a safe space, and the difference that makes, one child at a time!
Recently, while I was welcoming kids into the building, a new member of the club as well as a new student in our school district was crying. I asked her if she wanted to head over to one of our quiet spots in the club and talk. She started telling me how she was having a hard time making friends at school. She said the one friend that she did make told her she no longer wanted to be friends with her. As she continued to talk another member who is also a 6th grader popped his head out from around the corner. and said, I am sorry that girl is being mean to you. I think there are a lot of girls at Club who want to be friends with you, and I want to be friends with you too. He said if you feel bad at school, I will be your friend and I know a few girls who are nice, and I can take you to meet them tomorrow at school.
When I did a check-in with her the following day, she said things are great and she had met new friends and is happy that she has Club. the things that we do at Club have a profound effect on our communities and school districts. The Club is that safe space, where we build character, kindness, respect and so much more!