Meet Montinique
Montinique has been with the Boys & Girls Club of Janesville since 2014 and has loved the club since. Montinique really enjoys the wide variety of programs at the Club and being able to express their creative side. Montinique has grown into such an amazing young adult and has really opened up during their time here. Montinique used to be very quiet and kept to themselves, and now often leads activities, is very helpful, and takes initiative to help the younger members.
Montinique is also a part of our Teen Youth Voice group and has many great ideas on how to create positive change and help encourage other teens to do the right thing. Montinique has the kindest heart and we are so lucky to have them at the Club.
“The Boys & Girls Club of Janesville is my home away from home where I have a safe place to hang out with my friends while experiencing new things. The Club gave me opportunities I never knew were possible.”
Meet Miss Addie
Addie started coming to the Boys & Girls Club of Janesville in second grade when her single mother needed somewhere safe for Addie to go after school. At the Club, Addie felt at home and had opportunities to participate in programs such as Girl Talk, cooking, Triple Play, drama, and music. The staff at the Club made her feel loved and accepted at all stages in life, and were some of her biggest cheerleaders. During her time as a Club member, Addie was named Youth of the Year twice and got to compete in the National Youth of the Year competition. The Club gave Addie hope to pursue her dreams and she felt she had people to guide her along the way when she needed it.
After many years of being a Club kid and a junior staff member, Addie wanted to work for the Club full time but was not 18, the required age. She presented her proposal to the Board of Directors and was brought on as a full time Club employee where she had many different roles in the Club and grew with the organization. Now Addie is the Teen Program Manager at the Club and guides youth the way her mentors guided her.
“I remember how amazing my experience was as a Club kid, so to be able to give kids a similar environment is more rewarding than anything. Every kid deserves a champion, mine is the Boys & Girls Club of Janesville. I don’t know where I would be without this place and the people who have helped me grow over the years. I am honored to be a part of this organization and to help guide our future leaders!”