Finding Support & Self Confidence at The Salvation Army
How The Boys & Girls Club Impacted Rachel’s Life
Rachel is an only child from a single-parent household. For more than four years, she has attended after-school activities at The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club in Houston. The club has played a major role in her life as a safe and positive environment where Rachel has been able to flourish and grow - all the way to the Texas State Capitol!
After being recognized as The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year (YOY) winner in Houston, Rachel attended the organization’s YOY summit at the State Capitol in Austin. Accompanied by Salvation Army club staff, she spent the day meeting with legislative staff to advocate for the Boys & Girls Club.
“The club staff were always kind and helpful and made sure we had a safe place to express ourselves through several programs,” said Rachel. “The club has inspired me to make changes in my life and in my community through volunteer work at the Angel Tree and Food Bank. I also volunteered as a junior staff member during the summer.”
For more than 50 years, The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs have been unique places offering programs and services that exemplify and actively practice Christian principles. Clubs create an accepting, positive and challenging environment where young people of every background, circumstance, race, creed and religion feel welcomed. The partnership between The Salvation Army and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) thrives in Texas, with clubs operating at 17 Salvation Army locations.
Rachel plans to attend the University of Texas to study bioengineering and hopes to attend law school after her undergraduate studies. She will be a first-generation college student. “The club has always established the importance of helping those in need and the importance of education,” said Rachel. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to come here to Austin and to represent The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club.”