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BE GREAT! That's the motto of the Olivet Boys and Girls Club, a United Way agency partner. The agency's work is centered on allowing youth, especially those most in need, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible and successful members of the community.
Henry Calvo has participated in a variety of Olivet programs during his teen years, including recreation and mentoring programs. Henry loves basketball. He played in junior high but didn't make the varsity team in high school. A buddy of his said, "Come with me to Olivet, you can play there." Up until that time, Henry never heard of the Boys and Girls Club.
Henry joined his friend at the Clinton Street Club and has been coming back every year. In fact, Henry works at the Club during the summer. He enjoys watching the children and 'sprucing up' the Club by painting and cleaning. "It's like my second home," he says. Since the Clinton Street Club is so important to him, he does what it takes to get there, which often involves a lengthy walk from his home near the Reading High School.
"Olivets helped me chart my path," said Henry as he talked about being the first in his family to graduate from high school. Henry plans to attend college next spring to study secondary education. His dream is to be a math teacher and coach basketball. He wants to be a mentor - just like the folks at Olivet have been to him. The staff at Olivet is as close as a family to Henry. He appreciates the time and efforts they devote to him and the other youth at Clinton Street.
The "Passport to Manhood" program at Olivet has helped shape Henry's life. The discussions
United Way programs help Henry and other chidlren and teens achieve success in life. | about the streets, drugs and other issues facing youth today made Henry realize that he could make a difference. He wants to help people appreciate their community so that it will be a good place to live and work.
Henry is a member of Keystone, one of the Club's programs that build character. Henry and other members write essays about such topics as home and family, community service and education. His participation in this program has been an integral part of his youth.
Henry was recognized as the 2010 Youth of the Year for the Clinton Street Club in May. This program promotes and recognizes service to the Club and community, academic performance, and contributions to family and spiritual life.
Thanks to the Olivet Boys and Girls Club and the support of United Way contributors, Henry has had many successes and is poised for many more.
United Way of Berks County is committed to programs like the ones that helped Henry achieve success. By tackling issues around our focus areas of education, health, income and safety net services, we're improving lives of more than 100,000 Berks Countians. We all win when youth succeed in school, when families are financially stable and when people have good health and a safe place to live. The benefits of these positive results ripple throughout Berks County, building a stronger community for all of us.
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