Boys and Girls Club of Alpena Once Again Seeing Unprecedented Numbers

With a new facility and an increase in staffing, the Boys and Girls Club of Alpena is riding a nice wave of development.

It’s giving them an opportunity to serve more kids in the area. “An incredible testament, not only the staff and the team we have here, but to the kids, the community, and our partners for really buying in to the programming and the mission we have in the community to inspire all of these young people to realize their potential,” said Brad Somers, director of the Boys and Girls Club.

The increase in staffing is has allowed for a more personal approach when it comes to guiding the next generation. “Just this time last year, we had 12 employees,” Somers said. “At our high peak this year, we’ve had 20. So, we’ve been able to see and attract wonderful people to come into our organization and want to work with these kids.”

While at the Boys and Girls Club, young people are learning and gaining skills that can help them later in life. “We have a couple different focus areas like education, the arts, sports and rec, and within those we find which staff fits where and educate our next generation,” said Emmy LaFlesche, program director.

Somers said their work is never done, and they’re looking forward to seeing how far they can take their efforts. For now, the sky is the limit.