Boys & Girls Clubs of SA to launch Great Futures Campaign

SAN ANTONIO – Everyday in the United States, an estimated 15 million children are at risk to be left alone. Experts say that's when children get into trouble and get hurt.  

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America will kick off a campaign this week to address those issues.  

KSAT spoked to two local teens who called The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio their home away from home for more than a decade.

Thristian Lewis believes everyone has a different story, but at the club, they all relate.

Like so many kids, Lewis started attending the club as a 6-year-old when there was no one to watch her during work. Now as a high school graduate, she's working at the club.

"Being in the environment, being an inner-city kid, there's a lot of stress and pressure put on you. So just coming to the club to relieve all of that," Lewis said.

Demetris Keno, Jr. is also a fresh graduate. Keno says the club gave him direction.

Keno's father died when he was just 12-years-old. At first, he expressed his anger with his fists. Now he believes what he did with his after-school hours turned his life around.

"If I wasn't here, I would be at home, but I wouldn't be the child my mom raised me to be. I think I would probably be in the streets or something," Keno said.

Whenever schools close their doors, The Boys & Girls Club is open. It doesn't matter if it's after school, summer or holiday breaks.

"We don't want a single child in this community in which we live to be left home alone when they're out of school. We want them to have the guidance that they need for a great future," said Angie Mock, CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio.  

One of the goals for the kids in the club is not just graduating from high school, but graduating with a plan. Lewis and Keno are both headed to college in the fall.

Click on this link for more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio and the Great Futures Campaign.


About the Author:

RJ Marquez is the traffic anchor/reporter for KSAT’s Good Morning San Antonio. He also fills in as a news anchor and has covered stories from breaking news and Fiesta to Spurs championships and high school sports. RJ started at KSAT in 2010. He is proud to serve our viewers and be a part of the culture and community that makes San Antonio great.