Professionals in Child Care
Summer
Vacation/School vacation Programs
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In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them. The Woonsocket Boys & Girls Club offers that and more. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging, and influence. The Woonsocket Boys & Girls Club is a safe place to learn and grow - all while having fun. It is truly "The Positive Place For Kids". "The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual." -Vince Lombardi "I was born and educated in Woonsocket. I've spent the past 20 years of my life working with the youth of Woonsocket and other Rhode Island communities in different capacities. I've been with the Boys & Girls Club since its inception in May of 2003. I've had the great fortune of being a part of an organization that is built on a foundation of being "The Positive Place for Kids." Many children have come through the club's doors and have never left. There are kids in the Club now who have been with us since the day we started. To have known them from the beginning and to still see them coming to the Club now tells me we are doing something right. We make a difference and that is the reason why I continue to work here at the Club. E mail:dharmon@bgcwoonsocket.org -Dennis L. Harmon Jr. Program Director "Not everyone can be a leader, but everyone can possess leadership qualities, such as commitment,accountability, and consistency. Young people need caring, positive leaders in their lives to motivate and better prepare them for a productive future." "I was born in Woonsocket and attended school in Woonsocket as well. My first job was working in the Woonsocket Parks & Recreation program. After working five summers in the parks program, I began working at a Children's Shelter and as a Pre-School teacher. My career The Boys and Girls Club began three years ago, starting out as a staff member to my current position as Assistant Program Director. I have a degree in sociology and plan on getting a masters degree in education." Email: DonnaD@bgcwoonsocket.org -Donna DeThomas Assistant Director "I started my career at the Blackstone Valley Boys and Girls Club in Blackstone, MA 8 years ago. I came to work in Woonsocket about 5 years ago. I also work at the local radio station 130 WNRI (from 6AM-8AM, Monday-Friday). I was born in Bellingham MA but now consider Woonsocket my hometown. Both of my jobs help me feel strongly attatched to this community. It's been a fun ride from the basement of the George Street School to our own teen center. Along the way, I have seen what a positive role model can do for a teenager. As the teen director of Woonsocket Boys and Girls Club, I feel my job is to first, provide a safe, fun place for teens to enjoy. Once that is established, I try to get to know the kids. Their likes, dislikes, fears and dreams. Then I try to give them the tools they need to overcome and achieve them. There is nothing on earth quite like seeing a person succeed and realizing you played a small part in his or her accomplishment." Email: davedean@bgcwoonsocket.org Favorite Quote - "I've missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot . . . and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." -Dave Dean Teen Director -Born and Raised in Woonsocket Email: JLanctot@bgcwoonsocket.org Favorite Quote - "Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile." -Jon Lanctot Fitness Instructor Coming Soon! Email: mmml@bgcwoonsocket.org -Marie LaLiberte Staff Member -Working for the Boys and Girls Club gives me the chance not only to work with the children, but to get to know the families. When you feel like you can bond with the family, you feel you can really start to make a difference! I have been working with the children going on ten years now, and I will be attending C.C.R.I. in the fall to continue my education. "Kindness in words creates confidence, kindness in thinking creates profoundness, kindness in giving creates love." Email: MRichet@bgcwoonsocket.org -Lao True -Melissa Richet Staff Member -Born in Dominican Republic Working at the Boys and Girls Club means a lot to me. I enjoy working with kids. Knowing that I was able to change their future just by coaching them through life is an amazing feeling. Having someone around that they can trust and talk to lets them know that someone is out there to help them. Also, I love the ever lasting bond that one makes with the child. "In life, we are always destined for something great whether it was meant for us or not. We must love the destiny that was given to us no matter what."
-Wegna Soto Staff Member -Working here: I love watching the kids change with time. Their expressions of fondness for me and the art projects make my day. As for the organization, I'm grateful that I'm allowed to be me, just as I am. I always feel supported by the staff. I'm lucky to be in a relaxed, postitive atmosphere. -My background: Trained as an elementary teacher, I've taught all ages of children, as well as adults. My college art courses started out as a hobby, and I would never have predicted I'd use art for my work. It's wonderful for me, and always intriguing because of the kids' artistic surprises. Everyday is different! Email: nina@bgcwoonsocket.org -Nina Lastor Staff Member |
