Volunteer Spotlight: Andrea Cooks

Andrea Cooks has been around Boys & Girls Clubs for a long time. Andrea grew up in Boys & Girls Clubs in California. She loved the clubs and “spent all [her] time at the centers, which were a very positive place to be.” When she started a family, her children also attended the Clubs. Now, Andrea is volunteering at the Clubs here in Portland. She has been volunteering at the Blazers Club since October.

Needless to say, she has watched us change through the years. What she sees has changed most is “the communication between the staff and the kids,” and “how well they listen to one another.” Boys & Girls Clubs has expanded programming to better serve and provide opportunities to our youth. Programming is focused and targeted to best fit each Club, making it engaging and meaningful.

When asked what has stayed the same, Andrea remarked, “kids being kids!” Some things never change. Every staff and volunteer in the Clubs can speak to this. In every Club, you’ll find high energy, games, chatter, and a touch of chaos, but Andrea’s comments shed light on the big picture.

Boys & Girls Clubs has changed and will continue to change. However, no matter the programs, we and all those who came before us want the same thing.  Kids being kids, because when kids can be kids, they’re not worrying about the troubles of the outside world. When they don’t worry, when they feel safe and cared for, they get the opportunity to discover their full potential.

They grow up to become someone like Andrea Cook with successful careers, successful children, and dreams attained. When asked what she loves most about volunteering, Andrea responded, “being involved in their lives and seeing the smiles on their faces, because it reminds me of myself.”

Someday, the youth we inspire will come back and inspire the next generation. The work will continue, and kids will keep being kids in the Boys & Girls Clubs.