March Newsletter
This month, we’re highlighting the impact of our afterschool programs and the people behind them. Hear from our COO, Montrice Shabete, about how these programs support youth beyond the school day. We’re also featuring Beattie Middle School Site Lead Anneliese Wyman, a dedicated staff member helping guide middle schoolers through a key stage of growth.You’ll also read about staff advocating in Washington, D.C. for youth program funding, meet one of our inspiring teen volunteers, catch this month’s Mission Moment, and see what events are coming up at the Club.Letter from Our Leadership
In my 20-plus years in the Boys & Girls Club movement, I've had the honor of being an agent change — working to provide exceptional before- and after-school programs that meet the needs of our youth. With the support of our national office, BGCRR is committed to serving the whole child, offering academic, fitness, and enrichment opportunities that lay the foundation for lifelong success.
Thanks to our dedicated partners and supporters, we continue to enhance our ever-growing clubhouse including a bustling playground, lively classrooms, and improved restrooms that better serve our transitional kindergarten and kindergarten members.
Everyday, our club members are building and practicing STEM and literacy skills through fun, engaging activities that challenge and expand their abilities. Guided by our remarkable Youth Development Specialists, BGCRR provides a safe space where youth can learn and grow.
At BGCRR, we also understand the power off partnering with partners. We love collaborating to find the creative ways to support our members' academic success.
Read on to learn more about all the exciting programs and activities happening inside the club!
Montrice Shabete,
Chief Operating Officer
Advocates for Youth in Washington D.C.
As recipients of the 2025 Hero for Youth Award, we take our role seriously — and in February, we took to Capitol Hill to advocate for the youth and families we serve.
Our team had the incredible opportunity to attend the National Day of Advocacy alongside other BGC representatives from across 49 states to share the real stories of our members and champion policies that directly impact our clubs. By elevating the voices of our young people, we ensure that our elected leaders understand the critical importance of supporting our youth and the Boys & Girls Clubs who stand beside them.
“Meeting with the teams of our state representatives and sharing the real stories of the youth and families we serve was incredibly impactful," said Arianna Govea, the Dennis Hansberger Clubhouse Site Supervisor. "We were able to bring our mission to life and demonstrate how powerful it is when we unite our voices to create meaningful, lasting change for the young people in our community.”
Our teammates focused on advocating for key initiatives: the Summer Meals Act, ensuring critical access to meals for children during summer break; the National Youth Mentoring Program, which supports expanded mentoring opportunities for kids in need; and the Youth Workforce Readiness Act, designed to help teens gain the essential skills needed to enter the workforce.
"Attending National Day of Advocacy was an inspiring experience," Program Manager for Teen Services, Montoya Dunn said. "Seeing advocacy in action and participating in meaningful conversations with policymakers reinforced the importance of sharing our stories and championing the needs of our members."
By uniting our voices, we are creating change and opportunities for the young people in our community.
Josiah Leads with Laughter
For the past four years, Josiah has been a familiar face at BGCRR, leading our sports program with a warm smile and encouraging words. Whether he's helping a member learn a new skill or cheering on his teammates, Josiah brings positivity and patience to everything he does.
"When I started helping these kids, I thought I was just teaching sports," Josiah said. "I didn't realize they would help me grow too; they've taught me patience, responsibility, and heart."
When it came time to choose a leader for the sports program, Health and P.E. Coordinator Tori Melgoza knew exactly who to call on. Josiah's natural leadership and ability to connect with younger members made him the perfect fit, she said. Even through the toughest moments, he meets kids with patience, encouragement, and a smile — making him a role model among his peers.
Josiah's leadership in the program has found its way into every other aspect of his life, Sandra, his mother said.
The Boys & Girls spots program is such a blessing for my children," she said "It gives them confidence and a place to grow as athletes, leaders and people."
Volunteers like Josiah are essential to the Boys & Girls Club mission. By leading with kindness and responsibility, they inspire younger members to believe in themselves and grow into leaders of their own. Their dedication helps move our mission forward and strengthens the supportive community we have built.
"Josiah is a young man of character," Tori said. "Every time he steps up to help, his compassion and inspiration remind us how far he's come and how much he motivates everyone around him."
Meet the Mentor: Anneliese Wyman
For the past two years, Anneliese Wyman, Site Lead at the Beattie Middle School site, has dedicated herself to molding young minds, but her passion for working with the youth began long before she walked through the blue doors.
Prior to joining the BGCGRR, Anneliese spent a year and a half teaching in Nigeria, an experience that profoundly shaped her personal and professional journey — broadening her perspective on education.
When she retuned home, she continued working with kids, exploring the traditional classroom path while pursuing further education. But somewhere along the way, she realized that the classroom wasn't the only place she could make an impact. Anneliese searched for a way to provide mentorship and personal growth beyond academics.
When she found the Boys & Girls Club, where she began as a Youth Development Specialist, she found that the Club environment aligned perfectly with her passion for supporting young people.
Today, she loves working with middle schoolers helping them navigate such an important and transformative stage of their lives. She is focused on creating a space where every student feels supported and valued.
Anneliese's love of sports also keeps her connected to the organization in even more ways. She helps coach and referee within the Club's sports program, where her enthusiasm for teamwork and friendly competition is palpable.
Through her dedication and care for the youth she works with, Anneliese has become a positive and powerful role model within the Club community. Her commitment to mentorship and development helps create a warm and welcoming environment.
Team members like Anneliese are the heart of what keeps the BGCGRR movement going. Their mentorship and dedication shape the experiences that allow Club members to thrive — providing a crucial foundation for brighter futures.
Together, we continue creating opportunities for young people to discover their potential.