In inner cities, kids need a place to call their own
Matt Tassler has spent a lot of time in inner cities working with the most disadvantaged youth and mentoring them toward a brighter future. From his first job with Boys & Girls Clubs working in a converted low-income apartment building in Ft. Wayne, Ind. and its extension center to his current role as director of the Pontiac Club, he sees what economic hardship does to kids.
When asked what it means for kids who are growing up in inner-city neighborhoods to have a place to go and people who care, Matt's instant answer is, "It's everything."
He notes, "A lot of our kids would be lost without our Clubs. I see a lot of tragedy. They can come here and talk to people - whether it's me, another member of the professional staff, an adult volunteer or another Club member. We give them the stability that they often don't have.
"We serve a diversity of kids," he adds. "Those from single-parent homes often need more structure in their lives. They find that structure here."
Matt moved from Fort Wayne, Ind., in 2002 to join Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan and worked his way up from various Clubs. He was program assistant at the Wertz Club in Shelby Township before moving to the Sarver Club in Redford as its program coordinator and then became its director. In May 2005, he became director of the Pontiac Club. While working at the Clubs, he earned a bachelor's degree in business management from Phoenix University.
He found that the Sarver Club was the place that taught him the most about how to run a great Club. While that location did not have a gym, the kids would shovel snow off the outdoor basketball court so they could play even in the winter. The building was only 2,500 ft2, but they had up to 70 kids daily during the school year and up to 150 kids during the summer. These things impressed him: the caliber of the kids, their fortitude, their desire to socialize, and their openness to being mentored.
The Pontiac Club has seen major upgrades in the past two years. AkzoNobel, a global manufacturer with a local business unit, has made the Club its special project thanks to the efforts of Pontiac Club Advisory Council Chair Mitch Harris, who heads the company's social responsibility program and works in human resources. Through a corporate gift, volunteer efforts and fundraisers held by the company, the Club looks more inviting. Better lighting, new fencing and a new parking lot are some of the improvements.
In summer 2010, volunteers from AkzoNobel, B&GCSM and community groups will come together to paint the exterior of the cinder-block building, which is now a bright yellow. Also, the kitchen will be renovated.
Working closely with the community strengthens the bonds of the Club. In March 2010, Matt and his staff offered programs for Children's Village, a nearby juvenile detention center with a separate residential unit for foster kids. He is teaching "Money Matters," a financial literacy program to boys and girls ages 14 to 17. Program Coordinator Jennifer Rincones is conducting the program "Smart Girls," which focuses on health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement for adolescent girls. In the near future, kids from the center who don't pose a risk to others may be transported to the Club so they can benefit from all programs and use the facility for sports, arts and recreation.
The best event of the summer for Club members is a free day at Waterford Oaks water park, courtesy of the Oakland County Sheriff's Dept. and Oakland County Credit Union. In 2009, 120 kids from the Pontiac Club attended. They received backpacks, food at the park, admission, and bus transportation.
This year, the program is being expanded to all three of the Oakland County Clubs, but they must provide their own transportation.
Matt also wants to boost membership, knowing that the Club's services can keep more kids off the streets and on track to graduate. He finds that the best way to get them to the Club is by word of mouth - from community groups, schools, neighbors, current members, business leaders and alumni.
During the recession, it's been harder for families with many Club members to pay for all the kids in the family to join. For these and other members who can't afford the annual $50 membership fee, no child is ever turned away due to an inability to pay. Matt will find scholarship money for those in need.
How does Matt know that kids are succeeding when they attend the Club? "Any member who graduates is a success story. We take credit for helping kids do well in school and pursue college. Right now, we've got members at Michigan State University and Oakland University."
Matt says he feels honored that he can work with kids and help shape their formative years as well as their future through mentoring and by "being there for them."
He noted, "We become a part of their family. The parents trust us - as individuals and part of a youth development organization - to help them raise their kids. It's astounding."
On Matt's wish list is getting more consistent parent involvement. "We'd like to see more parents help out with programs at the Club, attend a field trip or just spend some time here with their children. I know that work hours coincide with Club hours, but parents should feel like they are welcome here."
The Pontiac Club will likely be moved to a more central location in Pontiac in the next few years so it can serve more kids. Matt would like to be there to open that new club.
"It takes a special person to do this day in and day out," Matt said. "Those who work at the Boys & Girls Clubs here or anywhere in the United States are the best youth development staff because of our training and commitment. We want to see these kids succeed; otherwise we're just another recreation center."
