From Quiet Club Kid to Confident Changemaker: Kaylani’s Story

When Kaylani first came to the Club in 7th grade, she was soft-spoken, unsure of herself, and hesitant to connect. She’d been referred by her school counselor to join our Resiliency Retreat, a space designed to help kids and teens who are affected by a loved ones’ drug or alcohol use find community, support, and healing. What she didn’t expect was how much it would change her life.

“I wasn’t a confident kid,” she says. “I didn’t know what supports were out there—or the power of my own voice.”

Slowly, she began to open up. Surrounded by peers and mentors who saw her for who she truly was, Kaylani gained confidence. She discovered the Club wasn’t just a place to hang out, it was a launching pad for her leadership, her creativity, and her voice.

Finding Her Voice Through Youth of the Year

Kaylani stepped outside her comfort zone and entered our Youth of the Year program, twice! In 2023, she was named Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley’s Youth of the Year, traveling to the state competition to speak about her experience and advocate for other youth.

“That opportunity opened my eyes to the world. The kids around me inspired me to be the best version of myself.”

Leading the Way in Mental Health & Service

Kaylani is also a leader in our CAST (Community Action for Safe Teens) Coalition and played a key role in launching our CAST youth group—now part of BGCA’s national Keystone program. This group brings together teens who are passionate about making their community better.

With her team, Kaylani helped organize a backpack drive for teens experiencing homelessness—an issue she personally understands—and proudly delivered the backpacks to youth shelters in Manchester.

She also helped launch our Comfort Cases project, creating kits filled with sensory tools and calming items to support the mental health of local high school students.

“We saw what the youth in our community needed, they needed to feel valued and heard and we could help. With the support of the Club we were able to do that.”

Today: Full Circle

Kaylani is now a college freshman and a staff member at the Boys & Girls Club. She works to support kids just like the one she used to be—quiet, unsure, but full of potential.

“This place helped me become who I am. Now I get to help others do the same.”

💚 Help Us Create More Stories Like Kaylani’s

NH Gives is happening now—until 5 PM on June 11!Your gift today helps us reach more kids, create more leaders, and build a stronger, more compassionate future.

👉 Donate Now 👉 Return to Home Page or Learn More About Our Programs