About three-and-a-half years ago, I realized my assignment at the Dove Recovery House for Women was complete. It wasn’t an easy task, because I loved the Dovettes, they loved me, and we developed a mutual respect and bond that will never be broken. But my time had run its course, and I couldn’t shake the fact that it was time to move on. So I stepped out on faith and wouldn’t you know I landed for the first time in “Corporate America.” Whew! What a ride! I learned the importance of forecasting, read more profits and losses statements than any one social service provider at heart should ever have to endure; all at the same time having the time of my life collecting a pay check! The Derby, the concerts and the parties … it was amazing! Yet, something was missing. While I was supporting nonprofits in my position, I had this continuous ache. The kind of ache in your heart that you just can’t shake.
I missed living and breathing in the nonprofit space. I missed serving others. I missed my peeps! I was reminded that my calling in life is to serve others, not sometimes, not part time, but full time until the Good Lord calls me home! So, when the opportunity presented itself to return to my love I jumped!
I landed in a place where I once played as a child. I landed in a place that allowed my mom to work and not worry about her babies’ safety. I landed in a place where youth are free to be themselves and explore the world with no judgment. I landed at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis.
And now here I am again, and I cannot tell you how humbled and excited I am about this next chapter of my life.
I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and do my part to carry out the mission of serving youth in our great city! See, for 125 years the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis has provided a safe haven for young people from lower economic and troubled neighborhoods. Fast forward to today, we strive to empower our youth to excel in school, lead healthy lives and become productive members in society. More importantly, we believe every one of our “babies” that walk through the doors of one of our clubs deserve to live a life filled with hope and opportunity.
Our youth deserve to live with unlimited promise. According to the Annie Casey Foundation, 26 percent of children in Indianapolis are living in poverty. Nationally, 11.3 million children have nowhere to go after school. Understanding that we are living in a time where politics are crazy, crime is on the rise, access to quality education continues to be debated, and kindness isn’t a given means we have our work cut out for us. The basic needs of our children have not changed and they are looking to us as adults for guidance and direction. That is why I have made the decision that it is time to have some honest conversations about the state of our youth. I also want our community to commit to implementing solutions that are sustainable and ensure that more of our children have access to services and resources that will aid them in preparing for life.
I invite you to join me and Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis as we address the #stateofouryouth and let’s work together to identify the problems, look for solutions and dig deep into our community so we can build a better and brighter future for our babies. We owe this to them — we are their silver lining.
Maggie A. Lewis is member of the Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council.
