Katie Schenck

Why I'm Involved in the Club...

I grew up in Bellevue and joined the movement when I was 5 years old, playing soccer and basketball for the Boys & Girls Club of Bellevue. I wasn’t the most athletic kid but the rec teams gave me an opportunity to be active, have fun and, most importantly, hang out with my friends. I remember the amazing sunshine days and terrible non-stop rainy days during games but we always had orange slices, a chewy bar and some juice regardless of the outcome.

Back in 2005 toward the end of my junior year, one of my friends mentioned an opportunity to volunteer at the Club in the CIT (counselor in training) program and earn some volunteer hours. This seemed pretty easy, right? Playing games, doing art projects, going to the beach; I got this! Little did I know that it was going to take everything out of me but it was one of the best summers I've had. The fun, passion, support and encouragement the staff had toward not only me but the kids was unimaginable. It’s hard to get a grasp of the amazing culture of the Club unless you see it for yourself. The staff are mentors, teachers, a friend, a support system and that’s what I wanted to do. Follow in those footsteps of my counselors and make a positive impact in the lives of the kids in this community.

In the fall, I started refereeing and scorekeeping games for the Club and once summer camp came around again they asked me if I wanted to be a summer camp counselor. Lead my own group of kiddos and make it so they have a fun and amazing summer? Yes! Of course! How could I not?! Once I was given my nickname, Guppy, that was it. I knew I was going to be sticking around for a long time. The impact we have on these kids lives is eye-opening. We are creating memories and friendships that they will never forget!

After working directly with the kids for a couple of years I moved into the position of Membership Coordinator. Here I spent more time with parents than the kids. Processing scholarships, helping with registration for programs and finding resources in the community to fulfill basic needs. Parents who are doing everything they can to keep a roof over their family’s heads and food on the table every night. When you think of Bellevue, low-income is not the first thing that comes to mind but it's everywhere. There are not only kids that need us most, but the whole family. My passion grew, even more, each and every day.

Missing working with the kids, I moved into the role of Site Director at Bennett Elementary then over to Hidden Village, a KCHA low-income housing site. All of these kids are overcoming adversity every day and they need us the most! This is why I’m here. I strive to provide a fun, safe, positive, welcoming, supportive home away from home for kids and their families in this community and I hope you will join me! Join me today to continue to provide support to the families that need us most excel, succeed, and flourish to create a better tomorrow.

Get ready to BE GREAT!

GREAT FUTURES DAY is an All IN community campaign to make sure every youth has a great future!

DID YOU KNOW?

• There are 96 languages spoken in Bellevue School District and every child has a voice at the Boys & Girls Club.
• Currently, there are hundreds of kids who are not able to access the club’s services because we lack the scholarship funds to open the doors for those kids this year.
• The need is greater than ever. The Club serves 60,000 meals and snacks each year and your support will make sure kids continue to have a stable food source. 

WE NEED YOUR HELP to continue bringing these life-changing programs and services to every child in our community.

DONATE on GREAT FUTURES DAY and support our efforts to ensure every child has a great future.

SPREAD THE WORD: Tell your friends and family about GREAT FUTURES DAY! Remember it’s an "ALL IN” community campaign.

BECOME A FUNDRAISER Start your own fundraising pages and help us open more doors!

Give what you can and together, we’ll ensure