Young people join the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County for a variety of reasons, but connections are often at the center. That’s what drew Olivia Elliott to the Middlebury Club five years ago — and she’s happy with what happened next.
“I definitely wanted to meet friends. Turns out, I met my best friend at the Boys & Girls Club so it definitely worked out for me,” she said. “I was always a quiet kid, but we became friends from day one. It’s surprising how quickly that happened.”
Over the years, Elliott has been able to get involved with Michiana Youth Sports League opportunities like basketball and has been a part of Keystone Club. It provides teens with leadership development opportunities.
“It’s definitely given me responsibility and some great decision-making skills. You get a lot of everything in Keystone,” she said.
She’s also tried to foster her creative side.
“I’ve been involved in the art programs at Club. I just like to create things. The people in there are so calming and sweet. I really enjoy that.”
She hopes to become a therapist, but wants to be certain that it’s a career choice she will enjoy.
“I’m going to take a few months off and try to work in that area to get a feel for it before I jump into college and spend all that money.”
But the connections are part of what Elliott said she will miss most as she embarks on the next chapter of her life.
“Definitely I will miss how close I got with all the staff. They are very caring people. They don’t just watch over you and make rules. They become your friends,” Elliott said. “I love having somewhere to go. The world is uncertain, but you know what to expect here.”