AMY GRAVELL, Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket’s development officer, was recently recognized by The Professional Association of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and named Professional of the Year for the Northeast region. An employee of the club for 10 years, she just led a capital endowment initiative that raised $7.6 million for a facility renovation and expansion.
Are places like the Boys & Girls Club needed now more than ever, and if so, why?
Absolutely. … Poverty, food insecurity, academic struggles, lack of adult supervision and additional circumstances that leave kids with little or no hope are exactly why the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket exists. Today’s kids face challenges like no generation before them – especially considering society’s reliance on technology. Kids and teens are vulnerable to the social and health risks associated with constant connectivity. Our holistic programs address all these issues.
What are some new services the club offers?
Some people still think that the Boys & Girls Club offers just “swim and gym.” In reality, if they walked into our club any afternoon, they would see hundreds of kids doing homework, planning community-service projects, performing in our dance studio, participating in a healthy cooking class, composing and recording original music, and so much more. What people also don’t realize is that we serve a hot meal every night to any member who wants one. Last school year, we served more than 27,000 hot meals. Our amazing, professional youth-development staff serve as much-needed positive role models and mentors.
How has your career in social services/fundraising shaped the way you approach problems?
After nearly 20 years in the nonprofit world, including 15 in fundraising, I’ve learned a tremendous amount about … how to approach and ease difficult situations. The most important skill I utilize … is relationship building – being able to listen to others’ hopes and needs and then respond appropriately. Connecting with people who share a love for an amazing mission fuels me each and every day. And of course, having a sense of humor is essential to doing it all while maintaining a sense of sanity! •
