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A family of friends—1,300 and counting
“Our goal is to make sure that every kid has the opportunity to be somebody in life,” says Montoya Graham, executive director of the Vacaville Neighborhood Boys & Girls Clubs (VNBGC). “We want to inspire all kids in our area, regardless of what background they come from. We just want our kids to be successful.”
VNBGC currently serves about 1,300 members at three subdivisions—two in Vacaville and one in Dixon; 150 kids are seen every day among the three locations.
One of those youths, 14-year-old Devon Murphy who is entering 10th grade in the fall, is motivated to succeed after being named the VNBGC’s Youth of the Year for 2007. He is interested in politics, enjoys public speaking and has decided that he wants to be a CEO—not necessarily for the high-priced paychecks, he says, but “because I know it’s a leadership position.”
When Devon first came to VNBGC in November 2006, shortly after moving from San Francisco, he wasn’t quite the same person he is now. “I kept to myself and didn’t want to talk to anyone. I’ve really changed a lot,” he says. “I’m more of a positive person than I was when I first came to Vacaville. This place really changed my life.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs changed Graham’s life as well many years ago. “I was a foster child as a kid,” he says. “I got kicked out of several schools in Vallejo and I spent the majority of my teenage years incarcerated in juvenile facilities.” But in the midst of his youthful struggles, Philmore Graham, founder of the Continentals of Omega Boys & Girls Club in Vallejo, adopted him. “He taught me a lot about life and to never give up on myself,” he says. “That’s probably why I work with kids today, because he never gave up on me.”
Montoya Graham has since become a mentor, teacher, college graduate, motivational speaker and championship fisherman. “Eight years ago I had planned to be a doctor,” he says. With a master’s degree in biological science from Tennessee State University, many people still ask him why he didn’t pursue medicine after graduating at the top of his class.
“When the light finally comes on in their head with something you’ve worked with them on,” he says, “it’s emotional to see them make that change.” Being able to help kids grow to become responsible and caring individuals, and talking them through any mental, physical or medical problems they may have, Graham still considers himself to be on the right track. And besides, he adds, “I’m happier than every doctor I know.”
It is that positive energy that makes the club such a great place for kids. Devon says that if he were ever to win the lottery, “a big percentage of my money would go to the Boys & Girls Club. They actually teach you some stuff. It’s not just a regular after-school program; it’s the extraordinary after-
school program.”
Neighborhood. It’s in the name. And the strength of this community enables the Vacaville Neighborhood Boys & Girls Clubs the ability to thrive. “I use the philosophy that it takes a village to raise a child,” says Graham. “I tell parents all the time that we’re not trying to be a parent, we’re just trying to be a part of that village.”
For more information or to get involved, visit vnbgc.com.
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