After the tragedy, grief, and struggles they faced last year losing both parents, siblings Andy, Natalyn, and Junior have had to adapt to a whole new life. With support from family and the community, they were able to find a home in Columbia, TN—leaving behind their small-town life three hours away to live with their older sister, a single mom now raising her own child alongside eight nieces and nephews. Amid these big changes, the Boys & Girls Club’s Teen Center at West 8th Street in Columbia has become their unofficial place of comfort, support, and growth. Despite the unimaginable struggles they’ve faced, each of them speaks warmly about their new life in Columbia and the difference the Club has made in helping them heal and feel at home.
Columbia is a far cry from the quiet countryside they grew up in, where they spent summer days by their grandparents’ pond and explored the woods. But here, at the Boys & Girls Club, they’ve found new joy in all the activities and friendships the Club has to offer. “I like that we can actually go to the gym and play football and stuff,” Andy said, lighting up about the things they get to do each day. The Club has brought them stability, fun, and real support. Junior agreed: “The Boys & Girls Club opens up multiple different healthy pathways for kids—pretty much whatever a kid would like to do,” sharing how much it’s helped him build confidence, make friends, and discover new interests.
Junior, age 15, who once felt shy and out of place, has grown tremendously since joining the Club. With encouragement from mentors like Miss Tara and Mr. Matt, he’s gained the courage to step out of his shell. He’s now president of Keystone, treasurer for Best Buddies, and even took the stage at the Club’s Great Futures Gala, running the Q&A in front of 400 people, and also Emceed the Hero of the Year and Song Writer Celebration in Spring Hill—moments he never would have imagined a year ago. “I was not very personable. I didn’t like talking to people,” Junior admitted. “Now I have so many things—being the president of Keystone Club, piano lessons, the Best Buddies treasurer. I’m constantly doing stuff.” Junior dreams of becoming a game warden, combining his love of nature and his small-town roots, and is excited to go to college for criminology. Junior recently completed to be a Youth of the Year Candidate for South Central Tennessee.
Natalyn, age 14, has found her place in the Club’s cheer squad, with coaches Miss Tara and Miss Haley helping her shine. “I like how they help you with your homework and your social health and stuff. I like everyone in the building—they help anybody out,” she shared. With the Club’s support, she’s already improved her grades to A’s and B’s and has started exploring college options. Natalyn hopes to one day work with animals as a zookeeper or zoologist, inspired by her love for nature and wildlife.
The youngest of the three, Andy, age 12, is lively and hardworking, with a big love for drumming, sports and recently photography. Full of energy, he’s become a familiar face at the Club, where he thrives in its supportive, structured environment. “I like to have free time after school and be able to do our schoolwork before we go home, so we can just relax when we get home,” he said. He’s proud to have earned a spot on the Honor Roll and has a deep appreciation for the Club staff, whom he describes as “too good, too nice” to pick a favorite. Someday, he hopes to come back as a volunteer and give back to other kids, just as he’s been supported.
For these siblings, the Boys & Girls Club Teen Center has been a haven where they’ve found confidence, ambition, and friendship. “One good thing about Boys & Girls Club is that on Fridays, they do what they call Freedom Friday, where you can just hang out with your friends and stuff,” Junior shared. In moments like these, the Club feels like more than just a place to go after school—it’s a real home where they’re not just getting by but truly thriving. With the support of dedicated staff, community members, and donors, Andy, Natalyn, and Junior are equipped with the tools and resources they need to pursue their dreams. Without the Boys & Girls Clubs, their journey might have looked very different—but now, they’re on a path to a bright and promising future.
To learn about ways, you too can support the Boys & Girls Club of South Central Tennessee, contact Ginny Wright, Chief Executive officer: gwright@bgcsctn.org
