Local Boys & Girls Club leader helps give kids safe place to go after school

JACKSON, Tenn. — Each week in February in honor of Black History Month, WBBJ will highlight someone making a significant impact on our community. This week we talk to a woman who helps give local kids a safe place to go after school.

Children visit the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson weekday afternoons. You’ll find Executive Director Sabrina Anderson working with the students.

“We’re here for our kids that need us most,” Anderson said.

She says they have about 350 students every day spread out at clubs in Jackson and Brownsville.

“Our kids feel like they have nothing to do, and we have plenty to offer if they’re willing to partake of it,” Anderson said.

Staff help kids with homework, go on field trips, do art projects and play games. Anderson says the goal is to create well-rounded citizens.

“I want them to be able to have the support system that they need, to know that there are adults that care about them, people in the community that care about them and that are willing to help them reach their goals,” she said.

Anderson started working with the Boys & Girls Club 16 years ago and has been in Jackson for the past 12. She wants to give kids an opportunity to try new things and explore positive activities.

“I know that everything that I do has an impact whether right now or later on down the future,” Anderson said.

She encourages people to come check the Boys & Girls Club out for themselves.

Anderson also works with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network and encourages people who need help to ask for it.