Shamia is Inspiring the Next Generation at Boys & Girls Clubs

Meet Shamia Perry, Family & Collaboration Liaison for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast. Shamia helps run the afterschool program at Azalea Middle School in St. Petersburg, fostering the kids' social, nutritional, and educational growth in her program.

Shamia is more than just an employee at the Boys & Girls Club; she is a success story. She began her journey as a Club Kid in early elementary school and stayed with the program through high school. After graduation, Shamia was hired to give back to the next generation of kids entering the program.

"I joined the Boys & Girls Club in third grade, all the way until I was a senior in high school," says Shamia. "When I was young, it was so much fun to be a Club Kid, and when I was in high school, I had family and school issues, so the Boys & Girls Club was a second home and a safe space for me. It made me feel like someone cared, and I wanted to work here after I graduated to give back because being here showed me connection doesn't stop with family; it can go into your community."

Each day when the kids come into the afterschool program, Shamia posts a schedule on the board of what the kids will do that afternoon. She focuses on creating a well-rounded experience, including eating a healthy hot meal, doing homework, and having fun.

On the day of her interview, Shamia took the kids out into the yard to help clean up trash as she explained why it is vital to keep our community clean and to give back. "I feel happy knowing I am having an impact on kids," Shamia explained.

Shamia's job is rewarding in many ways. "It makes me feel great when I can tell the kids are excited to see me. I had one child who was having a hard time and came to me crying. I connected with her because I went through the same thing as a child. She hugged me at the end and said thank you. That moment made me feel like a better person."

When asked what message of kindness she would like to give the world, Shamia said, "Don't give up. There will always be someone there fighting to help make you better. I truly believe that if people help others in need, the world can become a better place."

Shamia represents so much to the kids in her program and shows how programs like the Boys & Girls Club help children grow into adults who want to help others.

Do you know someone who is making a difference in our community? Nominate them to be featured in our #BeMoreKind series to help spread kindness across our community!