“My Club was my extended family and a place to learn and grow.”
Name: Michael Twum
Club: Brookhaven Boys and Girls Club
Favorite Programs:
Torch Club, Keystone Club, and essentially all of the sports from basketball, baseball, football to street hockey. College Bound was a great program, especially under the guidance of Mrs. LaFonda Williams. I absolutely loved participating in that program. It taught me about the college application process and the importance of career preparation.
When did you join Boys & Girls Club? In 1991. I was 6 years old.
What led you to Boys & Girls Club?
My Dad had been searching for a place that was relatively close to his office where we could have fun and learn at the same time.
How did your Club make a difference in your life?
I felt at home every time I went to Brookhaven; it was like an extended family. I met a lot of my life-long friends at Brookhaven. These are the friends that I can call on.
whenever I need some advice or help. There were many staff members at the Club that provided great advice to me growing up. Claire, Bobby, Tim, Theodore Bullard (Coco), and Chante are ones who come to mind when I think of people who have been instrumental in my development at my Club.
Has your Club influenced you professionally?
I love working with numbers (I was very good in my math classes). Being involved in the Torch Club and Keystone Club have helped to increase my love of working with numbers and also money. Growing up, I was somewhat of an introvert at times. But having a support system at the Club helped build up my confidence to speak in front of big crowds through public speaking activities. These skills have really helped me succeed in my profession.
Being a DeKalb County Board member for Boys & Girls Club gives me an opportunity to pay it forward to the community that has given so much to me. I hope my contributions can encourage a child to dream big and become whatever they want to be.
A young Michael Twum at an Atlanta Braves game with his Boys & Girls Club family.