Empowering Youth Through Health and Well-Being

At Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Baltimore, we believe that equipping young people with the tools to manage emotions and build resiliency is key to their overall well-being. On February 17, the Boys & Girls Club at Leonards Lane in Cambridge hosted their annual Self-Love Day, a dynamic community event focused on health and wellness, bringing together youth and families for an unforgettable experience. Thanks to our valued partnership with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, we continue to offer programs that support and empower youth, helping them develop essential social-emotional skills. 

This year’s Self-Love Day was filled with engaging activities designed to promote self-care and confidence. Youth enjoyed haircuts, styling sessions, nail care, and hygiene classes, reinforcing the importance of self-presentation and self-worth. Table etiquette workshops hosted by Mrs. Arlinda Cornish-Barnes from Eastern Shore School of Preforming Arts Academy and Mr. Adrian Newton, helped them build essential social skills, while arts and crafts allowed for creative self-expression. The event also featured inspiring guest speakers including Major Lajan Cephas, Captain Antoine Patton and Minister Tiffany Moore. We also welcomed Candice Flora Johnson from CareFirst to share with the members about self-love, self-esteem, and the power of positive affirmation. Special thanks to Commissioner Shay Lewis-Sisco for attending and her continued partnership and advocacy efforts within our community.

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“Our goal is to encourage and educate our youth about self-love, individuality, and etiquette” shared Club Manager Gabriel Butler. “This was a time for everyone to be encouraged to make time for hobbies and the things you enjoy. Celebrate your victories, no matter how big or small. Be a good friend and make time to spend with your loved ones. Surround yourself with supportive people. If you work Hard, you will play Hard!” 

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Our commitment to fostering emotional well-being and mental health is evident in the positive impact we see in our members. According to our 2024 National Youth Outcomes Initiatives (NYOI) Survey: 

• 97% of our youth understand how their feelings influence their actions. 

• 91% report knowing effective ways to calm themselves when stressed. 

• 100% feel accepted for who they are at the Club. 

  
  

These outcomes showcase the effectiveness of our programs in building confident, emotionally aware, and empowered young individuals. By addressing social determinants of health, we ensure that every child has access to the support and resources they need to thrive. 

We are grateful to our community partners for their partnership with our Clubs in advancing youth mental health and well-being. Together, we look forward to expanding our efforts and making an even greater impact in the lives of our young members.