The Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County gave Angel Vazquez hope and opportunity.

Now he’s giving hope and opportunity to the next generation.

“These kids are the future staff members,” said Vazquez, a program specialist at the Palmetto Boys & Girls Club. “I’m teaching them the same values I was taught when I was a Club kid.” His drive, desire and positive outlook makes him a perfect role model for youth.

“You always have to have a positive attitude at the Club and on life in general,” the 19-year-old Vazquez said. “If I’m down, they (the kids) will be down. If you’re in a grumpy mood, they’ll just turn away. You have to see life through a child’s eyes, get down to their level. It’s important to understand where these kids come from, what their backgrounds are. That’s why we relate to them so well.”

Angel’s journey to the Boys & Girls Club began nine years ago when he moved to Palmetto from New York with his mother, grandmother, aunt, two brothers and sister.  He and his siblings found the Palmetto Club as a safe haven from the streets. More specifically, it kept him away from the influence of gangs.  “I have seen what comes from gangs … nothing good comes from gangs,” he said. “Gangs won’t help you in the long-term. They won’t help you through school and they won’t help out your family when it is in need.  “The Club kept me away from that. Sports and activities at the Boys & Girls Club kept me busy.”

Angel plans on attending Manatee Community College to study business. One of his pet projects at the Palmetto Boys & Girls Club is reaching out to the Hispanic community.  “There is a big Hispanic community. A lot of our Club members (20 percent) are Hispanic,” he said. “That’s a group we need to reach out to.”  Angel Vazquez has reached out and given hope and opportunity to youth in his neighborhood. How about you?

You can make an investment in the lives of the over thousands of children in Manatee County everyday by giving to United Way of Manatee County.  Thanks to the support which the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County receives from United Way, Angel Vazquez was able to beat the streets. Now, Angel spends his time reaching out to other children who might be in danger of becoming another statistic.  With your help, Angel, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County and United Way can continue to work on making this community a stronger and safer place to live.