Reflection submitted by Christopher Mercer, Malon D. Mimms Parent
“I love the Boys & Girls Club. Why, you might ask. Well, it’s because from the moment we arrived in May of 2017, my girls and I have been shown love & compassion like no other time in my life. I was a single dad then; not knowing how or where I could afford to place my girls for the summer – the Mimms Boys & Girls Clubs was a blessing.
I walked in the doors after having a welcoming phone call and a cheerful invitation from Miss Mia. She greeted me with a smile, enthusiasm, and knowledge. She walked me through every step of the application and enrollment process, assuring me that my girls would be loved and cared for at the Club.
What an amazing summer! Not only was I able to budget for it, but they had a field trip every week! The girls looked forward to the guidance and acceptance that every staff member provided them.
Then I met Ms. Keisha, Mr. Keyshawn, Ms. Kiana, & countless other staff members who loved on my girls day in and day out. I hated to see the summer end. Even though we lived some distance from the Club, it was incredibly affordable for me to place my girls at the Club after school; they received help with schoolwork, camaraderie, & the same love they experienced over the summer.
In August of 2018 I got custody of my 2 nieces. One of them wasn’t quite old enough to join the Club yet, and my older niece had several challenges. Every member of the Club embraced her, loved her, accepted her right where she was. Mr. Jeremiah quickly became her favorite. What an amazing human that man is.
Fast forward to 2024. Even after moving further away from the Club and not being able to attend like before, my girls were once again welcomed in by the Mimm’s Club team. This time, my family had grown exponentially.
This summer, my daughters and stepdaughter were accepted with open arms. Even after my procrastination, Miss Mia’s triumphant return to the Club saved me yet again. All of my girls were welcomed, loved, & cared for yet again. Just like they had never left. Miss Mia even made sure she correctly said my stepdaughter’s unique name. She made her feel special from day 1. My daughters dreaded going to the Club every day of the summer. That quickly changed when my teenagers were in Mr. Jeremiah’s care. Once again, this amazing man made my girls feel loved, appreciated, and welcome.
No matter how my family dynamic has changed, we have all been loved as part of the Mimms family. The Club continues to thrive with the standard of love, respect, & leadership I have come to expect. I am forever grateful to every staff member at Mimms.”