The Club That Raised Me
A Reflection on Legacy, Gratitude, and Giving Back

This blog post is adapted from my acceptance speech upon being inducted into the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley Alumni Hall of Fame. What follows is a reflection on that night, the people who helped shape me, and the lifelong impact of the Club that raised me.

Being inducted into the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley Alumni Hall of Fame is an honor I’ll carry with me forever.

Wow—what an exciting and humbling night.

First and foremost, congratulations to all of the evening’s honorees. Your dedication to the Boys & Girls Club is nothing short of life-changing. You’re shaping the futures of young people, just like mine was shaped. The ripple effects of your service and support will be felt for generations to come.

That night was deeply personal for me—not just because of the recognition, but because I was surrounded by the very people who helped me get there. My family and friends—especially my parents—thank you. Thank you for every early morning, for pushing me out the door when I needed encouragement, and for believing in the opportunities the Club offered. You were there from the beginning.

In the days leading up to the event, I found myself thinking often of our beloved Hank—a true champion of the Boys & Girls Club and a proud Hall of Fame alum. His recent passing reminded me just how powerful the Club’s impact is. As I reflected on his legacy, I began to reflect on my own journey, and I realized something important:

That night’s award wasn’t really about me. It was about all of you.

The mentors, the staff, the donors, the believers—those who show up for our kids every day, year after year. You don’t just guide them through their time at the Club. You stay in their lives long after they leave, continuing to support, encourage, and cheer them on.

That’s rare. That’s special.

How many people can say they still have the same mentors today that they had when they were 14?

I can.

The people who filled that room have walked with me through so many seasons—being named Youth of the Year, heading off to college, graduating, beginning my career as a registered nurse, and even navigating life as a travel nurse. Every step of the way, they’ve been there.

Being honored alongside fellow Club alumni who have been shaped and supported by this incredible organization was a full-circle moment. It reminded me just how far I’ve come—and how deeply rooted I still am in the Club’s mission.

In my work today with vulnerable populations, I rely on the compassion and leadership that the Club instilled in me. When I lacked confidence, the Club helped me find it. That confidence has carried me into every leadership role I’ve stepped into—at work, in my community, and in life.

And the older I get, the more I recognize something simple and profound:
The Club was my best friend.

It stood by me through both celebration and heartbreak. It held me accountable when I needed it. It taught me to serve, to lead, and to give back. Most of all, it never gave up on me.

To the Boys & Girls Club: thank you. For being the friend, the family, and the foundation that so many of us needed—and still need. I’m beyond proud to be part of this legacy.

Let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep lifting each other—and the next generation—higher.

With gratitude,

Samantha Heins
A proud Club alum and 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame inductee