Now more then ever, our kids need a voice. At the Boys & Girls Club of Porter County our strategy must be turning challenge into opportunity.

To deepen the understanding and appreciation of our movement's impact on the youth and families of the Porter County community we are announcing a call to action that speaks to the profound impact our clubs have on kids. The essence of our work was our starting place:

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County is to inspire and enable the youth of our communities to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

America's youth need help. From violence to poverty, drugs and obesity, they face a daunting array of problems with serious consequences and few safety nets at home and in the community. To address these issues the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County is joining a new integrated advocacy campaign called BE GREAT, led by national spokesperson and Academy Award-winning actor, Denzel Washington.

"As someone whose life was changed dramatically by a Boys & Girls Club, I can think no better organization to lead the country in addressing the pressing needs of today's young people," said Washington. "I also believe that as adults we, must assume responsibility for many of the conditions that are preventing our young people from achieving their full potential."

In response, Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County urges parents, community leaders and all residents to get involved in the life of a child by volunteering, serving on a local board or financially supporting the clubs. Ask elected officials to call attention to the issues affecting our young people and direct more partnerships and resources toward solutions.

People always brag what a great place Porter County is to raise a family, and it is, but we must continue to reinvest in prevention programs to keep it that way and continue to make young people a priority. Kids and teens need a safe, supervised and structured environment during critical after-school hours. Help us help kids BE GREAT. Together we can make a difference.

Call (219) 464-7282 for more information about programs and services or how you can help.

The opinions expressed solely are those of the writer.Jennifer Wright is the director of resource development for the Boys & Girls clubs of Porter County.