BY VANESSA ECHOLS
FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — There’s a familiar face in charge now at the Boys & Girls Club in Opelika. Zach Seifert was named club house director in June. But he’s no stranger to the Boys & Girls Clubs of East Alabama. Last year, he started volunteering at the Auburn Club, as part of his social work major at Auburn University, where he will graduate in December. He then moved on to the after school program in Opelika. With that experience, Seifert said he knew he found his footing and his purpose.
“It felt like I was in a place where I could really build something and be a part of a community that has potential to grow, and I can be a part of something that is bigger than myself,” Seifert said.
AJ Harris, interim director and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of East Alabama, said that is what he was looking for in a new director for the Opelika Club.
“As a volunteer, he was already making an impact on the Club, and it’s made a difference having someone with his passion,” Harris said.
The Opelika Club had 50 children enrolled in its Summer program and expects at least 40 for its after school program in the new school year. The Boys & Girls Clubs in this area offer a variety of programs for children 6 to 18, including tutoring, college prep, financial responsibility, health and leadership development.
In his new role, Seifert said one of his goals is recruiting more business partners, program sponsors and volunteers. That will also help the Club expand its transportation for students. Right now school buses transport students from West Forest Intermediate, Opelika Middle and Opelika High Schools. And club staff members walk students from nearby Carver Primary.
Seifert said he’s getting acclimated to his role as an administrator, but the most rewarding part of his job is the impact he can see he’s making on the children who walk through the Boys & Girls Club doors.
“Just being a part of their journey made me feel like I’m doing something important,” he said. “Even being a part of the small moments with the kids like them learning to manage their emotions or seeing them trying something for the first time, it’s fulfilling and gives me purpose.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of East Alabama has clubs in Opelika, Auburn and Troy. The Opelika Club is located at 1610 Toomer Street. For more information about its programs and how to get involved, you can find details at www.www.bgceastal.org/
