Chris Martinez is proof that where you grow up does not have to be a factor in the determination of your future. Being the youngest of six siblings, Chris was surrounded by negative influences. His two older brothers are addicted to drugs and despite their promises they never seem to kick their bad habit. His sisters have also been exposed to drugs and alcohol but only the youngest, Lizzette, has been successful at staying clean. At a very young age, Chris’ parents died and he was left to be raised by his grandparents in a neighborhood that is infested with gangs, violence and drugs. Chris’ surroundings began to weigh him down. He became depressed and even became susceptible to marijuana.

With the help and guidance of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio, Chris was able to redeem himself and start anew. Chris is now drug-free and is setting an example for his younger cousins who consider him a role model. He also hopes his actions will motivate his siblings to quit taking drugs.

Family and friends of Chris describe him as honest, dependable and respectful. His leadership skills have developed through interaction with younger members at the Clubs and since becoming a Club member he now has a better opinion of himself. His motto is to do your best, tell the truth and be dependable to those who need you.

Chris has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio (BGCSA) for over five years. Through the Clubs, he has gained invaluable experiences. He is now actively involved in the community by participating in projects such as Meals on Wheels and even took the initiative to help organize the San Juan Mission clean up. Chris feels that through his community service, has learned important life skills that will help him later in life.

Membership at BGCSA has also allowed him to see what choices he has after high school. By visiting Texas Tech University with the Clubs, Chris could envison his goal of becoming a surgeon being met. After seeing his grandparents encounter medical problems, Chris felt the desire to help those in need. His first goal is to graduate from high school. He feels that this would be a great accomplishment because his sister, Lizzette was the first in his family to graduate from high school. Chris has improved his grades in school and has researched the steps to become a surgeon. Family members have given him little support to achieve his goals but that void only motivates him more.

Since becoming a member of BGCSA, Chris finds himself to be more respectful, honest and organized. He was the Teen Center’s Keystone Club elected historian and offers assistance to any member. He also volunteers his services to the Clubs’ staff to help organize community projects and was even nominated for a United Way award for a children’s art program called “The Little’s.” Chris sees opportunities to help as ways of giving back to the Clubs for everything it has given him.