More Than Learning How to Play Pokemon

     When I walked into the Learning Room today at the Boys & Girls Club, an elementary school boy asked me if I wanted to play Pokemon cards with him.  Well... I don't know how to play Pokemon cards.  So, he taught me and I actually won a round! He was so happy to teach someone about what seemed to be his favorite thing in the entire world.

     The Musgrave Unit of the Boys & Girls Club is phenomenal.The number one priority here is the kids.  There are spaces for kids of all ages to have fun, do homework, and express themselves.   We were told that 75% of the 400 kids that are a part of the Boys & Girls Club are on Free and Reduced Lunch at the schools they go to.  Many of the parents of these children are working two jobs to keep their families afloat.  The Boys & Girls Club provides a safe, friendly environment for their kids to stay and get a good meal while they work to support their families.

     Before meeting the Pokemon Fan, we went to the Rare Breed and I was exposed to an entirely different side of Springfield; the side that acknowledges the homeless youth on our streets. The problems that many think are only in the big cities are IN Springfield.  There are high amounts of sex trafficking, drug and alcohol abuse, and all-around abuse HERE and many of the victims are homeless youth.  Every weekday around 80 kids come from all over to the Rare Breed Drop-In Center and stay until late in the evening.  They get a hot meal, are able to do their homework, play games, do laundry, take a shower, and get the help they need.  Rare Breed helps these kids figure out other options, so that they can become successful, independent adults.

         So, what did I learn besides the fact that Pikachu wasn't the first Pokemon?  The key to helping those in need is acceptance.   Rare Breed and Boys & Girls Club have both shown their acceptance for the "culture" of the homeless and impoverished.  Whether anyone agrees with their thinking or not, when working with these kids, no one shows harsh judgment for what the kids have done and how they think.  One of the women at Rare Breed described it as if these youth come from a completely different country.  People can do all sorts of things to help people in these situations, but it all comes down to attitude.  A kid who feels like he/she is being judged is going to shut down and feel nothing but terrible about himself/herself.  However, when we show compassion and understanding, we can get them to see:  they don't have to live this way, they have the power to change it, and there is help.

~Cassie Schmidt