"I always tell people that the Club helped my mom raise me."

For April Cohen, our South Portland Club wasn’t just a place to go after school; it was a second home, a community, and "literally the place to be!"

As the daughter of a single, working mom, April walked around the corner to the Club almost every day (unless she was grounded, of course!). From getting creative in the art room with Ann to intense games of dodgeball in the gym with Dennis, the Club provided a safe, joyful space to grow up and make lifelong friends.

April says her favorite Club opportunity was traveling to Rhode Island for cheerleading camp. "It was such a blast and an experience that my mother otherwise could not have afforded," April shares. "The Club gave me and all my friends a fun and safe place to hang out."

But April's Club story didn't end when she became an adult. She eventually returned to her roots to coach middle school girls' basketball at the Portland Club!

"What an amazing opportunity to give back! The girls were so fun and talented, and I have been able to stay in touch with so many of them via social media. Being a Club Kid is something that I am so, so proud of!"

Today, April is a successful real estate guru in South Portland and continues to give back generously to the Club through her time, talent, and treasure, from sharing the impact the Club had on her to co-chairing our annual Spring for the Kids fundraiser.

April’s journey is a beautiful reminder of how the seeds planted at the Club continue to grow for generations. We are so proud of you, April! Thank you for being such an important part of our history and our present.