At Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine (BGCSM), we measure our success by the lives transformed within our doors. For more than 100 years, young people have found a safe place to learn, grow, and build the foundation for a bright future.

In 1931, Ed Hannaford led the campaign to build the organization’s first Portland Clubhouse. Little did he know how transformational that building would become for thousands of Maine children, including those who would grow into leaders for his own company.

Today, we are proud to spotlight one of our prestigious alumni, Roger Charest, whose journey from Club Kid to Store Manager for Hannaford Supermarkets in Machias brings to life the lasting power of our programs that Ed Hannaford recognized more than a century ago.

Roger’s journey with BGCSM began in the fall of 2004 at the Auburn Clubhouse, where he remained an active member until graduating from Edward Little High School in 2013. During his formative years, the Club was a hub of energy, discovery, and community.

"My favorite part of the Club was all the activities that we were able to do from learning to cook to doing ropes course, but my favorite were the hiking trips throughout Maine and New Hampshire."

Beyond unforgettable adventures, the Club was where Roger forged lifelong personal connections, most notably meeting his wife, Nikki. Today, Roger and Nikki are proud parents to two beautiful children, Felix (6) and Magnolia (2).

Learning to Lead: The Spark of Leadership

For Roger, the Club was more than just a place to hang out after school, it was a leadership proving ground. Through youth programs like Torch Club and Keystone Club, he gained early hands-on experience in leadership and community-building. 

Standing for elected roles like President and Vice President taught him critical lessons about personal accountability and how to earn the trust of his peers.

Roger remembers the mentors who guided him along the way. Former Auburn Unit Director Andie Hannon pushed Roger to reach his potential, providing valuable coaching and leadership advice that Roger uses in his role as Store Manager for the Machias Hannaford today:

"While at the Club I learned two core values of teamwork and care. At the Club, everyone comes from a different style of life or upbringing and we all needed to care for each other and respect each other's differences. I always remember Andie saying, “we sink or swim as a team.” That motto has stuck with me, and I say this to the teams I lead today.”

From Youth of the Year to Career Success

Roger’s engagement with mentorship and youth leadership programming paid off for him in a big way through BGCSM’s Youth of the Year program, a prestigious initiative celebrating youth excellence and leadership.

During his first year as a candidate, Roger presented to a panel of judges, one of whom was Heather Paquette, then an executive at Hannaford Supermarkets. When Heather asked Roger where he had applied for his first job, he mentioned the local Auburn Hannaford store. Impressed and recognizing Roger’s potential as a young leader, Heather followed up. The very next afternoon, Roger received a call from the Auburn store for an interview.

Today, Roger proudly serves as Store Manager for Hannaford Supermarkets in Machias, ME.

Giving Back: Investing in Future Leaders

Roger’s story didn't end when he graduated; he has remained a passionate, active personal supporter of the organization, including serving as a board member during a critical time as Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Maine grows to meet the present needs of our community.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine helped shape who I am today,” Charest said. “The Club offered more than programs and activities; it connected me with caring role models who believed in me, built my confidence, and empowered me to succeed. That support has had a lasting impact on my life and continues to shape how I lead my team at Hannaford.”

Not only has Roger personally continued to give back through Boys & Girls Clubs; Hannaford has continued its century-long commitment to our mission by generously giving through the Hannaford Charitable Foundation, including a significant investment of $500,000 in our effort to expand the Portland campus and create new opportunities for promising youth, like Roger, throughout the region.

Hannaford leadership and employees can be found throughout our network of clubs in Portland, South Portland, Auburn, and Lewiston not only as sponsors but as active volunteers and board members that carry forward Ed Hannaford’s vision to strengthen Maine communities for future generations.

We are proud to call Roger a BGCSM alumnus and we are honored to continue our longstanding partnership with Hannaford to shape our community’s future leaders!