Empowering Youth: Corey Holman’s journey as Mentor of the Year at the Boys and Girls Club

The mission of the Boys and Girls Club is to inspire and enable all young people to reach their full potential.

It’s a place where kids can come and be loved and heard, no matter what kind of day they have had at school or at home.

“The Boys and Girls Club is just a safe place where we get to nurture our kids,” said Corey Holman, director of the eastside Boys and Girls of Oklahoma County.

That nurturing can come through tutoring, mentoring, sports, or something as simple as a meal.

“We’re here to make sure that the kids have the tools in their tool belt to help them be successful,” said Teena Belcik, president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma County.

Holman grew up in the area close to the Eastside location on Prospect and NE 36th.

“To know that a Boys and Girls Club is now in this community, to give these kids opportunities that I never would have dreamed of having, it’s a blessing to me,” said Holman. 

Holman is extremely passionate about the kids, so when he was called into a meeting with the Boys and Girls Club leadership, he was just a little concerned.

“I was called into the office. I thought I was in trouble,” said Holman.

It turns out he wasn’t in trouble at all; he was actually being celebrated

“They let me know, hey, you have been recognized for this award,” said Holman.

That award was the national Boys and Girls Club Mentor of the Year.

“I’m still trying to take it all in, but it was a surreal moment,” said Holman.

“He really has a way of making every child feel seen and heard and special; that’s a real gift,” said Belcik. 

And while the nation celebrates his gifts, to the 120 kids that come here every day, he’s still just Mr. Corey.

“To give kids hugs that might not receive them at home, to be able to love on them in a special way, to give the kids what they need that truly means a lot to me,” said Holman

There are multiple locations around the county and the state, and they need volunteers to impact the lives of kids. For information about volunteering, visit their website www.bgcokc.org