Staff Spotlight: Jennifer Wolfe

I was born and raised in “Old Town” Carpentersville.  I raised my own family just a few blocks from the home I grew up in.  Prior to working for Boys & Girls Clubs of Dundee Township, I provided child care in my home for about 10 years, which allowed me to assist several families while being home to raise my own children.  I have 2 daughters, Caitlynn and Janna, 1 son, Ben, and 4 grandchildren, Aubree, Mason, Aiden, and Gary.

My favorite thing about working with BGCDT is the connection that I have with each of my co-workers, as well as with the children and their families.

My favorite moment with club over the years would have to be the “first day back” after each passing season.  On the first day of school in the fall, seeing the excited faces of returning children that I had not seen during the summer or the first day of our summer program, seeing those returning children that join us only for the summer, as well as seeing new faces and meeting new children and their families.

I was a “professional volunteer” at Parkview Elementary where my children attended school.  I was on the PTC Board for 6 years (1 year after my son’s last year there), helping to organize fundraisers and special events.  I assisted teachers and office staff with whatever they needed like making copies, stapling booklets, testing students on progress, etc.  Prior to 2009, Parkview was limited to only 26 BGC members because they had to transport club members via a 13 passenger club van to another school (our Golfview Club Site).  Mrs. Ellen Bruning, who was the principal at the time, said that she “wanted to start a Boys & Girls Club site at Parkview so that the program could benefit more students and she knew exactly who she wanted to run that club site.”  She introduced me to Curt, Mike, and Amalia; I applied for the job and became the founding Director at the Parkview Elementary Club Site.

I would have to say my favorite program is Fine Arts.  The schools do not offer a regular art program at the elementary level, so this is something that gives BGC the opportunity to introduce something “new” to our club members and encourages creativity in their young and receptive minds.

My guilty pleasure is Oreos and milk for a late-night snack.

My favorite TV show is “The Walking Dead” with “Empire” coming in at a very close second.

My favorite movie is “Parenthood” (1989) with Steve Martin.  It has all the great stuff… comedy, drama, “horror”, and most importantly insight.

The person that has had the most influence in my life, which is reflected in my work career, is my grandmother.  Our house was the place to be when I was young.  She was always up for entertaining the neighborhood kids.  She always had something for us to do and something for us to eat.  She taught me to always help whenever you can, always be honest, work for what you need and earn what you want, and always treat people the way you would like to be treated.

I would really like to go with my family to either Disneyland or Walt Disney World, either one would be excellent.