April Backus ’12 stared working with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area when she was an undergraduate at Siena and a member of the College’s first class of Bonner Service Leaders.
The experience made such an impression that she has been involved with the non-profit in various capacities ever since, and has just received an honor for her dedication.
Backus, Siena’s director of academic programs and events, was presented with the BGCCA’s Bob Foley Board Member Recognition Award at the non-profit’s Donor Breakfast held March 27 in Schenectady.
“I believe there is nothing stronger than the power of mentorship,” said Backus. “If it wasn’t for programs after school and coaches who looked out for me, I would have never made it to Siena. Since I was a teenager, I knew I cared deeply about youth and have continued to give back any way I can to ensure local youth and our Siena students have strong mentors in their lives. I know the work I do with The Club is making a huge difference in so many lives!”
After serving The Club as a Bonner intern, she joined the events committee and later the board of directors, where she has been a member for 10 years and was chair from 2020-24. She helped guide the 2019 merger of the BGCs of Albany and Troy into one organization, then steered the new entity through the Covid-19 pandemic. The Club was also the beneficiary of a community engaged course taught by Backus for six years. Students investigated statewide perception of youth life chances and compared zip codes, identifying a need for programs such as those provided by BGCCA to engage youth during after school hours.
During her acceptance address for the award, Backus recalled that during her freshman year as a Bonner she was helping Club kids build a Soap Box Derby car. The kit came with a list of tools needed for assembly…but where to find them? She reached out to Siena’s Facilities department, and they supplied her and the kids with everything necessary for the project.
“That’s an example of how Siena is committed in ways large and small to living out its Franciscan mission.”
The Club is one of the region’s largest youth service providers, serving 1,800 youth daily with meals and programming. Siena’s Bonners have remained a part of its mission by providing volunteers who serve 8-10 hours per week, supporting their academic and social justice interests.