Keturah Brooks

As a Club kid at the OC Carmichael Jr. Youth Center, Keturah experienced firsthand the power of a supportive community. Reflecting on her childhood, she recalls a time of instability, hopping between schools and facing homelessness. "It was hard to walk back to the YWCA, hoping kids didn’t see you and know your situation," she says.
Amid the challenges, the Club provided solace. "When I was at Club, I felt comfortable, even though I was shy. I knew I would see the same people every day, and it provided what I wasn’t able to have in other areas of my life while growing up.
Now, as a Youth Development Professional at our Harrison Club site, Keturah pays forward the support she once received. "The best part? It’s the kids. When you’re having a terrible day, it’s nothing but love there."
But it's not just about the present; Keturah strives to build connections for the future. "I remember every single teacher who made an impression on me. So when kids see me in public and say 'Hi, Miss Brooks!' that makes me so happy, I made a connection that will last for years. I’m like, oh wow, now I’m like that teacher!"