Safe Places: Then & Now
A Boys & Girls Clubs Alumnus Story
As a kid, Herb Turner considered the Boys Club of Jacksonville, known today as Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, as his “home away from home.” For Herb, the Laurence F. Lee Boys Club in Jacksonville’s Springfield neighborhood was a major part of his childhood, going to the Club every day after school and during the summers.
The Lee Club, now known as the Citi Teen Center, provided so many opportunities for Herb. He fondly remembers the chance to travel to Washington D.C. with the Boys Club Chorus and, at the age of 11, presenting an award to entertainer Bob Hope at Jacksonville University for his service to the Boys Club over many years.
Another memory that impacted Herb, is his recollection of how the Club made every holiday special for the Club members. Envisioning the festive ornaments on the large Christmas tree at the Lee Club every year brings tears to Herb’s eyes to this day.
An important lesson the Club taught Herb is to take advantage of every opportunity life gives you, and Herb has done just that. Since his Club days, Herb has spent time in the Air Force, living in Germany and traveling around Europe. He has also established a successful career as a training professional and achieved a master’s degree in education.
His career has moved him around the U.S., with stints in Colorado, Virginia, Ohio, Georgia and most recently Jacksonville, where he calls “home” again. Since moving back to Jacksonville where he resides with his fiancé and soon-to-be stepson, Herb has reconnected with Boys & Girls Clubs.
As part of our Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida alumni network, Herb hopes sharing his story and becoming more involved will help provide current and future Club members with a safe and fun place to play, learn and grow – like the Lee Club gave to him growing up.