The Lavarnway Boys and Girls Club in Milwaukee became Deonte Lewis' home away from home from the time he was 4 years old.
Recently, at age 34, Deonte Lewis became the Vice President of community affairs and engagement for The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee.
"There is a host of people that have been doing great work for young people in his neighborhood, to give us access an opportunity to be successful," said Lewis.
Deonte knows because that's what the Lavarnway Boys and Girls Club has done for him.
"It changed my life because it gave me the necessary connections right like it connected me to the resources. I came from a house that we didn't have much money," explained Lewis.
Lewis' person story proves that with love, family, and community support, a club kid's journey can come full circle.
"If my kids asked dad, what do you do? I would simply say, I am just doing what someone did for me. I am paying it forward often we get lost in the title, but you have to focus on the work," says Lewis.
Deonte is hoping to change the narrative of the 53206 zip code.
"It's filled with so much greatness. You can't mention 53206 without mentioning Lavarnway Boys and Girls Club. It represents a gathering place, opportunity, home, and family. People need to hear that side of the story."