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Sometimes, you get the lift you need from something as simple as a new pair of shoes

Fletch’s Perspective

When you’re trying to move up in life, it’s important to put your best foot forward. That’s tough to do when your shoes are in poor shape.

Thanks to several key partners and generous supporters, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is expanding on our ability to ensure that local children in need gain the skillsets and the footwear they need to step out in confidence.

It begins with a wonderful national organization called Shoes from Susan. The inspiration traces to Susan Ellen Caruso who grew up during the Great Depression. Despite the difficult times and constant want, her mother encouraged her with this simple reminder: “You are never truly poor if you have a good pair of shoes.”

Growing up, Susan moved to Florida and went on to work as an elementary school teacher serving children with special needs. She later became a social worker and even counseled the children of alcoholic parents. After her death in 2013, her four sons created in her honor this nonprofit dedicated to providing children in need with shoes.


Our friends at the Community Foundation of Martin and St. Lucie Counties connected us with this great organization. A big “thank you” goes out to this incredible organization, which provides invaluable support to area nonprofits.

Today, we’re able to provide 200 BGC members—our largest group yet—with new pairs of shoes. Rather than simply collecting their shoe sizes and presenting them with a box, the incredible BGC staff—always attentive to the sensitivities of such situations and committed to creating fun experiences—arranged to make everything special. Over spring break, they brought members of our Indiantown, Port Salerno, Hobe Sound and Palm City clubs to Rack Room Shoes in Stuart and turned everything into a shopping trip. 

It's a widely accepted (and to be fair, a widely documented) stereotype that women love shoes. But it’s also pretty much true of everyone. Countless male friends and colleagues of mine proudly identify as sneakerheads.

Something about a fresh pair of kicks makes everyone feel good. The opposite might explain why we all dread slipping on those less-than-fresh bowling alley shoes. (Although currently wearing a “boot” after an ankle injury, I’m a little envious of those right now; at least they match.)

This universal sense of satisfaction is reflected in feedback gathered from children enduring tough financial circumstances; they share that the highest degree of self-consciousness they feel comes from the condition of their shoes.

BGC invests into every aspect of our members—starting first by encouraging their sense of self-worth. Our emphasis on academics, good citizenship, and nutrition and healthy lifestyles further increases their knowledge, confidence and ability to focus. Our litany of culinary, technology, trades and entrepreneurial training further equips them to overcome the challenging environments most know all too well and enter the work force with competitive, in-demand skills.

Sometimes, you get the lift you need from something as simple as a new pair of shoes. They’re perfect for staying grounded, going in the right direction, and jumping over any obstacles that arise on their road to success.



Keith Fletcher's opinions are his own and may not reflect Friends & Neighbors viewpoint.

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