After school, a lot can happen in the hours between the last bell and dinner, and not all of it is good. We talk with Justin Pendleton, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Wyoming, about what it takes to make those hours safer, healthier, and genuinely life-changing for kids in Cheyenne, Wyoming. From meals and mentorship to leadership-building, Justin breaks down what the Club actually does day to day and why it is not “just for kids in trouble,” it is for every family that wants a positive place to belong.

Justin shares how he grew up in Cheyenne, studied business at the University of Wyoming, and then found his calling working with youth long before he ever became a nonprofit executive. We get into what kids need most: steady relationships, caring adults, and opportunities that build confidence before the pressure hits at school or at home. You’ll hear about Youth of the Year, scholarships, networking moments that widen a young person’s world, and why consistent attendance matters for evidence-based outcomes.

We also dive into practical details families ask about all the time: school-year hours, summer registration, fees, and scholarship options so cost does not block access. Justin explains how the Club serves hundreds of kids across multiple sites and why capacity and facility space can still create waitlists even when the mission is clear.

Finally, we highlight community support and nonprofit fundraising, including the Dancing With The Stars event in Cheyenne with a Halloween theme and couples on stage. If this conversation moves you, share it with a friend, subscribe to the show, and leave a review so more people can find these local stories.