Keeping Kids Safe and Off the Streets

When William Joseph was a child, his parents couldn't afford piano lessons. Recognizing his talent for the keys, Willam's teacher, Stella, suggested he apply for a scholarship through the Boys & Girls Club of America. On the Dr. Phil episode "Against All Odds," William shared, "I was 7 years old when I applied for the scholarship. They told me that I was too young. I had to be 8. So I waited until I was 8, and I ended up receiving a scholarship, and it paid for all of my lessons, all of my music, everything. It helped me get on the path I needed to be on. It kept me out of trouble."

After years of hard work and determination, William has toured the globe performing, worked with a multi-Grammy winner and is now a rising star in the music scene.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America continue to help thousands of kids throughout the country. "The Boys & Girls Club is important to me because it keeps me out of trouble. It’s a good program for kids who have nothing to do after school and want to learn," says Ifran, who lives in a gang-ridden area. His dream is to play the drums, and at the club, he has was introduced to the congas. Ifran uses plastic buckets to make music, in place of drums, so in coordination with The Dr. Phil Foundation, the website Musiciansfriend.com gave the young man a Simmons Electronic Drum Set. The Dr. Phil Foundation also donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to support their music programs.

Watch more on William's story.