Roosevelt Rumble has spent the past 10 years improving kids’ lives through his work at the Boys and Girls Club.

Through the time he’s served as executive director, he’s also become more involved with ministry at New Life Missionary Baptist Church. It’s been taking more and more of his time, forcing him to make a difficult decision. He opted to resign and devote his time as a full-time pastor of the 125-member church.

“My dedication is to God’s work,” Rumble said. He said he wanted to give 100 percent to the Boys and Girls Club, but it’s tough to do that while serving as a pastor.

Rumble finished his duties at the club, which is located in the Roller Barn, at the end of October. Kids, parents and community leaders are invited to attend an event at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 to acknowledge Rumble’s accomplishments while working with the Boys and Girls Club.

He started volunteering in 1996 when the organization was known as the Partnership with Youth. He helped organize events and, in about a year, he was named to the group’s board.

Then, in 1999, he took the position of director. Prior to that, he enjoyed a career in the Navy where he served as an aviation machinists mate. He retired after 20 years.

Two years after taking over as director, he worked to get the organization chartered with the Boys and Girls Club. He said becoming such a club would provide access to educational and economic resources that would allow expanding programs to help disadvantaged youth.

“It gave us a more solid, structured resource to help kids in life,” Rumble said. The Partnership with Youth became the Oak Harbor Boys and Girls Club in 2003.

Since he became involved with the club, services have expanded that have benefited local youth. With funding from the Gates Foundation, the club recently installed a computer lab that helps kids improve their software skills.

Other programs instituted during Rumble’s tenure at the Boys and Girls Club include the after school program and the media team that speaks out against substance abuse.

“Roosevelt has made a huge contribution to the community in the area of youth services,” said Duncan Chalfant, member of the Boys and Girls Club Board, adding that he’s happy for Rumble as he moves on to something he is passionate about.

As a full-time pastor, Rumble is overseeing the church’s move to a new location on Bayshore Drive. He hopes that move will be complete sometime before Thanksgiving.

He has been married to his wife, Theresa, for 25 years and they have two children, Kelly and Rodrick.

Even though Rumble won’t work for the Boys and Girls Club, he will still have a presence at the Roller Barn. Chalfant said Rumble is welcome to join the board once he gets New Life Baptist Church settled into its new location.

As for Rumble’s replacement as director, Chalfant said the Oak Harbor club will come under the direction of the Snohomish County Boys and Girls Club on an interim basis.

That will allow the management of the local club to continue with someone experienced with the organization. He stressed that current programs and events will continue.

It could take a while to find a replacement to fill Rumble’s shoes. Chalfant said it’s difficult to find someone who can fill his job description:

Must love children while being capable of administering and organization, providing resources to children and scheduling and developing programs and events that benefit local youth.

Roosevelt Rumble’s is a tough act to follow.

Thank Rumble for his work

Children, parents and community leaders will thank Roosevelt Rumble for his years of service to the Boys and Girls Club during a celebration Monday, Nov. 13 at the Roller Barn beginning at 6 p.m.