The singer-and-actress unveiled a billboard of her as a child with the slogan: Be Extraordinary, for the Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) in Times Square, New York, yesterday. Jennifer has revealed getting involved with her local BGCA club in New York when she was younger helped her break into the entertainment industry.

She has now joined a host of other stars including Denzel Washington and Ashanti to promote the BGCA`s youth advocacy campaign, which aims to help children boost their self-esteem.

"When Denzel asked me to participate, I had to say yes. I am honoured and delighted to be part of the campaign," she said. "Please join us in helping all kids be great.

"When I started going there, it was the first time I sang, danced and performed in front of an audience. I wanted to be there every day. They taught me how to be disciplined and be perseverant and to believe in my God-given talents.

"They encouraged me to be great in whatever I decided to do. And they taught me that I could do whatever I wanted."

Jennifer has also revealed she would consider taking her two-year-old twins, Max and Emme, to the club which is located in the Bronx area of New York.

She believes her kids would benefit from seeing you need to work hard to make it in the entertainment industry.

"I think it`s really, really important to work hard. Being able to accomplish something with dedication and hard work and commitment. That is something I would like them to learn as well," she said.
sections: Celebrities