as successful self-sufficient adults. For example, 100 percent of the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton’s surveyed teens abstained from marijuana, 75 percent say they eat two or more fruits each day, and 69 percent engage in physical activities five or more days a week. Barry Tsouhnikas is one of those volunteers encouraging physical activity. For the past decade, along with his coaching partner Carly Padula, he has been part of the Club’s indoor soccer program. He volunteers about 10-to-15 hours a week, coaching a team in each of the five age divisions. “It’s rewarding being a positive role model for these kids,” said Tsouhnikas, who played soccer at the Club and later at Clifton High. “I treat my players with respect, and want them to do the same with others.” Healthy Lifestyle programs center on sports, fitness, stress management, social skills and appreciation for the environment. Involvement results in better future plans, fewer negative peers as friends, less chance of being stopped by police, and a lower likelihood of smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and engaging in premature sexual behavior. The programs, like participating in soccer, can make a difference in a young person’s life – something Tsouhnikas has seen firsthand. “About 10 years ago,” Tsouhnikas remembered, “there was a young boy named Sebastian Hernandez who came to play at the Club. He was shy and quiet, but Carly and I could see he had ability and we encouraged him. Today, he’s a sophomore playing on Clifton High’s varsity team – that’s outstanding!” The giving life There are many ways to help the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton, both with volunteer hours and monetary donations. One person who does both is Mimi Cuellar, a past chairperson of the summer camp scholarship campaign. Along with her husband Rafael, she is also a frequent supporter and contributor to the Club’s annual giving campaign. “Mimi and Rafael have done so much for us,” said John DeGraaf, the Club’s resource development director. “They always go above and beyond – from providing food for donor meetings to allowing us to place collection jars in their stores.” 20 October 2017 • Cliftonmagazine.com
Mimi and Rafael Cuellar.
The Cuellars, who own the ShopRite of Passaic/Clifton and ShopRite Wines & Spirits of Clifton, have a true passion for the organization, and a point of pride as well. “My husband and I believe in the Boys & Girls Club,” said Cuellar. “It provides such a vital service to the community – from its educational programs to how it mentors young people. We have a genuine love for the Boys & Girls Club.” And that goes for the Club’s volunteers and staff. “The people who run the Club,” Cuellar said, “are truly invested in making a difference. They really care. So does the Club’s board who does so many things to help the Club run smoothly.” While the Cuellars are firmly behind the Club, they encourage other businesses and people to join them as Clifton’s future beckons. “When businesses and individuals support the Boys & Girls Club,” said Cuellar, “it shows young people that there’s a closeness in the community, a feeling of support – we’re behind them. And when a community does that, the possibilities are endless. “These young people will be residing and working in our community or another somewhere else. It’s our responsibility to help with their advancement, and supporting the Boys & Girls Club is a great place to start.”