Local HERO What is the Boys & Girls Club? What brought you to work there? The Boys & Girls Club is a place where young people, especially those who need opportunity the most, can come after school and during the summer to learn, grow, and build a strong foundation for their future. At our seven sites in Monmouth County, kids receive academic support, explore STEM and the arts, develop leadership skills, and build relationships with caring adults who believe in them. I was drawn to this work because it sits at the intersection of opportunity and responsibility. Our country’s future leaders need opportunities to discover who they are, develop their strengths, and realize what they are capable of becoming. The Club does that in very practical ways every day. When you visit our Clubs, you’ll see kids who are curious, energetic, and full of potential. What does the Hero for Youth recognition mean to you? The recognition from Boys & Girls Clubs of America is deeply meaningful, but it really reflects the work of many people. True advocacy is about making sure the voices and needs of young people are heard in places where decisions are made. Over the past year, we spent time in Washington, D.C., and here in New Jersey speaking with elected officials about the importance of after-school programs, youth development, and the role community organizations play in supporting families. This recognition affirms that those conversations can make a difference. It also reminds us that our work does not end when the school day is over. The policies that shape resources and opportunities for young people matter just as much as the programs we run. What’s upcoming for the Boys & Girls Club? We continue to expand programs that help young people prepare for the future. That includes new academic intervention programs in partnership with local schools and Monmouth University, workforce-readiness initiatives for teens, and expanded
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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE MonmouthCommunity.com
Name: Douglas Eagles Title: Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County Town or Residency: Shrewsbury Town of Work: Asbury Park, Neptune, Long Branch, and Red Bank
STEM opportunities supported by partners like Apple. At the same time, we are looking at ways to grow our reach so that more young people across Monmouth County have access to the Club experience. Our goal is simple: every child who walks through our doors should leave more confident, more capable, and more hopeful about their future. What would you like to leave readers with? The future of any community is shaped by the opportunities we create for young people today. When adults invest time, attention, and resources in the next generation, the returns show up everywhere. In stronger schools, healthier neighborhoods, and more resilient communities. If you care about the future of our community, find a way to invest in young people. Volunteer, mentor, support organizations that serve youth, or simply take the time to encourage a young person in your life. Small acts of encouragement can have a lasting impact. What’s the best way to learn more about the Boys & Girls Club? The best way is to visit one of our Club sites. Seeing the energy and potential inside the Club tells the story better than anything else. Readers can learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County by visiting www.bgcmonmouth.org, following us on social media at @bgcmonmouth, or reaching out to schedule a tour of one of our Club sites. We are always happy to welcome members of the community who want to see the work firsthand.