July 2024 Newsletter
Farewell Message from Wendy McGuire
Dear Friends,
I am writing to share with you that my time at the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic has come to a close. Serving this Club, community and most importantly, our Club Kids, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and I am deeply grateful for the dedication and support of our staff, Board, volunteers, partners and friends. Together, we have navigated challenges, celebrated successes and made meaningful impact on future generations. Witnessing young members develop in their academic achievements, personal growth and leadership has been a joy-filled and magical experience, and I am honored to have been a part of their journeys toward Great Futures. Thank you.
I look forward to the continued success and growth of the Club under the leadership of Dr. Christina Dukes Brown, who will begin her journey as Chief Executive Officer on August 1st. Dr. Brown carries with her over 20 years of experience in educational leadership, consistently achieving enhanced educational outcomes and broader community impact. I know she will be a devoted advocate for our members and will lead our Club toward continued growth and excellence, providing infinite possibilities for future generations.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Brown, and thank you for supporting this next exciting chapter for the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic!
With gratitude,
Wendy McGuire, CEO
Club Teen Graduates with Honors…and a Great Future!
The future is bright for Club Teen Nelsie, who has been an active BGCPP Club member since 2021, and a member of our Teen Center
‘s Future Leaders Club. In June, Nelsie graduated from Passaic Preparatory Academy with a 4.6 GPA and two years of credits from Passaic County Community College. She was a member of the Student Council and National Honor Society, as well as the Passaic Youth Council led by Mayor Hector Lora, where she volunteered her time and led the first Autism Awareness Event for the city.
Last summer, as a teen intern at BGCPP, Nelsie participated in a Teen Career Exploration event hosted by The Valley Hospital. She and other Club Teens learned about careers in healthcare via hands-on activities led by hospital staff, including practicing basic suturing techniques – on a chicken! She credits this experience with the Club and Valley to her decision to pursue a career in the medical field. She will head to Rutgers University this fall, with support from scholarships secured through the Club. Congratulations, Nelsie, on all your achievements and for being our newest Club alumna!
At our Great Futures Gala, Nelsie shared her story with Valley Hospital team members. Pictured above are (left to right): Lucrecia Wright, Manager, Utilization; Maggie Pogorelec, AVP Women’s Children’s and Emergency Services and BGCPP Board member; Charles Vannoy, Chief Nursing Officer; Nelsie; Lynn Holuba, Valley Hospital Foundation and BGCPP Board member.
Bikes Built for Club Kids!
Thanks to our friends at Citi, 40 outstanding Club Kids were awarded a landmark gift in any child’s life – their first bike! As part of their Global Community Day Bike Build, Citi volunteers built 600 bikes to donate to local organizations, along with helmets. BGCPP staff distributed the bikes to recognize Club Kids with perfect attendance or most improved grades in school.
Special thanks to Berkeley College for donating 9 additional bikes. ALL the bikes will bring joy, physical fitness, independence and so much FUN for Club Kids all summer and beyond!
Join Us for the Back to School Bash!
Golf for Great Futures!
