A Safe Space FOR THE YOUTH TO GROW & LEARN

Every child is part of the community.

WHO WE ARE

A team to help youth succeed.Our mission is to enable young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. The Club’s intention is to provide care to children in need. We believe a bright future for all youth is something that benefits both the person and the community at large.It takes a team of dedicated staff and volunteers to make sure our Club is reaching out to as many communities as it can, so kids everywhere have access to our programs and services. We’re fortunate to have some great people that are dedicating their time, energy, and expertise to our cause.

Ethel Wade
Unit Director
Carl Arthur Center Unit

Rosemary DeQuinzio
Unit Director/Case Manager
Youth For Change Center

Claude Rozier
Operations Manager
Carl Arthur Center Unit

Chris Volker
CEO

OUR HISTORY

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Cumberland County became a chartered member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 2004. The Club started in the back of an Episcopal Church in Vineland, NJ with a small group of youth and three ongoing programs. Since then, the organization has grown to over 520 registered members attending programs at two sites in Vineland. The City of Vineland, the largest city in square miles in the State, is mostly rural and boasts a large Hispanic population (52%). Vineland has many challenges facing its young people, including having the highest teenage pregnancy rate in the State, and high unemployment and poverty rates.The Club offers programs that empower youth and help to rebuild their integrity and self-esteem. At the same time, it helps to reduce the community juvenile delinquency problem. In essence, the Club shapes and saves children’s lives every day by providing a safe place to go after school and keeping youth involved in educational, healthy lifestyle, cultural, community service, and fitness/recreational activities. The Club is open to all greater Cumberland County area youth, first grade through high school. Programs are offered at two sites in Vineland: The Youth for Change Center and The Carl Arthur Recreation Center. The Club also offers programs at several area schools throughout the County. This year in 2024, our organization will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary of serving youth and providing life-changing programs to thousands of young people in the last two decades. Its 4,500 square-foot teen center will be expanding and features a colorful mural that depicts diversity and boasts inspirational messages. Chris Volker, Chief Professional Officer states: “The building may be small, but good things come in small packages, and we see the teen center as a viable place for teens to come and enjoy interesting programs, events and activities.” The Club is most dedicated to making a difference in young people’s lives and will continue to provide life-changing programs to thousands of youth in the next decade and beyond! Talk to Us