Alumni Spotlight: Egyptian Banks

Finding Safety, Purpose and a Calling to Give Back

To Egyptian Banks, known to most as Gyp, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati was never just an afterschool program. It was a safe place, a support system and at critical moments, a lifeline.

Gyp grew up in Cincinnati and moved around a lot with his family. His connection to BGCGC began when they lived in English Woods, and his mother landed a job at the Clem and Ann Buenger Club, so she brought Gyp and his sisters to work with her almost every day- especially in the summertime. He was still in kindergarten.

“It gave us somewhere safe to be,” Gyp says. “That is where a lot of my relationships started. Some of my best friendships today began at the Club.”

Through the Club’s Cadets program, Gyp learned how to make friends, how to interact with others and how to feel part of a community. The Club became a place where he felt protected and supported at a time when stability was not always guaranteed.

Returning When It Mattered Most

As Gyp grew older, life became more complicated. His mother eventually stopped working at the Club and his family stopped attending. Years later, at age 17, Gyp experienced one of the most difficult moments of his life. After conflict at home, a mentor stepped in to help him find safety. Gyp found himself living in a homeless shelter, finishing high school with very few life skills and little direction.

One thing stayed with him though, the memory of the Club.

“I remembered someone telling me that if I ever needed a job, I could come work there,” he says.

From the shelter, Gyp made the call. That connection opened the door to his first role as a Club assistant. Almost immediately, the familiar feeling returned. The Club once again became a place where he could build family when he did not have one elsewhere.

Learning to Believe in Himself

Working at the Club changed the trajectory of Gyp’s life. Surrounded by peers pursuing college and careers, he began to believe he could do the same. With the support of the Boys & Girls Clubs, he enrolled in college and received a scholarship. The organization worked with his school and work schedule, and supported him every step of the way.

“It is almost like I got tricked into believing in myself,” he says. “Just being around that energy made me start to see more for myself.”

Over time, Gyp worked nearly every position possible. Front desk attendant, K-1 lead, PE coordinator, art lead and teen staff. Each role strengthened his leadership skills and deepened his connection with members.

Turning Experience into Purpose

Today, Gyp serves as the Workforce Development Coordinator at the Buenger Boys & Girls Club. He works daily with teens in grades 9 through 12, helping them explore career paths, build resumes and develop skills for life after high school.

“I wish I had something like this when I was growing up,” he says. “Now I get to help teens leave with skills and a plan.”

Gyp is currently pursuing a degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology at the University of Cincinnati. His long-term goal is to become a therapist and help children and families facing challenges similar to the ones he experienced.

“Most teens just want to talk to someone,” he says. “That one conversation can change everything.”

Proof of What Is Possible

Gyp is quick to say his story is not unique. Many young people face poverty, homelessness and food insecurity. What made the difference for him was having a place that never gave up.

“If I did not have the Clubs, I would be dead or in jail,” he says. “That place saved me.”

Now, he is giving back to the organization that helped save his life. By building relationships, creating opportunities and believing in young people before they believe in themselves, Gyp is helping write the next generation of success stories.

His journey is proof of what happens when a child is given safety, consistency and people who care.

And it is exactly why the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati exists.