Strengthening Our Team: Investing in Those Who Make a Difference

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati, our mission is simple but powerful: help young people build great futures through safe spaces, caring mentors and life-changing programs. But none of this can happen without a strong, dedicated team standing behind every child. That’s why our A New Generation $50 million capital campaign is about more than buildings and equipment. It’s about the people who make our work possible.

People First: The Heart of Our Mission

We train every employee to understand that the difference between a statistic and a success story is one caring adult. That caring adult is more than a teacher or coach. They are a role model, a confidante and a consistent presence in a child’s life.

“Without front‑line staff, we wouldn’t have a program,” says Emily Yellman, Vice President of Operations. “Relationships between caring adults and kids are at the core of everything we do. We can create the best curriculum in the world, but if kids don’t trust or relate to our staff, it doesn’t matter.”

Building a Strong Foundation for Staff

Recognizing how vital our staff are, A New Generation dedicates a significant portion of its funds to competitive, livable wages and expanded staffing across all clubs. Front‑line roles, often staffed by college students or early‑career professionals in social services and education, are prone to turnover and must compete against other popular seasonal positions with amusement parks, retailers and others. 

Increasing wages not only retains talent but also helps staff with paying for college, rent and essentials. We’re investing in them so they can stay. Steady staff presence means stable relationships with kids, and stronger programs year after year.

It Takes a Village

Running an effective club is no small effort. Clubs have a robust staffing structure to empower them to deliver quality, specialized programs with consistency and care. Each club includes a full-time club director overseeing the general operations of the club, from insuring safety and cleanliness, as well as maintaining the organization’s high standards of program structure and quality, to recruiting staff and students. In addition, two full-time program coordinators divide responsibilities for K-4 and 5-8 programs, and manage a team of program leads who work directly with the students to deliver the programming. All staff and students are supported by a part-time front desk attendant. And in clubs with a Workforce Development program, there is an additional full-time coordinator and program lead to serve these 9-12 students.

“Being compensated fairly means they can give their best effort,” says DeNisha Taylor, Director of Roll Hill Farmer Club. “Working for a club is a labor of love. They’re not just here for a paycheck, they’re here because they believe in the mission and they stay when they feel valued.”

Building for Sustainability

With approximately 70 staff members across Greater Cincinnati, BGCGC has made strong gains in retention thanks to improved benefits and HR support. While turnover remains a factor across our industry, A New Generation will help bring sustainable progress. By investing in staff development, the campaign strengthens not just our clubs but our entire movement.

Real Impact: Stories from Youth of the Year

Our Youth of the Year program is a shining example of how caring staff transform lives. Outstanding teens with impressive academic and community leadership skills from each club are selected to deliver essays and speeches to compete for a $20K scholarship. And at nearly every speech, winners mention a staff member who changed their life. Recently, one teen credited an instructor who left the club a decade ago, but whose impact was still felt in their journey. These stories reinforce that our lasting influence lies in deep, consistent relationships.

A Commitment to Our Team = A Promise to Our Kids

Every dollar raised for A New Generation goes toward creating clubs that are not just functional, but inspiring. From modern facilities to well‑paid, well‑trained staff, we are building the scaffolding for lifelong success.

“We want our staff to know they matter,” Emily says. “When our teens see that, they feel valued too. Their sense of belonging and confidence grows.”

You Can Help Expand the Circle of Caring

We invite you to join us in making this vision a reality. When you donate to A New Generation, you’re investing in the staff who mentor and guide children every day, along with stronger, safer club environments and lifelong relationships that change outcomes for youth.

Together, we’re not just raising funds, we’re strengthening a network of caring adults who believe in young people. We’re creating countless success stories, child by child, family by family, life by life.

Be the caring adult who makes the difference. Support A New Generation today.