Boys and Girls Clubs of Monmouth County
administrative history
About Us
The BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MONMOUTH COUNTY is a private non-profit organization that serves children that come from some of the most difficult circumstances in the County.
With a professional licensed staff, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County’s youth enjoy a variety of activities ranging from swimming in the Club’s pool to exploring the world of computers.
We are a 501c3 organization, tax id # 21-0694373.
Our Mission
The Mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County is to provide safe places for young people in Monmouth County, especially those who need us most, where they can receive programs and services that will help them realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
Planning Goals
We will implement programs and activities that will have a positive and life-long affect upon our members and their community.
We will develop a working Board of Directors that will lead the organization to become the premier youth development agency in Monmouth County.
We will develop the financial resources to implement our programs, improve our facilities and reach out to serve the youth of Monmouth County, today and into the future.
Our History
In the spring of 1938, Isaiah Matlock, chairman of the Asbury Park Kiwanis Club boys and girls program committee, recommended to the Board of Directors of the Kiwanis Club, that they explore the possibility of establishing a boys club in Asbury Park.
During that summer, meetings were held to determine the feasibility of the proposed project. Following much deliberation, it was agreed that a boys club should be established, and plan were developed to open the kiwanis boys club in September of 1938.
A home was acquired through the generosity of Fred Farry, a past president of the Kiwanis Club. This Building, located at 1017 Main St Asbury Park NJ was to be the home for the next fourteen years.
In this initial phase, the Kiwanis club agreed to assume all financial obligations for the operations of the Boys Club facility and proceeded to hire Frank Alexander as its first executive director.
Coach Gus Villapiano, a physical education teacher who was very highly respected by the youth in the community, was called upon to recruit youngsters from the city schools. They would compromise the original club membership. Gus was to become a major force in the development and expansion of the Boys Club.
In 1939, the Kiwanis Boys Club was accepted into the membership of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. A constitution and by-laws were approved and the Boys club was incorporated. During the year a Woman’s Auxiliary was formed and through their efforts additional funds were generated for operational purposes.
In August of 1940, due to the rapid growth of the Boys Club program a decision was made to change the name of the Kiwanis Boys Club to the Boys Club of Asbury Park. At this point membership to the Board of Directors was open to all public-spirited citizens.
In 1941, Gus Villipiano, was asked to assume the position of Executive Director; A post he held until he departed for military duty in 1942.
The war years were a difficult time for the boys club and a number of directors guided the club through this troubled period. William Smith, Paul Peluso, Leo La Bianda, and John Smolka all served as club directors.
In the summer of 1946 Gus Villipiano assumed the club directorship again and brought with him Alex Groppe, a club member he had trained and brought along from his early days as director.
Thru the efforts of Gus Villipiano and Thomas Shebell, Sr. Mr. James Rollo, President of the Asbury Park New York Transit company became interested in the establishment of a new Boys home Mr. Rollo purchased a lot at 1201 Monroe Ave for the new facility and contributed $35,000.00 toward the building cost.
In 1950, the Board of Directors hired architect James Mancuso to draw up plans for a new building. During the presidency of Abraham Frankel, a new contract was signed with the firm of Battaglia and Tarasovis for $37,793.00 for the construction of the new Boys Club headquarters. Ground breaking was held on September 23, 1951. Construction began soon after and the new clubhouse was opened on July 29, 1952.
Due to the growth of the membership as well as the size of the overall operation, the board decided that a full time director was essential and Alex Groppe was appointed to that position with opening of the new clubhouse.
In September of 1954, a special gymnasium fund raising dinner was held honoring world boxing champion Rocky Marciano and twenty thousand dollars was raised. With the election of Michael D. Ercolino as president, plans began to develop rapidly and a contract was awarded to James Vacchiano for the construction of a gymnasium at a cost of $48,000.00. This addition was dedicated in May 1956 and shortly after; the Boys Club alumni provided overhead lighting and bleachers.
In June of 1957, with Harry B. White as president, an adjacent property was purchased for future expansion of club facilities.
During the following seven years the board of directors began to seriously consider the construction of a swimming pool complex. A plan was developed to build the complex in two stages. In June of 1968, during the presidency of William Pardue, a campaign to raise the necessary funds to construct an outdoor pool was successfully conducted. The success of the pool was due largely to the leadership and direction provided by Michael Slovak.
With the continued growth of the club membership lack of programs space became a serious problem. In 1970 with Dr. Harold Garrity Jr. Serving as president, a building fund campaign chaired by James Hunt was launched to expand club facilities. In March of 1971, the construction of additional floor space for game rooms and administrative offices was completed. Plans and supervision of construction were provided by board member Floyd Scott, Jr. and the Britton Construction Company erected the new addition.
Following this needed expansion; the board immediately began to plan for the enclosure of the outdoor pool. Plans were drawn by Floyd Scott JR. and contract awarded. On June 8th 1975 the enclosed swimming pool complex was dedicated. Michael Slovak was again the driving force behind all fundraising efforts. The Board of Directors had at last completed all expansion programs and a Boys Club facility valued at $1,300,000 stands as a testimonial to their dedication, interest and concern for the youth of the community functioning in a sound and business like manner, the board of director were able to complete all expansion programs without incurring any indebtedness on the part of the organization.
During its fifty-year history, thousands of youngsters and their families have benefited from the participation in the variety of programs and activities conducted at the Clubhouse.
The development of the nationally renowned Boys Club Orchestra under the direction of Eddie King; the annual variety shows and directed by Anthony Petillo; the Jin’s shelter operation which housed more than seven hundred boys the placing of club members at Phillip Academy one of the country’s foremost preparatory school; the acquisition of national music and art scholarships for talented members; the introduction of day care and mental health services to meet the needs of the memberships and their families are all part of the outstanding legacy of the Monmouth Boys Clubs Inc.
In 1992 The Boys Club changed its name to Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County. In 1997 Bureau of Justice Administration (BJA) a pass through grant from Boys and Girls Clubs of America funded the opening of two new sites in Public Housing Projects in Neptune and Long Branch. In September 2000 a revitalization of the organization formed new volunteer and professional leadership. Robert C. Taylor was hired as Chief Professional Officer bringing 16 years of Boys and Girls Club experience. A committed Volunteer Board of Directors has positioned the organization to serve 1099 members in 2002. A Strategic plan was developed to guide the organization over the next 3 years.