COMMUNITY ENVOLVEMENT: Terry Hughes is the executive director of the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens located in Long Island City. The mission of the club is “to provide children of all backgrounds with the skills and abilities that will develop in them the qualities of self esteem and self confidence, which are needed to become responsible citizens and leaders.” The club runs after school programs daily and offers children fun, productive activities as an alternative to the streets. Hughes oversees all the daily operations of the club.
PERSONAL: Hughes grew up in Fairfield County, Connecticut and was a member of the Boys and Girls Club in his neighborhood. He went to Southern Connecticut State University and graduated with a B.S. in Education.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Hughes admitted that his biggest challenge in regards to the Variety Boys and Girls club is a “[lack of] communication between parents, kids and families.” Hughes explained that very often children are admitted into the club last minute because of the lack of communication which leaves the staff with “so much to do in so little time.”
FAVORITE MEMORY: “I have so many memories of meeting kids from different areas and being friends with them for life,” Hughes said of his experience as a young member of the Variety Boys and Girls Club.
INSPIRATION: Hughes said his inspiration is to provide children with opportunities, such as college, that they may not realize is in their reach or may not have otherwise.
DREAMS: “I’d like to renovate and build a new state of the arts building to fit more kids,” said Hughes.
