Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club Inaugurates New Teen Center

Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club announces the inauguration of its new Teen Center, the Pearson Teen Center, named for longtime Club advocate and champion David P. Pearson. The Club also welcomes new Teen Program Director, Jennifer Gorman.

The Pearson Teen Center honors David P. Pearson, who has been committed to Glen Cove Boys & Girls, lending his support to the Club and Club kids on many levels, for nearly two decades. He is one of the Club’s most beloved patrons and is considered a dear friend to board members, staff and kids alike. From attending important fundraisers to accompanying Club members to sporting and entertainment events, Mr. Pearson is an integral leader at the Boys & Girls Club. “Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club is an important part of the Glen Cove community, and to have my name on the Teen Center is very special,” said David P. Pearson, fondly referred to as Sandy. “The Pearson Teen Center will always be a special tribute to a very fine gentleman and friend of our Club. Sandy's enormous generosity over the years has humbled us all, and we are honored once again to thank him for our new Teen Center,” said Deborah M. Brisbane, GCBGC Board President.

The new teen center also has new leadership with Teen Program Director, Jennifer Gorman, who looks forward to honoring Mr. Pearson’s generosity and commitment to community. “I hope to create a community and family atmosphere within our Teen Center, encouraging our members to become engaged and active in more community service driven projects,” said Jennifer, a Hicksville native who grew up in the Boys & Girls Club movement. Jennifer went from being a Club member to soon becoming a volunteer, peer tutor and mentor, which she continued throughout high school and college. Jennifer also received a College scholarship from Hicksville Boys & Girls Club. She attended Stony Brook University and SUNY Old Westbury where she earned her degree in Elementary Education. After graduation, she became a part-time Youth Development Professional at the Club. She further developed her career as a case manager and youth advisor serving the diverse neighborhoods of Queens at both FEGS Federation Employment & Guidance Service ("FEGS") and Queens Community House (QCH). She worked with NYC school students to oversee data collection for RFMH (Research for Mental Hygiene) before joining Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club. “When home wasn’t what home was supposed to be, there was the Club,” she said of her experience as a member. “I found the Club at just the right time and was given the opportunity of a lifetime to give back in the most ultimate of way – by becoming a Youth Development Professional. This opportunity enabled me to support and inspire teens to pursue their education and empower themselves through self-knowledge. As the new Teen Program Director I hope to share the many wonderful lessons I have learned with our members,” said Jennifer.

“We are so grateful to Sandy Pearson for the new Teen Center and we are very excited to have Jennifer on board as the new Teen Program Director. It will be an exciting year for our teens. They have their own new vibrant space within the Club and will be taking on new challenges that will help to empower them while becoming more academically and socially active and engaged,” said GCBGC Executive Director, Franca Trunzo.

For more information on the Pearson Teen Center and teen programs, contact the Club at 516-671-8030 or email info@glencovebgc.org.