Coastal Conversations
Every child deserves a safe place to learn, grow and discover their potential. As CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, Tracey Triniwell is dedicated to creating opportunities that help local young people build confidence, develop important skills and look toward a brighter future.
Through programs focused on education, leadership, recreation and personal development, Tracey and her team work to give Atlantic City youth the support and resources they need to succeed. She shares her passion for helping young people, the importance of community support and the impact the Boys & Girls Club has on local families.
AS: What inspired you to become involved with the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, and what makes working with local young people especially meaningful to you?
TT: Atlantic City is home, so this work is deeply personal to me. I was drawn to the Boys & Girls Club because it gives me an opportunity to help create the same kinds of opportunities, support systems and positive influences afforded to me growing up and that I believe every young person deserves.
AS: What are some of the biggest challenges facing children and teens in Atlantic City today?
TT: Many of our young people are navigating poverty, food insecurity, exposure to trauma and limited access to opportunities outside of school. At the same time, they are incredibly resilient and intelligent. Our responsibility is to make sure their circumstances do not determine their future.
AS: Can you tell me about a program or experience at the Boys & Girls Club that you have found particularly rewarding?
TT: One of the most rewarding things for me is watching our young people begin to see what’s possible for their future. Whether it’s through our workforce readiness programs, where they earn credentials and explore career pathways, or our Money Matters program at both our Kids Clubs and Teen Center, we’re giving them practical tools to make informed decisions, build confidence and understand that the choices they make today can help shape the life they want tomorrow.
AS: How does the Boys & Girls Club help young people develop confidence, leadership skills and a sense of belonging?
TT: We create a safe environment where young people are encouraged to use their voices, try new things, lead and know that there are adults who genuinely believe in them. That consistent support helps them build confidence while also giving them a place where they know they belong.
AS: What would you like people in the community to know about the importance of investing in Atlantic City’s youth?
TT: Investing in our young people is an investment in the future of Atlantic City. When we provide them with education, mentorship, workforce opportunities and safe spaces to grow, we are developing the future leaders, professionals and community members our city needs.
AS: What role do mentors, staff and volunteers play in helping the young people at the Club reach their goals?
TT: Our staff, mentors and volunteers are often the people who help a young person recognize their own potential before they can see it themselves. Their consistency, encouragement and willingness to show up every day can completely change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
AS: What are some of the accomplishments or success stories of Club members that have made you especially proud?
TT: I am proud every time a young person earns a credential, graduates, gets their first job or discovers a career path they are excited about. Seeing our own Aryiane Hill rise from a longtime Club member to New Jersey State and Northeast Youth of the Year is an extraordinary example of what can happen when talent, opportunity and support come together.
AS: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, and what would you like to see for the young people you serve?
TT: My goal is for every young person who comes through our doors to leave us future-ready, with the confidence, education, skills and relationships necessary to succeed in college, a career and life. I want our young people to believe that there are no limits to what they can accomplish, regardless of where they started.
Many thanks to Tracey, for sharing her story and for the important work she does to support Atlantic City’s young people through The Boys & Girls Club. Her dedication to helping them grow, learn, and succeed makes a lasting difference in the community.
Coastal Conversations highlights people in our community who are making a significant impact. If you know someone who would be a great fit for a future column, please contact me at ShoreCoastalConversations@gmail.com. From the shore to your door, let’s keep the conversation going.
