REMEMBERING OUR HEROES: HELP NJSACC PAY HOMAGE TO OUR BELOVED PROFESSIONALS IN AFTERSCHOOL!
“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” – Maya Angelou
Every program has something to share and every program has someone dedicated to #AfterschoolNJ and the youth they serve!
At NJSACC, we continue to remember and pay homage to those colleagues that spent their professional lives caring for and nurturing the development of our youth in the afterschool and summer learning spaces.
Complete the information using the Google Form link below, to pay respects to someone who is no longer with us but will forever be remembered for their impact on the lives of NJ’s youth and on our hearts and minds.
Remembering Gary Greenberg
June 23, 1953 – February 5, 2025
How many years has this person served youth?
- 50 yearsÂ
Hero’s Agency/Organization Name
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County
Tell us a little about this hero.
Gary Greenberg served the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County for 50 years, giving passionately and selflessly to improve the lives of our children and better our community. He was hooked from his first day as a part-time van driver through his years as the Executive Director/CEO. Under his unparalleled leadership, the Club expanded to 10 sites across Jersey City and Hoboken, serving thousands of youth, each and every year. Gary was cherished by all those who knew him. His unparalleled passion, kindness and devotion to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County, the Boys & Girls Club Movement, and his community for fifty years, has made a truly lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Gary was proud of our Clubs, our youth, and our programs—but humble about his contributions. Even those who knew him best, learned of acts of kindness and generosity after his death. Gary was more than the CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County. He was a guiding light, a source of inspiration, and a true pillar of our community. His dedication to meeting the needs of Jersey City and Hoboken kids resulted in creative programs like the Dream Project Summer Basketball and the Youth Achievement Center. Gary initiated outreach to at-risk youth that was so successful that it became a national BGCA program. Gary’s contributions, leadership, and friendship will never be forgotten. Gary impacted and profoundly touched the lives of so many people, leaving an indelible mark on the community and beyond. As Coach Bob Hurley said in his eulogy for Gary, “There is no one in the past 50 years who has impacted more children and families than Gary Greenberg.” Gary was not only a valued member of our Boys & Girls Clubs, but also a dear friend, mentor, and inspiration to us all. His countless contributions will be remembered, and we will honor his legacy by continuing the work he cared so deeply about.
Remembering Jermaine Jackson
January 10, 1981Â – July 12, 2024
How many years has this person served youth?
- Over 18 years
Hero’s Agency/Organization Name
- Mercer County
Tell us a little about this hero.
For over 18 years, Jermaine was a pillar of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County, serving in roles such as Site Coordinator, Gym Lead, Basketball Coach, and Teen Director. Known by everyone, Jermaine was more than an employee—he was a mentor, a role model, and a friend to countless youth and staff.
Jermaine brought a big heart, joy, laughter, and compassion to every interaction. He was always thinking of ways to uplift those around him, and his presence lit up every room. His legacy of kindness, mentorship, and love for his community will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Jermaine will be profoundly missed and always remembered.
Remembering Barbara Neely
March 12, 1949Â – December 7, 2022
How many years has this person served youth?
- Over 15 years
Hero’s Agency/Organization Name
- Mercer County
Tell us a little about this hero.
Ms. Barbara was a cherished member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County for over 15 years, known for her dedication to teaching and her unwavering passion for working with youth. Her cooking classes were a highlight for so many, as she shared her love for the kitchen while teaching valuable life skills and building confidence in her students. She participated in the annual Club Chef Challenge every year with joy and enthusiasm, inspiring countless young chefs. In her honor, the Club Chef Challenge award has been renamed the Barbara Neely Spoon Award, a tribute to her legacy and love for teaching.
Ms. Barbara’s influence was felt by everyone who knew her—youth, families, and staff alike. She had a gift for connecting with people and encouraging them to see their full potential. Through her kindness, wisdom, and genuine love for her work, she touched countless lives, leaving a legacy that will forever be a part of the Boys & Girls Clubs community. She will be deeply missed but always remembered.
Remembering Dr. Selma Goore
May 4, 1931 – June 12, 2020
Remembering Dr. Elnardo Webster Sr.
March 6, 1948 – March 22, 2022
Remembering Jacqueline Green
How many years has this person served youth?
- 10 years
Hero’s Agency/Organization Name
- Middlesex Borough BOE
Tell us a little about this hero.
Jackie worked as a Supervisor at Middlesex Community School Aftercare at Hazelwood Elementary School with special needs children. She always placed the needs of others above herself no matter who they were. She selflessly embraced what was important to those around her; and would do anything to put a smile on someone’s face while challenging them to be better people themselves. She loved the children she worked with in the program and championed every success and milestone they achieved- and there were many!
Heaven gained an angel, with Jackie’s passing; and she will be dearly missed. My staff and I, along with all those Jackie touched, are all better people for having known her. Her presence is still felt; and I know for certain that Jackie is smiling down upon the children she loved so much!
Remembering Bobbie Cross
How many years has this person served youth?
- 22 years
Hero’s Agency/Organization Name
- Just Kids at Pennsville School District
Tell us a little about this hero.
It is with extreme sadness that we share the passing of Bobbie Cross which occurred on December 28th 2020. Miss Bobbie fought a hard battle with COVID-19 complicated by rheumatoid arthritis. She was the face of Just Kids in Pennsville for the last 22 years as Supervisor. Over this time, she gave all she had to meeting the needs of the children in her care. Just Kids could not have asked for a more dedicated, caring, and loyal team member. Miss Bobbie loved to play games, play outside, and was genuinely interested in her students. She had personal relationships with many of us, reaching out with a funny text or a photo to make us smile. She always helped out when needed in another district, went out of her way to support her assistants, and was relied upon to be used as an example in staff training (even though she hated the attention)! Her program received the highest parent satisfaction for many years. She hated this recognition too!
Families throughout Pennsville valued the care and dedication she expressed not only through Just Kids but through all her interactions in the community. She was always humble in her giving and generosity toward others. She loved hearing her name, “Miss Bobbie” being shouted out in greeting wherever she was. Bobbie continued to go to many school and community events just to see her Just Kids students perform.
Just Kids and the Pennsville School communities will sorely miss Bobbie! We have sent our deepest condolences to her grieving husband, David and son, Brandon. Please pray for them in their time of grief. We will forward any additional information regarding services or donations as we get it.
We know that this is now another emotional loss for many of you for various reasons. Please know that all indications are that Bobbie got COVID from outside of work. Archway offers free counseling services through Carebridge, if you need to just talk with someone. For questions or concerns, you may reach out to Lorin Powell of Just Kids at: 856-905-2058