Boys and Girls Club of Newark: Elevating Voices to Improve the Workplace

The Boys and Girls Club of Newark, a pillar of hope and opportunity for Newark youth, recently partnered with Amazing Workplace to better understand how their employees are feeling, what’s working, and what can be improved. The aim: strengthen communication, streamline operations, and create a more consistent and supportive environment for staff—ultimately improving outcomes for the children and families they serve.

Mission-Driven Work, People-Centered Focus

Their mission is rooted in a simple yet profound idea: to enable all young people, especially those who need support most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible individuals. In a city where many children face life challenges, limited access to quality care, and daily uncertainty, the Boys and Girls Club of Newark provides a critical safe haven—offering structure, support, and a path to a brighter future.

Strong Results—and a Clear Roadmap for Growth

In their recent happiness survey, participation was strong (65%) and the feedback was promising:

• 77% of employees reported feeling happy at work.
• 96% said they feel satisfied in their role.
• None reported feeling unhappy.
• 100% said they liked having a conversation about their happiness.

The top drivers of employee happiness were clear: Safety, Meaning, Belonging, and Enjoyment.

The Amazing Workplace tool is simple to use and backed by outstanding customer service from an exceptional team. Its value is unmatched—providing a transparent way to communicate, amplifying our team’s voice, and strengthening our culture of safety and inclusion.

Catherine J. Plymel, MPA
Chief Operating Officer

Building on Momentum

Recognizing the importance of this feedback, the Boys and Girls Club of Newark is focusing efforts on three key challenges:

• Creating more pathways for effective communication across the organization.
• Clarifying of expectations for leaders.
• Giving everyone a weekly touchpoint through an improved reporting system.

Their work has not gone unnoticed—they’ve earned the Certified Amazing Workplace designation.

With a clear purpose, strong employee engagement, and a commitment to happiness and continuous improvement, the Boys and Girls Club of Newark is proving that when you invest in your people, you multiply your impact.