I interviewed GRYC (Greater Ridgewood Youth Council) I heard about it from a friend of mine that introduced a job opportunity to me. GRYC is a after school program that gives the students support on school work and fun activities for them to try out or engage in. Some of the activities that the kids love are sports, recreation, art, Stem, and cooking. These activities are some basic activities that run through every school that works under GRYC. One of the questions I asked one of the directors that run GRYC is What types of people seem to do well in this department/organization? Her reply was and I quote “Highly motivated people do very well in the the GRYC. It is a fast paced work environment. Individuals who have a passion to change the world also do well. The GRYC is a serviced based organization and there are opportunities and expectations that staff give back to the community.” When Giving back to the community they would provide trips for the kids and for the sports kids they would have sport tournaments or clinics where it may not be a school day but some holidays that are given to us we give to the kids and open the gym for them. Letting them play multiple types of gym activities from basketball, soccer, European handball and football.
The strengths of GRYC is and I quote “ Passion, giving back, treating each employee as an individual and the family feeling environment of the agency as a whole.” All together this program is a great experience to be around with and be a part of.

Questions and additional answers:

1-How would you describe the culture here?
The culture at the GRYC is inclusive and welcoming. Employees feel safe, welcome and known. The Board of the Directors and Senior staff work to create a positive culture that embraces diversity.

2-What types of people seem to do well in this department/organization?
Highly motivated people do very well in the the GRYC. It is a fast paced work environment. Individuals who have a passion to change the world also do well. The GRYC is a serviced based organization and there are opportunities and expectations that staff give back to the community.

3-What opportunities exist for advancement?
There are many opportunities for advancement. Many GRYC Directors began on the group leader level and worked their way up the ladder.

4-What are the opportunities you see for this department in the next year?
There are group leader and instructor opportunities always available as well as opportunities to make a difference in the community.

5-What are the greatest strengths of this organization?
Passion, giving back, treating each employee as an individual and the family feeling environment of the agency as a whole.

6-What would you change about this organization if you could?
I would love to have more funding opportunities.

steven Iglesias