We are honored to be named a recipient of the Champions in Action award from Citizens, recognizing our trauma-informed approach to youth development and wellness. Along with this distinction comes a $50,000 grant to further our work in supporting the mental, emotional, and social well-being of our members. Citizens’ Champions in Action program celebrates and supports local nonprofits who are creating lasting change in the communities they serve. Thank you, Citizens, for championing our mission!
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RED BANK, NJ: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County (BGCM) has been recognized as a 2025 Citizens’ Champion in Action® for its efforts to improve mental health and well-being in the community.
The nonprofit organization, which provides children in challenging circumstances with a safe environment, mentorship, and life-enhancing programs, will receive $50,000 in unrestricted funding, along with promotional and volunteer support to advance its mission.
Citizens Bank announced the award as part of its Champions in Action program, which highlights organizations making a lasting impact in their communities. Rebecca O’Connell, Citizens Tri State Metro President, praised BGCM’s dedication to expanding mental health services, stating, “At Citizens, we recognize that mental health and well-being are fundamental to the success and resilience of our workforce and communities. We’re thrilled to recognize the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County as one of our nine 2025 Champions in Action and support their efforts to expand access to mental health services and help create a brighter future for our community.”
Supporting Mental Health Through Innovative Approaches
BGCM has embraced a trauma-informed approach, incorporating the Positive Deviance strategy to address challenges within their programs. This method identifies individuals who have developed successful solutions to problems using the same resources available to others. By learning from these “positive deviants,” BGCM aims to spread effective practices throughout the organization and its community.
The funding from Citizens’ award will be directed toward family-based initiatives, including mindfulness events and workshops. These programs are designed to raise awareness about the mental health resources available to families and to foster a culture of resilience and well-being.
“We are deeply honored to receive the Champions in Action award from Citizens,” said Douglas Eagles, CEO of BGCM. “This $50,000 grant will allow us to build long-term, sustainable programs that focus on preventing and mitigating trauma, helping to create a healthier, happier generation. We thank Citizens for their commitment to supporting youth development and look forward to the lasting impact this partnership will have on our community.”
The Champions in Action Program
Since its inception 23 years ago, the Champions in Action program has awarded more than $11 million in unrestricted grants and promotional and volunteer support to over 400 nonprofits. Each year, Citizens selects one organization in each of its nine major markets to receive funding and support in alignment with the bank’s Sustainability and Impact focus areas: Driving Positive Climate Impact, Building the Workforce of the Future, and Fostering Strong Communities.
BGCM’s selection marks the fourth New Jersey nonprofit to receive this prestigious honor, with a combined total of $185,000 awarded to organizations in the state.
For more information about the Champions in Action program, visit Champions in Action | Be Inspired | Citizens. To learn more about Citizens’ Sustainability and Impact strategy, visit Sustainability and Impact.
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