Tom Roberts honored for service to youth

For the past decade, Tom Roberts has devoted at least 40 hours a week to serving all age groups in Valley Stream. As the village’s recreation director, he coordinates programs for children, teenagers, adults and seniors.

But beyond his work hours, Roberts also volunteers his time with the Valley Stream Youth Board, a group that serves the community’s teens. Roberts was named the 2011 Youth Advocate of the Year and presented with his award on Oct. 30 at Lord and Taylor in Garden City. A shopping fundraiser followed to raise money for youth activities.

Roberts didn’t know he was going to be this year’s honoree. “If Tom knew he was being honored tonight, he wouldn’t have shown up,” said Ken Heino, president of the youth board.

“I really would not have come, trust me,” Roberts said. “Do I do it for the recognition? Of course not. None of us do.”

Roberts was on the board when it broke away from Gateway Youth Outreach, based in Elmont, to form the Valley Stream Youth Council. He said that this was done to focus specifically on Valley Stream’s youth and their needs.

The biggest challenge over the years, Roberts said, has been dwindling financial support. The Youth Council used to receive about $14,000 a year from the state, but next year the organization is slated to receive only $5,800. And that is after threats of the funding being cut entirely, he said.

But his desire to help the community’s youth is what keeps him going despite the challenges. Roberts said that is true of all his fellow volunteer youth board members, as well. “I like working with the kids,” Roberts said.

As the recreation director, a position he has held for the past eight years after nearly three years as assistant director, he employees many of Valley Stream teens. His department hires workers for the various recreation programs, summer camp, the pool, parks and miniature golf course. Teens can work for the Recreation Department when they turn 16.