Ron Rock is the executive director of the East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club (ESBGC). He has worked for many years as a community development organizer, social worker, family counsellor and a young offender court placement worker.
“The youth in this community has a lot of potential and we try to provide them with a place to nurture that potential,” said Rock.
The ESBGC, located at 100 Galloway Rd. provides services for young people from birth to the age of 24 with access to affordable recreational and educational services. The goal is to help them become responsible, compassionate and capable individuals in the community.
“The work that Ron and the rest of his team is doing here is invaluable to providing a bright future for the youth of Scarborough,” said Toronto Mayor David Miller at a press conference announcing the expansion of the facility to 8,500 square feet.
Rock worked with the local government for 13 years as coordinator community and race relations for the City of Scarborough as well as an access and equity consultant at Toronto city hall. He is a longtime volunteer with the United Way of Greater Toronto and Malvern Family Resource Centre.
Rock also is credited for the building of a youth centre at Scarborough Town Centre.
Phillip, a childhood friend of Rock, says he has always been active in his community and enjoyed working with youth.
“Even as young man in Montreal, you could find Ron at almost every community event helping out in one way or another,” said Phillip.
Rock has received numerous community awards, including: Award of Excellence for Community Building, Youth Impact Award, Harry Jerome Award and the Canadian Black Achievers Awards just to name a few.