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3 nominations from readers

• It was at the age of 15 when I had felt the most suicidal. I had been thrown out of school, turned to drugs and alcohol, could not function sociably, been in trouble with the police and was on the urge of being kicked out of home. People had given up on me and had most of the time been described as, "uncontrollable" or "frustrating" and "hopeless". Suffering strong depression, I had become a lonely, confused and angry boy, close to the lowest of the lowest. One day I get a call from someone called Ari Leaman, head of "The Boys Clubhouse" (an organisation helping young Jewish teenagers) saying he wants meet with me. I had nothing to loose, so without knowing what I was walking in to, I went. Little did I know, that day had saved my life. Ever since, he has welcomed me in to The Boys Clubhouse. Ari arranges lots of different programs most days and nights, he can find us education, employment, warm caring people to talk to, shelter and whatever difficulties we find ourselves in, Ari will just smile and say "leave it to me". He never makes anyone feel bad and always is very approachable. Ari has created one big family, all in which we are close brothers. He always finds time for everyone and squeezes every second out of the day. Ari Leaman didn’t just saved my life, he saved all of ours. I now have a future.

  15 September 2009

• TBC deserves to win the award because

  - Without TBC many of these teens would probably end up living a life of criminality. Through the work of TBC hundreds of troubled teenagers have gone on to become law-abiding citizens.

  - TBC has a mode of operation that is unparalleled. It has a most dedicated staff team that in the event of crises is always available 24/7. Members of staff routinely go over and above the call of duty. Potential staff members are only taken on if they really believe in the importance of the task.

  - Its work is hugely beneficial to everyone. The boys have a comfortable and non judgmental environment where they can express their innermost feelings. The families have somewhere to turn to when things get tough. And the whole community gains – no-one likes seeing ‘hoodies’ loitering on street corners.

  - Its success is immeasurable since the results are felt for many years after – clients have gone on to lead successful lives setting up their own families and businesses.

  - TBC re-invests its successes back into the system – TBC’s best mentors are those that actually came through its doors a few years earlier as troubled teens themselves and have now settled. Their personal experiences coupled with training gives them ideal insight and the boys are inevitably drawn to them. This also reduces the cost as almost all of them are happy to volunteer their time since they feel indebted to TBC.

  - TBC is extremely cost effective. It takes boys who could end up living a life on benefits or perhaps even in prison and therefore potentially a drain on the taxpayer and turns them into valuable members of society who contribute to the governments tax revenues.

  Nominated by Yitzchok Chissick, 21 September 2009

• As the clinical consultant to The Boys Clubhouse (TBC)- a programme working with adolescents at risk in North West London, I have experienced first hand the life enhancing effects of this organisation in the lives of its adolescent service users. Ari Leaman and the rest of the staff at TBC view their users as active demanding people rather than passive recipients of welfare services, this means that they find themselves challenged to generate appropriate and timely responses to the demands that are placed on them by the service users. In so doing they have created a dynamic organistion that is already having a significant impact on the adolescents at-risk in this community despite the limitations of TBC's size and its severe budgetary constraints. TBC allying itself with the strengths of all the individuals it serves has revolutionised the lives of so many boys and has allowed even the most cynical amongst them to believe that they are viewed with unconditional positive regard for themselves as people which, in itself encourages them to strive to develop that positive side of themselves and to start the process of jettisoning some of the destructive behaviours that have brought too many to the brink of danger or ruination at so early an age. Winning this award would elevate the profile of TBC and provide it with the expert recognition that it needs in order to realise the social responsibility towards the adolescents in this community that so strongly motivates Ari Leaman and TBC as an organisation. The vision of providing at-risk, disenchanted and disenfranchised young people with a new lease on life is a noble vision indeed. To realise this vision would be to allow the young people to take up their rightful places in helping steer the next generation to a more constructive and optimistic future - providing a very real opportunity for social renewal.

  Nominated by Jonathan Dove, 29 September 2009

34 comments from readers

• This sounds like a fantastic program, just what today's society needs. This is the first time I have heard of this orginisation but so far I know we need more Ari Leaman's in the world. I hope this entry wins!

  Submitted by Eli Marshalls, 18 September 2009

• Fantastic he is helping out teenagers. They all need a guide/mentor, if only we had more of this guy.

  Submitted by John Tiskun, 18 September 2009

• As someone who sees daily the impact that the Boys Clubhouse has had on boy's lives over the last few years, i can honestly say that this is a one of a kind organisation. Over 100 boys lives have been changed for the better through the amazing staff at the boys clubhouse. It takes a special type of person to become part of the close knit team that work with these 'teens at risk' as this is not a regular 9-5 job - this is a life. To be at the other end of the phone or ready to go out at any time of the day or night for one of the boys or their parents if there is a crisis. Each boy is treated individually according to what he needs. Some just need guidance to find the right job or education, some need saving from jail, drug/alcohol abuse, crime and some need bringing back from the edge of suicide with something positive to live for and Thank G-d they are amazing at what they do and have saved many lives. They are saving the next generation!

  Submitted by Ruthy Spielman, 22 September 2009

• The boys clubhouse builds life long relationships between mentors/keyworkers and thier clients. The need for a culturaly sensitive organisation in the community is vital in the community these boys come from.

  The clubhouse is not just assisting clients themselves but enabling thier clients to access services from the wider community intergrating them into mainstream society.

  The clubhouse teaches the boys to thrive and not just to keep surviving, to learn knew skills that will stay them for the rest of their lives, and to be self sufficiant and stand on thier own two feet.

  Submitted by dov rabinowitz, 22 September 2009

• As someone who didn't have the easiest teenage years, and who partook on illegal activities several years ago, I take solace in the fact that TBC is actively helping the young members of my community.As a mature adult, I feel privileged to be a volunteer of TBC. It is indeed a unique experience to witness the daily unending positivity and patience of Ari Leaman, the work he undertakes and the daily battles that he engages in would crush the spirit of a normal person. He is a one in a billion person without whome many many young unfortunates would not have a chance of a normal existance. It is an honour, a privilege and a lifetime learning experience to work so closely with him.

  Submitted by Achmed, 22 September 2009

• As someone who didn't have the easiest teenage years, and who partook on illegal activities several years ago, I take solace in the fact that TBC is actively helping the young members of my community.As a mature adult, I feel privileged to be a volunteer of TBC. It is indeed a unique experience to witness the daily unending positivity and patience of Ari Leaman, the work he undertakes and the daily battles that he engages in would crush the spirit of a normal person. He is a one in a billion person without whome many many young unfortunates would not have a chance of a normal existance. It is an honour, a privilege and a lifetime learning experience to work so closely with him.

  Submitted by Achmed, 22 September 2009

• As someone who used to work for the Clubhouse, i know firsthand what amazing work they do. I have seen them really turn troubled teens around to become fully fledged members of the community. The Clubhouse surely deserves this award.

  Submitted by Steven Kahn, 22 September 2009

• The Clubhouse saved our son's life. Without the intervention of Ari Leaman and the team at The Boys Clubhouse we have no doubt that our son would have been found dead in a gutter one night. They reached out to him when no-one else could connect with him. They never gave up even when the going got very tough. Today he has turned his life around, is settled and content and now able to help others in need. They not only helped our son back from the brink, they made him feel valued as a human being, and gave him back his self esteem. They went even further and provided him with the opportunity to study and he now has a qualification and starts a new job next week.

  The Boys Clubhouse is professional in its approach, it has links with a wide range of agencies that few, if any, organisations of this type can provide. Its mentors and professional team will go beyond their remit to help and support their clients. We have nothing but praise for Ari Leaman and The Boys Clubhouse and believe that they deserve to be nominated for this award.

  Submitted by Imma Anna, 23 September 2009

• The boys clubhouse goes where others in the community fear to tread.

  It tackles issues that are often not spoken about loudly in the community head on.

  It does a hard job that especially nowadays is really required and does it without fuss.

  With young men feeling useless, empty and with nothing better to do than be a menace to society, the boys clubhouse gives them a future, it truly is the light at the end of the tunnel for many many young people in our community.

  I speak from personal experiance.

  To help TBC is to truly help the community and literaly save these young mens lives.

  It should be commended and awarded for all its hard work and efforts that are put in by its incredible staff, ably led by Ari Leaman.

  Submitted by Plony Almony, 23 September 2009

• How many people do you know who always have time to give ,advice, help or just to chat ,,for those of u who know Mr Ari hes a certain kind of thing! 24 7 care.

  I have joined in many clubhouse programs and trips, the way he runs the organisation is unique, so far he has had 100percent success i wish him all the best! i hope i will be able to support this organisation one day truly worthwhile! kol tuv

  Submitted by uri lev, 23 September 2009

• The Boys' Clubhouse is a lifesaver. It picks up teenagers who can no longer live with their families from locations where they are at risk and with patience and a non judgmental attitude become their 'listening ear', providing them with mentors and activities to re awaken their interest in the real world. It deturns boys away from the lure of crime, drugs, alcohol and depression and gives them a reason to transform their lives. It gives challenged teenagers and the families who have given up on them renewed hope.Society owes a huge debt to the Boys' Clubhouse to whom no boy is ever a lost cause.

  Submitted by Dina Rosell, 23 September 2009

• TBC is alot of things to alot of people. To me, it will always be a safe haven where i can go and speak to honest, caring and sympathetic people for hours on end. Being in a position now where i am both fully independent and have dealt with all the hardships that were once an obstruction to any future plans, i still very much value what TBC has done for me, and for what they continue to do for kids that are in similar positions to that which i found myself in throughout my teenage years.

  TBC continues to reach out to teens from all family types. They have a more than skilled army of counsellors, that very readily adapt to any challenge they are faced with.

  I am now living away from TBC, yet still maintain close relationships with many of the counsellors and some of my peers from 'back in the day'. I am still blown away with the care and devotion that they show to both their new and existing teens, that i regularly hear about.

  Personally, i cannot wait till i am in a position where i will be able to give back to TBC. Bias aside, i cannot think of a better charity, one where the funds are really allocated correctly.

  I am and will always be proud to say that i was part of TBC.

  Sincerely,

  Eli

  Submitted by Eli Hanovitch, 23 September 2009

• hi all!!

  i was at a point in my life when nothing was going right and i was going down and down,i met nooki chisik one night and started speaking, and after we got friendly and talked,and he helped me out,since then my life changed around.he helped me sort out my life and witch direction in life to take,if i would not have met nooki and spoke to him i probably would have been on the streets right now.if not for clubhouse i will not be hear were i am for now!! thank you!

  Submitted by annonymous!!!!, 23 September 2009

• There are unfortunately plenty of boys around who do not feel so good about themselves, for whatever reason. As a result they turn to whatever they can find out there, however harmful, to try and fill that gap in their lives. This is where Ari and the Clubhouse step in, welcoming, accepting and non-judgmental. They give the boys a sense of self-worth and help them to realise their own value.They are literally saving the lives of these kids and their families.

  Submitted by A Mother, 23 September 2009

• I finally feel that our son is coming back to us. He's had a tough two years. Ari Leahman's dedication is just phenominal. How many desperate phone calls have I made to him - just too many to count. How many texts have I sent to him - hundreds, and each one answered. My family and I are so grateful to TBC, words cannot express how truly grateful we are. It's wonderful to know that our son has someone to talk to and share his frustrations with - at any time of day or night. Thank you is just not enough. Not that I wish anyone to go through what we as a family have experienced over the past two years, but TBC is the only place that the whole family will get help individually.

  Submitted by Beverley Barrell, 23 September 2009

• We will all never understand what the name ari leaman and dov rabinovitz is !!! they take boys who have given up on life and themselfs, ppl who dont belive there could be a future ahead of them. and then they meet ari or dov...... from 2 to 4 years later whether religous or not there are normal humans who have respect and have a solid job they have stoped taking drugs and are a pleasure to be with.

  then he is back in with the family, ppl look and talk to him again and even when most of these boys get upset they dont turn to drugs or alcohol or vilionce, instead they have control and explain to the other that what he just said or did is not nice and they deal with it in a civilised manner. the clubhouse members make u feel like ur backbone they are suporting us from falling obviously they train us to help ourselfs but on the whole if i win a lottery or make money in buiesness i would love to be able to give money so they can help others and get them there life back like they have done to be. ppl stand back and listen when we hear the name ari leaman or dov rabinovitz and i would like to thank them on behalf of the entire community for the unbelivable miricles they have made happen THANK YOU may you carry on doing what you doing and you should get all the help you need !!!! ben

  Submitted by Ben Luftig, 24 September 2009

• Hi

  Many young lives are ruined through circumstances beyond their control, often pushing teenagers to despair from society and sometimes ultimately life itself. TBC is a saviour for these boys. It gives them a second chance to rebuild their lives. “No boy is problem, only a challenge” was the introductory words I got from one of the leaders about TBC. This positive approach is what has helped boys addicted to alcohol or drugs, victims of abuse or family break ups, gain the confidence to restart and rebuild their lives.

  Having been involved for a number of years, I can testify to the wonderful work done and the amazing successes achieved. Watching boys turn their lives around as they rise from their own personal abyss to the greatest heights is an amazing process which words can not describe. Thank you TBC for giving me the privilege of being involved and of seeing the amazing results. The lessons in courage and determination I have learnt from these boys will stay with me forever.

  Keep up the good work Ari, you are a life saver and community builder.

  Submitted by Samuel Heckscher, 24 September 2009

• Seeing the generous amount of comments and support that fills this page is not only not surprising but also heart warming! I myself only a matter of years ago was a victim of the streets, having left the schooling system and then failing to maintain a daily work routine I found myself involved in activities that, looking back now, are embarrassing and shameful. Having been rejected by society I had nowhere to turn and could barely face the coming day, let alone my future.

  I can still remember the great joy that I felt during my first week with "The Boys Clubhouse". Feelings of acceptance and encouragement with no judgment from the team as a whole fueled me to go back to my studies and slowly reintegrate with society.

  After years of delicate care and help from the clubhouse staff, I am now happily married with a beautiful daughter and training to become a Rabbi and teacher!

  My life’s goal is to give back to TBC as much as I can, but obviously as the numbers climb and financial support drops this task only becomes harder.

  Every bit of possible support to TBC receives is treasured and put to immediate use, saving yet another soul.

  Many thanks to TBC for giving myself and the world a better future!

  Submitted by C. Moore, 24 September 2009

• I personally know over 20 people that have been rehabilitated by the work of the Clubhouse. The work they do is unbelievable and all the work that Ari Leaman puts is really has a profound impact on the boys in the Clubhouse. This chartitys great work has to continue.

  Submitted by David Fiansbelt, 24 September 2009

• I personally know over 20 people that have been rehabilitated by the work of the Clubhouse. The work they do is unbelievable and all the work that Ari Leaman puts is really has a profound impact on the boys in the Clubhouse. This chartitys great work has to continue.

  Submitted by David Fiansbelt, 24 September 2009

• What an organisation. The dedication and devotion of the clubhouse is an inspiration both to the local community and the wider one. The work it does is lifesaving, helping those in need, to get their lives sorted.

  May they continue to flourish, and serve all those who need them.

  Submitted by Yoni Golker, 24 September 2009

• To stop someone from killing themselves is a very special thing to do even if they may try again in the future, but to stop them and then give them the emotional tools and practical life skills so that they love life and become givers to society and not takers. That is truly an amazing achievement and that is what the boy’s clubhouse does 24/7, saving lives both emotionally physically.

  Submitted by Shloime Bakst, 24 September 2009

• The truth is that all the above comments are honest and unexaggerated but most people don’t know that they only touch the surface as to what the clubhouse really achieves, not only does TBC stop the boys from slowly destroying themselves, once the boys are on their own two feet it then has the knock on effect that these boys have on the rest of society and the people that they come into contact with on a daily basis, take myself for example....

  From when i was 14 years old i was a real degenerate in society, i loved to cause trouble, do drugs, do damage to public and private property and i thought i could do what i pleased with no consequence, but one day when i finally woke up and smelled the coffee it was too late and the damage i had done to my body, mind and society was too much and i knew i was doomed to fail in life, or so i thought.....

  I started looking for help and it never came up until the day i was introduced to a couple members of TBC and slowly with the care only parents could provide the TBC team brought me to the path that i am now on which is counselling people who are in the same situation that i was in.

  After i had begun settling down and wanted to repay one of the organisers of the program i asked him how i could repay him for saving my life and the answer he gave me will stay in my mind forever and even changed my course in life, he said "if you ever see or find another person in the position you were in, you should take him under your wing and help bring him back the same way we did for you" and from that day on i made it my goal to help as many struggling teenagers as i possibly can and so far i have managed to help bring back quite a few boys that were in the same position as me to regular functioning boys in society and please g-d the numbers will only grow.....

  Think about it though- it only takes one Dov, Ari, Nooki, Shlomie, Moishy person that works nonstop 24/7 to save my life and hundreds of others and because of him let`s say i save ten, and let’s say each of those ten save ten each before you know it in (excluding the families each of these saved people are now going to raise and know how to bring up in the right way) Thousands of people are being helped and saved in the future all because of the single person that took the time and effort to help someone else out of the goodness of their hearts and at no cost!!!!!! Please don’t even ask me why the TBC should win the nomination, i think its a stupid question........

  Submitted by Z.N.S, 25 September 2009

• Where many see grey and black, the clubhouse sees an unpolished diamond. To TBC all these boys have potential, all they need is help.

  Many airlines and hotels will advertise a "Home away from Home," to many troubled youths TBC is their home.

  Giving them time and creating a "home" for these boys is only the first steps on a long windy road.

  I went through a similar cycle, in my early teens I attempted suicide, and that is where clubhouse entered my life.

  I got the understanding I needed, I finally felt I belonged somewhere, I felt I had potential and ultimately had purpose in my life.

  TBC gave me access to therapists and councillors helping to get my life back on track, and when I was ready, moved on to further my education.

  The support and motivation I received has created a bond never to be broken and has given me life long friends.

  Now as a chartered accountant in a successful firm I look back and can’t thank them enough for giving me a life.

  May the organisation only grow and continue to pull result after result like it has done in the past.

  Submitted by Thankfull, 25 September 2009

• since helping out voluntarily in israel studying with some of these boys and seeing the changes in them over the years is absolutely incredible. they deserve to be the winners to recive the prize fitting for them to help them continue the amazing work for these teens. when you see a boy every single week and cant hold a normal conversation with you because he is on cloud nine! and then you see him now as a regular functioning human being, respectful, responsible and mature it makes you feel for them - the clubhouse can not and will not cease to exist!!

  Submitted by Eliyahu (lollu) Hibbert, 26 September 2009

• i just want to add my suport in the program i my self have benifited from it am understand what a fantastinc program it its thanks a mill!!!

  Submitted by greatful, 27 September 2009

• My name is Jonny Eisenberg and well you could say I am a successes story from the club house. I really don’t know where or how to start, there is honestly too much to say so ill keep it short as possible. the only way i could describe Ari, is as the rock and foundation of the club house with out him, i don’t even want to image.

  I have been involved with the club house for nearly 9 years, thank g-d Ari was there when he was, I’ve had one on one discussions with him to deal with situations, he is very good with listen to you and understanding where you’re coming from, he also was good at solving situations to your problems... I can honestly say I have learnt so much from Ari in my life that i apply it in my every day life to this day. I owe all my success to Ari and the club house, I did not even believe an organisation like this could exist, I now also am still involved with the club house but as a guide and help for the young children to try and help them and give back what Ari Leaman told and showed me too them

  WHAT an amazing guy and organisation thank you for everything.....

  Submitted by Jonny eisenberg, 29 September 2009

• Working for the clubhouse is a privilege and an honour and seeing Ari's dedication and commitment is a true inspiration. When I see kids who were slipping away from mainstream society and then begin to rehabilitate and galvanise themselves I know TBC must be actively involved. Just the other day one of the boys remarked to me that if not for Ari who knows whether he would be living today. TBC is giving hope and happiness to teens within our community, allowing many them to taste the joys of life for the first time. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this heroic organisation.

  Submitted by Yaakov Barr, 30 September 2009

• Working for the clubhouse is a privilege and an honour and seeing Ari's dedication and commitment is a true inspiration. When I see kids who were slipping away from mainstream society and then begin to rehabilitate and galvanise themselves I know TBC must be actively involved. Just the other day one of the boys remarked to me that if not for Ari who knows whether he would be living today. TBC is giving hope and happiness to teens within our community, allowing many them to taste the joys of life for the first time. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this heroic organisation.

  Submitted by Yaakov Barr, 30 September 2009

• Working for the clubhouse is a privilege and an honour and seeing Ari's dedication and commitment is a true inspiration. When I see kids who were slipping away from mainstream society and then begin to rehabilitate and galvanise themselves I know TBC must be actively involved. Just the other day one of the boys remarked to me that if not for Ari who knows whether he would be living today. TBC is giving hope and happiness to teens within our community, allowing many them to taste the joys of life for the first time. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this heroic organisation.

  Submitted by Yaakov Barr, 30 September 2009

• I am a boy that has been associated with the club house for nearly three years, when ever i needed help with anything at all nookie or ari was there for me.

  Not only that but the people that work with and for the club house know and understand all the boys that are involved and will constantly be by their side with helpful, financial and moral support whenever and wherever.

  It is a truly fantastic and special organization that they run, and the fact that they run it with such love care and commitment makes it that much more so. Even in these tough ecenomical times they strive to help young boys who really need it.

  Submitted by Club House Boy, 30 September 2009

• TBC is a truly unique organisation. It is built upon the principle that if you invest enough compassion, time and care into any individual, regardless of their current emotional and physical state, they will, in time, build upon that to become fully functioning and contributing members of society. To list the variety of services they provide would take all day, since they truly cater to each individuals needs.

  In order to judge any organisation's success you only need to examine its track-record. TBC has successfully helped several individuals, many of whom I know personally, to become valuable members of society. I myself would not be where I am today (studying English at Leeds University) if it were not for the constant encouragement and support of TBC.

  It only remains for me to say thank you once again to this wonderful organisation, never has there been a more worthy nominee for this award.

  "One can pay back the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind"

  02 October 2009

• TBC is a truly unique organisation. It is built upon the principle that if you invest enough compassion, time and care into any individual, regardless of their current emotional and physical state, they will, in time, build upon that to become fully functioning and contributing members of society. To list the variety of services they provide would take all day, since they truly cater to each individuals needs.

  In order to judge any organisation's success you only need to examine its track-record. TBC has successfully helped several individuals, many of whom I know personally, to become valuable members of society. I myself would not be where I am today (studying English at Leeds University) if it were not for the constant encouragement and support of TBC.

  It only remains for me to say thank you once again to this wonderful organisation, never has there been a more worthy nominee for this award.

  "One can pay back the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind"

  02 October 2009

• Ari said to me recently that usually by the time these boys arrive at his door everyone else has given up on them and generally that's because they have let everyone else down and disappointed them. The secret of TBC is that they will never be let down and will never give up. They will always be there supporting, helping and encouraging these young adults and teenagers until finally they are ready to be helped. TBC then has the experience, access and ability to then help them rebuild and turn their lives around.

  It is only through total dedication and real love for humanity that this is possible and TBC has this in abundance.

  Submitted by Paul, 19 October 2009