Guys Lounge BBQ

As the 2022-23 Madraigos Guys Lounge season came to an end, weekly participants enjoyed a BBQ and Pool Party at the home of a dedicated Madraigos friend. The evening was a celebration of a successful year at the Lounge and the multi-level growth that was demonstrated among participants.

Mr. Meyer Appel, who graciously opened his beautiful home in Woodmere for this endof-year get-together, was eager to enhance The Lounge program and uplift its participants with a special night out. Showing off their culinary talents, the guys became BBQ chefs for the evening and thoroughly enjoyed their own fare. Games, great prizes, and music fleshed out the picture for the evening.

Commented Mr. Appel, “Madraigos is a holy institution. Giving support to our young will bring a stronger community. As a community, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety and success of the next generation.”

One participant remarked, “We had a blast! It was the best night of the year!”

The Guys Lounge provides weekly fun, great food, and most importantly, a place to engage in valuable discussions with professionally trained social work staff. Oneon-one conversations as well as group discussions on relevant timely topics are thought-provoking and empowering. The goal is to highlight the strengths of participants and allow their opinion to be heard and received. Through the genuine interest shown to each and every participant, guys feel they have someone who they can approach on anything from daily struggles to major crises. These relationships have a profound effect on the participants, giving them confidence and belief in themselves. Local youth know they have a place where they can relax, feel appreciated and secure, and grow at the same time.

As one participant described it, “The Lounge is a safe and accepting place. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without it.”

Madraigos runs a similar program for girls on different nights called Girls Ignight. Each program has a different demographic with a unique focus that meets the specific needs of the participants.

Madraigos is looking forward to the guys returning to The Lounge next year and welcoming many new participants for the 202324 season. For more information about The Guys Lounge, please contact Avromi Meyer, Guys Lounge Coordinator, at ameyer@ madraigos.org. To learn more about all of Madraigos’ programs and services, visit www.madraigos.org