Patrick Boyle

Executive Director
Gateway Youth Outreach Inc.

Growing up in the Bronx, Patrick Boyle had no idea where his life would lead him, but what he learned from his childhood motivates him every day. Boyle, or "Pat," as he is known throughout the Elmont community, has been changing the lives of less privileged youngsters for 37 years: 16 in the Bronx and 21 in Elmont.

As executive director of Gateway Youth Outreach Inc. (GYO), Boyle has worked tirelessly to expand Elmont UFSD's after-school services from just 20 children meeting three times per week to a whopping 800 youngsters who meet after school each day for homework assistance and socialization skills development.

But Boyle is not stopping there. Constant expansion of services and collaboration with the school districts is considered the hallmark of GYO's contribution to the Elmont community. Boyle makes that happen by working with community leaders and elected officials on both financial and public relations levels. Four schools in Elmont are now being served with an eye toward expanding into other schools as the need dictates.

Under Boyle's direction, GYO has expanded its services in many ways. The agency's counseling services regularly accept referrals from schools, Child Protective Services and other social services agencies, police departments, constituent services of elected officials, governmental agencies, and a host of others. Youngsters up to age 21 and their families receive free counseling from social workers and clinicians under programs designed and supervised by Boyle.

In addition, GYO is the community's largest employer of youngsters in Elmont. More than 100 between the ages of 16 and 24 are employed in GYO's after-school programs. Many of them continue their studies and become teachers or workers in the social service field.

Boyle's community service reaches beyond the walls of GYO. He has made it a priority to be actively involved in civic associations such as the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, Chamber of Commerce, as well as churches, synagogues and other groups to help spread goodwill and gain a better understanding of community needs.

He holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology, and a master's in social work from Fordham University. He and his wife, Teresa, have two daughters: Michelle, 13, and Katie, 18, who attends Fairfield University.