Twenty years ago when gang violence and drugs were running rampant through Washington Heights, one young man named Miguel found a safe haven in the Y. Clifford Alarcon, a security guard, took Miguel under his wing, kept him safe and connected. This week Cliff, who still welcomes you at the door with a smile, celebrates 25 years at the Y. We thank him for still making a difference in our community.
Miguel, whose own children went to the Y Nursery School, never forgot the impact Cliff had on him. Diiwaangelinta 2015 he decided to give back by creating the Clifford Alarcon’s Fund, donating free gym memberships to 10 low income teens to keep them off the streets and engage in various programs. By providing a home and a mentor to Miguel all those years ago, Cliff and the Y inspired him to give other local teens a chance at an improved life.
