Boys & Girls Club Veteran A Family Man, New Director

Chuck Yingling, 40, recently started a new journey with the Tarpon Springs Boys & Girls Club.

Yingling is an organization veteran with more than a decade of experience leading up to his move to Tarpon.

After taking an opportunity as a school teacher and high school coach, Yingling found himself missing his days at the nonprofit.

Yingling said the idea to switch jobs was spurred from starting a family. Even though he stopped working in the full-time position, he continued to volunteer at the organization.

"My wife and I stayed active in clubs throughout Tampa Bay," Yingling said.

The Tarpon Springs Boys & Girls Club keeps local youth engaged with educationally fun activities while incorporating exercise, nutrition and creative outlets. From soccer and dodge ball to math and rocket-building, the kids have no shortage of things to do at the Boys & Girls Club.

His bout as a teacher world last about seven years. Yingling said the money wasn't worth what he was missing out on at home.

Yingling admitted that the money was tempting, but that the quality of life just wasn't cutting it.

"The direction I went was good financially, but it was also atrocious hours at times and not necessarily conducive to being a part of a family," Yingling explained.

In the last year or so, Yingling said he slowly began browsing jobs in the area. Although the pickings were slim, he kept an eye out for the perfect fit.

Yingling found himself being drawn to Tarpon Springs for its rich culture and strong sense of community.

After applying for the job, Yingling said there was a point where he figured the position had been filled. The phone call he received a few days later pointed in a different direction.

When he was offered the position, Yingling said he was more than happy to take it.

Yingling may be new to Tarpon, but being the director of a local chapter is nothing new for him. Yingling said he ran a number of different branches in Hillsborough, including Jackson Springs, before he left the Boys & Girls Club in the early 2000s.

When asked how he ended up getting back to the nonprofit, Yingling said the answer is quite simple. "It's my calling," he said. "It just feels like I belong here."

Yingling told Patch he plans on sticking with the Tarpon Springs Boys & Girls Club and hopes to grow with the organization in the future.

If you're interested in learning more about the Tarpon Springs Boys & Girls Club, visit them online or call 813-875-5771.