Staff Spotlight: Tito

This May, we’re celebrating the work anniversary of Tito, a beloved member of the IYB Recreation Department. Tito has been an employee for eight years, however, he has been part of the YB for much longer, as he was a volunteer before that. Tito enjoys working with the Recreation Department as a program specialist because “It's important to have kids socializing, playing, and having fun. These are tough times, and the kids need to have that space to be kids.”

 Tito initially started working with kids and IYB Rec in 2003, when he coached his cousin’s kindergarten soccer team. He continued his volunteer work and when the opportunity became available, he became a staff member because “I get a unique perspective seeing the kids grow up in the community. I see kids that started in a Pre-K program with me in the newspapers for local high school sports. That’s rewarding!”

 The uniqueness of Rec Dept programming is another reason Tito enjoys being a part of it all. “We try to make every program ​accessible to all the kids in the area by keeping costs low and working with parent and college volunteers. Sports are a great unifier. This is a place where we come together for the enjoyment of sport and comradery” and states that the “experience of playing with kids from all walks of life” has a big impact on participants.

While Tito has many great memories of his time working at the YB and noted that it is hard to pick just one, he stated, “An experience that I get reminded of often is when our little league baseball players got to take the field at Auburn and Binghamton stadiums to throw out the 1st pitch. The joy it brought the kids and families is why we do what we do.” 
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 The Youth Bureau is happy to celebrate Tito and is grateful for the work has done, the lessons and skills he has taught, and the fun he has had with countless children in the Ithaca area. Congratulations, Tito!