_{Carmen Torres, center, became a Certified Praesidium Guardian (CPG), a designation awarded to fewer than 1,800 professionals nationwide.} 

Atlantic City, NJ —The Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City has taken another important step toward ensuring the safety of its members. Carmen Torres, Senior Director of Programs, recently became a Certified Praesidium Guardian (CPG), a designation awarded to fewer than 1,800 professionals nationwide.

The certification follows a week-long intensive training in Arlington, Texas, designed to help youth-serving organizations prevent and respond to incidents of child abuse. Torres now brings this national best-practice knowledge back to the Club, where she is already implementing safety improvements.

“This training gave me a new lens for spotting risks we don’t always see,” Torres said. “We talk about being a safe space for kids, but this helps us truly live that promise—starting with who we hire, how we train, and the way we interact every day.”

Among the initiatives now underway are enhanced candidate screening protocols and targeted staff training aimed at recognizing red flags and reducing opportunities for abuse. The goal is to foster a culture of safety where staff are empowered to speak up and take proactive steps to protect youth.

Torres also participates in monthly calls with a peer group of Certified Praesidium Guardians—informally known as “Guardian Angels”—to share strategies and provide mutual support in child protection practices. Another team member from the Club is slated to complete the certification this fall, further reinforcing the organization’s commitment to safety.

The Praesidium Guardian certification is valid for three years, but its impact is expected to resonate well beyond that period.

“Our families place their trust in us,” said Tracey Triniwell, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City. “This certification is one more way we’re honoring that trust—by doing everything we can to ensure the Club is not only a welcoming place, but a safe one, too.”

About Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City:

The Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City is a nonprofit organization that has been providing a safe and nurturing environment for the youth of Atlantic City for over 50 years. Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. We offer a wide range of programs that focus on education, leadership, health, arts, and more, helping children and teenagers build essential life skills and develop into well-rounded individuals. For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City - visit acbgc.org, call (609) 347-2697, or email Executive Administrator Brianna Register at bregister@acbgc.org.