MOST honors Goodman’s Howard Hayes

By Florence Edwards-Miller, GCC director of communications and annual fund development

Madison Out-of-School Time, a collaborative organization that helps families and youth find quality programs, honored Howard Hayes, Goodman Community Center’s assistant director of youth and community development, as a Legend of Out-of-School Time.

At a ceremony Aug. 28, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Madison Metropolitan School District Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard honored Hayes. The Madison Out-of-School Time awards honor those who exhibit exceptional dedication and creativity in serving Madison’s youth.

As one of the longest serving staff members at GCC, Hayes has been a pillar of the organization’s youth program since he joined in 1996, first as a volunteer and then quickly becoming staff. He became the coordinator of the Lussier LOFT Teen Center in 2003 and Goodman’s Boys’ Group — now known as MAScK (Men Always Seeking Change and Knowledge) — in 2005.

He co-created a curriculum to teach young men about sexual violence prevention with Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, showing the power of community partnerships. Hayes was promoted to Goodman’s senior leadership team in 2022, where he continues to work with and advocate for youth, while training and managing the next generation of youth workers. Currently, six of Goodman’s staff who work with youth are former GCC youth who were mentored by Hayes.

He is fond of saying, “I work AT Goodman. I work FOR these young folks.”

The youth connect to him deeply because he is both a superb storyteller and a compassionate listener.

“Howard is among the most deserving people I know for this important award. For 28 years he has been a constant for our community,” Catie Tollefson, GCC’s vice president of mission and programs, said. “He has seen and heard it all. And he goes the extra mile for our kids.”

This is the second year a staff member from Goodman has received the Legend award. Last year family advocacy manager Arthur Morgan was the recipient.

“I’m proud that the MOST awards are once again recognizing the extraordinary work done by our staff,” Tollefson said. “Goodman Center and our youth are lucky to have our two legends — Howard and Arthur.”

The MOST initiative is a collaboration between MMSD, the city of Madison, Dane County and 40 different youth-serving organizations, including GCC. The initiative ensures all of Madison’s youth have access to comprehensive, high-quality, out-of-school time programs.