Jean Mocombe: Building Hope and Great Futures in Salisbury

Jean Mocombe (known as Mr. Jay to the kids!) is a steady, encouraging presence at our Club at Truitt Community Center in Salisbury, and a driving force behind the positive change taking root in the neighborhood. At the heart of East Salisbury, where opportunity and challenge often meet, Jean is helping shape a safer, more hopeful future—one child at a time. 

His journey working with youth started early. “I was in first or second grade when my mom told me I was going to work with kids. I didn’t get it then, but kids always seemed to gravitate toward me,” Jean reflected. “I’ve had my share of life experiences, and I want to show kids they can get through anything. Be around people who support you. That’s what made me who I am today.” 

Before joining Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore (BGCMB) three years ago, Jean coached youth at a local sports center and mentored his younger sister on the court. When the opportunity to work at the Club came up, it was a natural fit. “I knew it was the right move. It was a no-brainer. I wanted to let the youth know there are positive people out there.” 

The kids call him Mr. Jay, and they don’t stop talking about him when they leave for the day. “The staff told me when they first started, ‘Every time I go to sleep, all I hear is Mr. Jay,’” he laughed. “But that’s because I’m here...every day. Being here is more than just a job. You have to show up and be consistent. That’s how you build trust.” 

Jean believes strongly in providing kids with alternatives to what they might see in the streets. “The Club gives them a place to be seen, supported, and held accountable,” he said. “That structure can be life-changing.” One of his proudest accomplishments is making the daily Power Hour a cornerstone of the Club. “It’s the most effective program we have. Power Hour helps kids take responsibility for their education and develop study habits that build confidence. Now, the kids I started with help new members and even staff understand its importance.” 

The relationships he builds run deep. One child who joined the Club at age 10 began calling Jean “Dad" after realizing he was a male figure who consistently worked with him on basketball. “His dream is to make it to the NBA, and I’m just grateful to be part of that journey,” he said. “It’s a feeling you can’t explain.” It’s the kind of fulfillment that comes from knowing you’ve earned a child’s trust, and changed the way they see the world. 

Jean is quick to credit the entire team at Truitt for the Club’s impact. “Our staff work so hard to keep the kids engaged and focused,” he said. “I’ve grown because they’ve invested in me. The challenges we’ve faced made us stronger, and the support has helped me become a better person and mentor.” 

For Jean, the most powerful part of his work is what it means for the future of Salisbury. “We’re not just keeping kids busy—we’re building character and building great futures. When the community wraps its arms around that, real change happens.” 

With leaders like Mr. Jay and a team that shows up every day with purpose, the Club at Truitt Community Center is a safe space to launch the next generation of Salisbury’s leaders. When you support Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore, you’re investing in real solutions to youth violence, educational opportunity, and long-term community growth.