Rooted in Glenwood: TJ Summers Carries Forward a Legacy of Service

By Rasheedah Ajibade

Thaddaus “TJ” Summers Jr. wears many hats at the YMCA. He coordinates the Glenwood Love Your Neighbor program, leads the Y-CAP boys mentoring program, and serves as a Wraparound Care Specialist for Evansville Promise Neighborhood (EPN). Through each role, he mentors youth, supports families working toward stability, and encourages neighbors to lean into their own power. And although he carries several titles, TJ describes himself simply: a man with a heart for service.

Growing up in the Glenwood neighborhood and attending Glenwood when it was still a middle school, TJ has a lifetime of memories tied to the area. His father, Thaddaus Summers Sr., led the Y-CAP program in the 1990s, and TJ often tagged along. He never imagined he’d follow in his father’s footsteps. “I watched what my dad did for many years, and I never once had a desire to do the type of work that he did,” he said.

But after years working in management roles across various sectors, a conversation with YMCA staff member Derrick Stewart shifted something in him. When the pandemic hit, TJ decided to take a chance and apply at the Y. “When I was offered the same position my father had, that was a sign from God,” he said. “I never realized how much experience and knowledge I’d absorbed from my father’s community work.”

TJ talks about mentorship with a quiet conviction shaped by watching his father do the work long before him. Even now, people stop TJ to share how his father changed their lives—stories TJ brings back to his dad, reminders of the legacy he hopes to build. For him, mentorship isn’t a program or a title; it’s presence. It’s showing up as a real, authentic adult in a world where young people are flooded with social-media pressure and false identities. Sometimes that means steady guidance. Other times, it is simply offering a listening ear. One of TJ’s proudest moments was being invited to a student’s high-school graduation: a gesture that confirmed how much his time mattered.

That same spirit of mentorship guides TJ’s wraparound care work, where he walks alongside families as they strive for stability and growth. Recognizing the negative impact of social media- how parents often find themselves comparing their lives to others, leading to discouragement and a sense of hopelessness—TJ tailors his support to address not only practical needs but also the emotional hurdles families face. “So many people feel like they’re falling behind because of what they see online,” TJ explains. “I remind them that their journey is their own, and progress comes one step at a time.”

He has seen families overcome significant obstacles, such as balancing childcare with work, coping with financial instability, and managing the pressure of outside expectations. Recently, TJ supported a mother as she earned her GED—a milestone that will open doors for her to pursue better employment. With his encouragement and guidance, she was able to reach her goal and take the next steps toward a more secure future. “There are days when it feels impossible,” TJ says, “but I tell them, ‘You’re stronger than you know.’” For TJ, wraparound care isn’t just about meeting immediate needs; it’s about nurturing resilience and hope.

Alongside youth mentorship and family support, TJ is deeply involved in strengthening the Glenwood community through the Love Your Neighbor initiative. The program, led in partnership with Community One, focuses on empowering residents to improve the neighborhood from within. Glenwood is the newest neighborhood to join, following efforts in Lamasco, Tepe Park, Jacobsville, and Henderson’s East End.

The work begins with listening—understanding what residents want for their community. Over time, that listening grows into connections: events, holiday celebrations, and monthly activities that bring neighbors together. For example, bingo has quickly become a neighborhood favorite, drawing residents of all ages. Beyond social gatherings like bingo, the program empowers residents to create lasting changes through action projects. Through these small, resident-led initiatives, neighbors can apply for a grant to do something positive within the community. This fall, Glenwood deployed its first round of awards for action projects.  One neighbor organized gift bags for those in need, while another project saw a local barber offer free haircuts for those preparing for special events or job interviews. “Although the projects have just begun, the sense of pride and ownership among participants is already evident,” said TJ. Applicants must live in the neighborhood or partner with a resident who does, and each project must benefit Glenwood.

For TJ, this work is personal. Glenwood holds many of his childhood memories, and he sees both the progress and the challenges that remain. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “Glenwood has a rich history and special people.” His hope is simple: that the community can get back to something that feels like the past—when people sat on porches, talked across yards, and knew their neighbors by name.

TJ is always available to residents who want to organize events, get connected, or simply talk. He can be reached at summers@ymcaswin.org or 812-774-3399.