The Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley
For over 35 years, the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley (BGCEV) has been in the forefront of youth development, working with young people from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances throughout the Eastern San Gabriel Valley. BGCEV has actively sought to enrich the lives of girls and boys whom other youth agencies have had difficulty in reaching. They are dedicated to ensuring that the community’s disadvantaged youngsters have greater access to quality programs and services that will enhance their lives and shape their futures.
The BGCEV history is rooted in youth development issues. The Club was founded in response to various community concerns such as levels of youth delinquency, gang involvement, and drug use.
Since the inception, the BGCEV has been advocating for funding and services to meet the needs of youth in this and surrounding communities. Guided by a philosophy which views the hours after school as the time when youth are particularly at risk due to a lack of both appropriate supervision and constructive activities, the Club has strived to fill that void.
The BGCEV initial efforts began humbly. They operated a small storefront with merely a few table games and a ping pong and pool table. As they became accepted by the youth coming to their Club, they began to gain the trust of the children and were able to determine some of their unmet needs. The most pressing were merely having a safe place to go after school and the nurturing relationship with a caring adult. Many of these children have parents who work and do not return home until early evening.
The BGCEV is part of a nationwide affiliation of local, autonomous organizations that work to help young people of all backgrounds develop the qualities they need to become responsible citizens and leaders. The BGCEV offers daily access to a broad range of programs in five Core Program Areas: Education and Career Development, Character and Leadership Development, Health and Life Skills, The Arts, Sports, Fitness, and Recreation.
Today, more than 100 boys and girls take advantage of the programs, activities, and services provided by the BGCEV They benefit from trained, caring, professional staff and volunteers who help young people take control of their lives, envision productive futures and reach their goals.
The BGCEV Mission:
The Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley is a multi-service agency dedicated to promoting the physical, mental and moral well-being of youth by providing guidance, educational and recreational activities to the youth and their families of this and surrounding communities.
Core Beliefs:
The BGCEV was founded on the following beliefs which guide all activities, programs, and staff.
A safe place to learn and grow.
Ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals.
Life-enhancing programs and character-development exercises.
Hope and opportunity.
Youth Development Strategy:
Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling in them:
A Sense of Competence – the feeling there is something they can do and do well.
A Sense of Usefulness – the opportunity to do something of value for other people.
A Sense of Belonging – a setting where young people know they “fit” and are accepted.
A Sense of Power or Influence – a chance to be heard and to influence decisions.
This Youth Development Strategy, when fully implemented, not only helps to enhance members’ self-esteem but also creates an environment in which boys and girls can achieve their full potential.
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