avbgc

LA Cares Food Assistance Emergency Grant

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:49:14 GMT

Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club received a generous Food Assistance Emergency Grant from L.A. Care Health Plan to help address food insecurity among families in our community.

Through this funding, the Club was able to provide grocery store gift cards to more than 600 families , offering immediate relief to households facing rising food costs.

These gift cards allowed families the flexibility to purchase fresh, nutritious foods that meet their unique household needs.

This support comes at a critical time for many families across the Antelope Valley. By easing the financial burden of groceries, the grant has helped ensure that children and their families have greater access to healthy meals while continuing to participate in the Club’s programs.

The Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club is deeply grateful to L.A. Care Health Plan for their partnership and commitment to strengthening the health and well-being of local families. Together, we are helping ensure that young people and their families have the resources they need to thrive.

Through partnerships like this, the Club continues its mission to provide a safe, supportive environment where youth can learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

Thank You, Subaru, for Sharing the Love with AVBGC

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 23:03:34 GMT

Trust AV Subaru helps keep Monte Vista Elementary students warm this winter.

At the Boys & Girls Club of the Antelope Valley, we are reminded every day that when our community comes together, real change happens.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Trust Antelope Valley Subaru for their generosity during the Subaru Loves event. Because of their support, 132 warm coats were donated to students at Monte Vista Elementary School in Lancaster. Together, we provided our members and their families with comfort, warmth, and peace of mind as winter temperatures continue to drop.

For many families in our community, a warm coat means more than protection from the cold. It means students can focus on learning, feel confident at school, and know that their community cares about them.

This meaningful act of kindness directly supports local families and makes a lasting difference in the lives of our youth. We are incredibly grateful to Trust AV Subaru for their continued commitment to giving back and for showing what it truly means to care for the Antelope Valley.

Thank you, Subaru, for sharing the love and helping our kids stay warm, safe, and ready to thrive.

NBA Star Ziaire Williams Gives Back to Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club with Mother’s Day Shopping Spree

Fri, 16 May 2025 21:36:21 GMT

Lancaster native and former Club kid Ziaire Williams spreads joy with a heartfelt gesture for local families.

At the Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club, we believe in the power of community—and few things are as inspiring as watching one of our own return to uplift the next generation. NBA player Ziaire Williams, a proud Lancaster native and former Club kid himself, recently made a dream come true for some local families with a special Mother’s Day surprise.

Through his Ziaire Williams Foundation, Williams partnered with Walmart to host a shopping spree for select Club families. The event wasn’t just about gifts—it was about creating lasting moments of joy and support for the people who make our community so special.

Williams understands firsthand the impact of the Boys & Girls Club. Growing up in Lancaster, the Club was a safe space for him to grow, learn, and pursue his dreams. Now, as a professional athlete, he remains dedicated to giving back to the place that helped shape him.

From clothing and essentials to toys and heartfelt gifts, the shopping spree provided families with items that brought smiles and gratitude. The joy on the faces of those in attendance was a reminder that generosity—whether big or small—can make a world of difference.

The Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club is beyond grateful for Williams’ generosity and ongoing commitment to his hometown. His act of kindness reinforces what we already know: once a Club kid, always a Club kid.

To Ziaire Williams and the Ziaire Williams Foundation—thank you for making Mother’s Day extra special for our families. Your heart for the community continues to inspire us all!

AVBGC X AV Alta

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 22:15:30 GMT

A day filled with soccer, smiles, and community spirit.

On Saturday, April 12th, members of Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Starting XI Fan Experience at AV Alta's thrilling match against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. This unforgettable event brought together young fans and their new local soccer team, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

The Starting XI Fan Experience allowed the club members to step onto the field alongside the AV Alta players during the pre-game ceremonies. The kids proudly represented their community as they stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the athletes they admire. The energy in the stadium was electric, with cheers from the crowd amplifying the sense of pride and joy.

For many in the Antelope Valley, these are more than just games—they’re a chance to feel connected to community. We are inspired by the dedication and teamwork displayed by the players. The event also highlighted the importance of sports in fostering confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging among young people.

The partnership between AV Alta and the Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club exemplifies the power of community collaboration. By providing these young fans with such a unique experience, AV Alta not only ignited their passion for soccer but also reinforced the values of perseverance and unity.

With that spirit in mind, we are delighted to announce that fans of AV Alta can purchase tickets to their May home games using this link:

https://pa.exchange/marketplace/8d153974-fde8-11ef-bc94-1d7a358d1340/storefront/8d153b04-fde8-11ef-b705-79887334d9eb

AV Alta will donate $5 of every ticket sold to AVBGC, uplifting both of our organizations during this exciting time for our community.

AVBGC Attends The 2025 National Days of Advocacy in Washington, D.C.

saltobelli@avbgc.org (Sally Altobelli) — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 20:54:14 GMT

A Week of Fruitful Advocacy on Capitol Hill!

Last week, our Co-Executive Director Sally Altobelli and Executive Assistant Dominic Parker traveled to Washington, D.C. to represent the Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club (AVBGC) during the 11th annual National Days of Advocacy (NDOA). NDOA is a legislative conference/lobbying week hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America that focuses on connecting Clubs from all across the nation with their representatives in the United States Congress.

During the week, Sally and Dominic had meetings with three Congressmen whose districts contain AVBGC sites. These included Representative Jay Olbernolte, Representative George Whitesides, and Representative Vince Fong. Additionally, they also had the opportunity to attend statewide meetings with staff members from the offices of both Senator Adam Schiff and Senator Alex Padilla.

Each of these meetings proved to be fruitful, with the Representatives and their teams signaling support and appreciation for the work that AVBGC has done and will continue to do for our community in the Antelope Valley! We are delighted to know that our Club has bipartisan support in Congress and look forward to continuing to foster our relationships with each member’s office during this legislative cycle.

Support the Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club at the 2025 Ross In-Store Fundraiser!

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:22:56 GMT

Help Local Kids Thrive by Donating at the Register

We are excited to announce that the Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club has partnered with Ross Stores for another incredible in-store fundraiser! From February 8th to March 2nd, 2025, you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of local youth by donating at the register of any participating Ross store in the Antelope Valley.

To kick off this year's fundraiser, we sent our dedicated staff to each of the three Ross stores in the Antelope Valley. Our team members were thrilled to engage with the community, share information about our mission, and encourage shoppers to contribute to this worthy cause.

So, what is the Ross In-Store Fundraiser all about? It's a simple yet impactful way for customers to support our club while shopping for their favorite items at Ross. When you donate at the register, every dollar goes directly to funding essential programs and activities that empower our young members to reach their full potential. Plus, Ross will match the first $500,000 dollars raised!

One of the key programs that will benefit from the funds raised is our Power Hour program. Power Hour provides homework help and academic support to our members, ensuring they have the resources and guidance they need to succeed in school. By participating in Power Hour, our members develop better study habits, improve their grades, and build the confidence to achieve their academic goals.

We invite you to join us in making a positive impact on our community. Visit any participating Ross store, donate at the register, and help us continue to provide invaluable opportunities for the youth of the Antelope Valley.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at the fundraiser!

AVBGC Celebrates National Mentoring Month

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:04:10 GMT

Celebrating the Impact of Mentorship and Building a Brighter Future Together

January is National Mentoring Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the impactful role that mentors play in shaping young lives. Initiated in 2002 by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, this month-long campaign raises awareness about the importance of mentoring.

Mentorship is about more than guidance – it’s about building trust, offering support, and inspiring growth. Research shows that young people with mentors are:

55% more likely to enroll in college
78% more likely to volunteer regularly
46% less likely to start using drugs
81% more likely to participate in extracurricular activities

The Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club (AVBGC) is dedicated to ensuring every young person reaches their full potential through mentorship within our Club programs. Some of our efforts include one-on-one mentoring, career mentoring, and educational support at each of our sites.

National Mentoring Month is a perfect time to become a mentor yourself! Your involvement can make a significant difference for the youth in our region. Consider joining our team by applying to one of our open employment positions here .

Through the power of mentorship we can empower our youth and contribute to a brighter future for all in our beautiful Antelope Valley community!

Sources:

AVBGC Partners with Transfr to Empower Youth at Best Buy Teen Tech Center

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 23:13:25 GMT

Exciting VR Experiences Arrive to the Teen Tech Center!

We're thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership between the Antelope Valley Boys and Girls Club (AVBGC) and Transfr, a leading provider of immersive, hands-on workforce exploration programs. This collaboration is set to revolutionize the opportunities available to our Members at the newly opened Best Buy Teen Tech Center.

Transfr's cutting-edge programs are designed to bridge the gap between education and the workforce. By leveraging virtual reality (VR) technology, Members will gain first-hand experience in various career fields, ranging from advanced manufacturing to healthcare. This immersive approach not only makes learning more engaging but also helps teens visualize their future careers, empowering them to make informed decisions about their educational and professional paths.

At the Best Buy Teen Tech Center, our youth will have access to VR simulations that replicate real-world job environments. This hands-on learning experience is invaluable, especially for those who might not have the opportunity to explore these careers otherwise. By stepping into a virtual workspace, Members can practice and refine their skills in a safe and supportive setting, building confidence and competency.

We are incredibly excited about the positive impact this partnership will have on our Members. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to roll out these transformative programs at our Teen Tech Center and other AVBGC sites soon.

October Activities at MUSD and WUSD Sites

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 22:34:19 GMT

Spooky Season Has Arrived at AVBGC Sites

Happy October everyone! We hope you have managed to stay cool during this exceptionally warm start to Fall this year. Temperatures are looking to drop next week so we only need to hang on a little bit longer! But before then, we would like to fill you in on some of the ways the members at our Antelope Valley Boys and Girls Clubs are making the most of the Autumn season.

Members at our Mojave Unified School District (MUSD) sites have been creating fun, Autumn-themed crafts like painted pumpkins and Frankenstein's monster cutouts. MUSD students also participated in a pinata competition to celebrate the conclusion of National Hispanic Month. Mojave Elementary School will be doing a Harvest Halloween theme haunted house in their classroom from crafts the students have created throughout the month. Robert P. Ulrich Elementary will be holding a school community trick-or-treat in the quad area for school teachers and students from a stand they are creating. Cal City Middle School/Hacienda Elementary will participate in a trunk-o-treat from the cafeteria doors. All the above sites will hold a pizza party for their members on Halloween and will allow costumes as long as they are appropriate for school and do not cover faces.

All members at our Westside Unified School District (WUSD) sites participated in a Fall poster contest which rendered dozens of awesome creations. On October 25th, Rancho Vista Elementary is holding their Fall Festival. There will be carnival-like games, prizes, and several booths for members and families to enjoy a wonderful fall evening. The event starts at 6PM. Additionally, Gregg Anderson Academy will be throwing a Harvest Party on October 31sr for club members on site.

Best Buy Teen Tech Center - GRAND OPENING

saltobelli@avbgc.org (Sally Altobelli) — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 20:27:20 GMT

Join us on September 26th as we open our newest facility!

The Antelope Valley Boys and Girls Club (AVBGC) is excited to announce the grand opening of our newest facility: The Best Buy Teen Tech Center! This new center will provide teens in our community with an exceptional after-school space where they can use cutting edge technologies to explore their creativity and business acumen under professional guidance.

This new center is part of a growing number of Best Buy Teen Tech Centers that are being established all over the country. Collectively, these spaces are helping to bridge the gap in youth access to new technologies. Our facility will offer Antelope Valley teens the opportunity to use state-of-the-art equipment and software for projects including video editing, photography, music production, and 3D printing – just to name a few!

After carrying out a successful pilot-run of the facility over the summer, AVBGC is now ready to expand enrollment for more youth in our community. We encourage interested teens to attend our grand opening ceremony with their parents, guardians, and families to get a first-hand sense of the value the Best Buy Teen Tech Center offers.

Our grand opening ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 26th, from 5-7PM directly in front of the Best Buy Teen Tech Center (727 W. Lancaster BLVD, Lancaster, CA 93534). There will be food and refreshments, remarks given by local community leaders, and presentations of some of the projects our club members have created utilizing the new space.

This Teen Tech Center could not have been developed without the support of our fantastic sponsors. These include the Greater LA Education Foundation, the Los Angeles County Office of Education, the Annenberg Foundation, the Best Buy Foundation, Frontier Communications: Broadband for Good, and our Implementation Partner: The Clubhouse Network.

We cannot wait to introduce you to this new space! We’ll see you there.

Back2School 2021

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 18:24:36 GMT

Sending kids back to school with the tools they need to succeed.

Kids are excited to return to physical learning at schools and socializing with other students. We were grateful for being able to keep our doors open to local youth this summer and being able to provide a safe place for them, while also helping prevent brain drain. With the pandemic came many challenges and changes, but our youth were resilient and adjusted to these changes with time. With the help of Westside Union School District, Palmdale School District and the City of Palmdale we were able to keep our presence at various locations throughout the Antelope Valley. We did our best to help youth adjust to the ongoing changes and prepare them for the upcoming school year.

The pandemic has also put some families through financial hardships and the Club continues to do its best to provide the kids with the tools they need to succeed. Throughout the summer we put together food boxes that were distributed to families in need and prepared monthly Club in a Box's that were filled with activities to help keep kids from brain drain. Some kids attended summer school and the Club was open to assist those that needed our services. We wouldn't have been as successful without the support of the community.

With the help of Boeing and Old Navy Palmdale we were able to provide each Club kid w ith a backpack filled with school supplies. Each backpack held supplies such as pencils, a notebook, crayons, a ruler, folders and many other items to help get the kids' upcoming school year started. We also supplied each kid with masks, hand sanitizer and tissues that will help keep them healthy and safe during the school year.

Boeing employees' annual Back2School drive, Liftoff For Learning, enabled Boeing Employees to give back to children in the community. This year's drive proceeds equipped Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club kids with the tools they need to start school ready to learn and aim towards GREAT FUTURES. With the help of Boeing and its employees we were able to stuff each backpack with school supplies and distribute them to our Club kids. They donated all the items, stuffed each backpack with care, helped distribute them to the kids, and inspired future engineers by sharing what they do at Boeing. As a result Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club provided approximately 250 backpacks full of supplies to underse rved youth!

Old Navy Palmdale employees also reached out in hopes they could give back and help local youth. When told about the changes to our Back2School backpack distribution they came together and volunteered their time to donate items and fill each backpack that were distributed to Club kids as well. As a result they were able to fill and distribute approximately 80 backpacks to the Club kids.

Chick-fil-A Palmdale donated desert gift cards that were given to the Club kids to celebrate the end of summer.

Club's celebrated the end of summer by making their own tie-dye shirts, playings games, watching movies, enjoying smoothies and checking out all the school supplies they received for the upcoming school year. Even behind those masks we are able to see big smiles.The Club is thankful for the support not only during this pandemic, but the companies that have taken their time to support the Club over the years. Being able to keep the Club doors open during this challenging times makes a difference to kids and we will continue to do all we can to be the support our local youth needs. We are grateful for the continued support of the Antelope Valley community and look forward to the school year!

Music at the Club!

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 16:21:39 GMT

Helping Club kids with the power of music.

Many things have changed over the past year and kids have worked hard to stay resilient through it all. How would you feel as a child not being able to hang out with your friends, having to suddenly wear a mask everywhere you go, or having to attend school by sitting in front of a computer screen? While some kids adjusted fine to the changes, there were many others that struggled. Whether it was struggling being confined inside the home most of the day or not being able to concentrate doing school through a computer... many kids fought their own battles during this time and mental health became more of a concern.

Kids were in search for normalcy and our staff has always done our best to keep the kids engaged, learning and having fun.

Did you know music can help mental health in both children and adults?

No musical skills are needed in order to participate in and benefit from music therapy. Music has therapeutic benefits that help alleviate pain, fear and anxiety. It can relax the mind, energize the body and even help people better manage pain. It provides avenues for communication that can be helpful to those who find it difficult to express themselves in words. The notion that music can influence your thoughts, feelings and behavior probably doesn't come as a surprise... If you've ever been moved to tears by a slow song or felt energized listening to your favorite fast-paced song, then you understand the power of music.

Our staff has worked hard and observed the needs of the Antelope Valley community. They run daily programs that help kids with their school work, encourage them to follow healthy habits, and push them to still have fun as kids. A staff member at Desert Sands, Ms. Terricka, made sure to squeeze in time for music and has seen progress in attitudes and participation at the Club.

"I've noticed that more kids want to take part in this program for many different reasons. Some are doing it because it makes them feel good. Some are doing it because they've always wanted to learn an instrument. And some are just doing it because their friends are. Either way, I see kids participating more and their attitudes are more positive. I think it's really helping their mental health through all the changes in the world." - Ms. Terricka

Ms. Terricka runs this program once a week at the Club. She has started by teaching the kids simple songs on instruments, such as the keyboard and guitar, and hopes to track the progression over the course of a school year. She talks with the kids before each session to get a sense on how certain types of music makes them feel, what genre of music they're into, and how they feel about the music program as a whole. It is free when you attend the Club and 100% of the Desert Sands Club kids are currently participating in this optional program. This participation shows how impactful this program is!

We are proud of our staff for dedicating time to help Club kids through the constant changes in the world and doing WHATEVER IT TAKES to remain the pillar of consistency in kids' lives.

We are proud of the kids that come to the Club with open minds and determined to work towards GREAT FUTURES !

This is one of the many programs ran at the Club and we look forward to its growth!

Community Comes Together For The 2020 Holidays

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 21:07:38 GMT

Making the Socially Distanced Holidays Bright!

We know this past year has been difficult to not only our youth, but families as a whole. Our team has worked hard through this pandemic to help provide a place where youth still feel safe and are able to have that little bit of normalcy in their lives. Whether it's receiving our Club in a Box, driving through to pick up a food box, or attending the Club; our goal is to help provide support to our community.

The holidays were busy at the Club and we have so much to be thankful for. The holidays can be stressful to some families and the Club staff and community worked hard to help families through the season! The community came together to provide gifts, necessities and their own time towards local youth. From generous community donations to taking the Club bus around the city to give out gifts, we are thankful that we were able to spread some holiday cheer this season.

In the face of immense change over the past year, our young people have shown incredible strength and resilience. At the Club we remain strong in our pledge to be a pillar of consistency in the lives of kids. Doing WHATEVER IT TAKES to support those who need us the most. Our impact would not be as effective without the continued support of you and the Antelope Valley community.

In Service to Youth,

2020 HOLIDAY AT THE CLUB

Toys for Tots and CHiPS For Kids donated gifts that were distributed to our Club members and the donations were so numerous, we loaded into our Club bus and drove around the Antelope Valley to distribute to local youth in neighborhoods most in need. Reaching youth throughout the community is our goal and with the support of generous donors we were able to do just that.

T hank you Northrop Grumman Corporation Tooling Department employees for your very generous toy donation to our Club kids! Donating over 350 toys, which included numerous items for our teens. We are so thankful for partnerships like this and appreciate you giving back to the community. Making the holidays great for kids throughout the Antelope Valley.

In the Spirit of the Holidays The Boeing Company em ployees came together and adopted multiple Club families. The baskets came together beautifully and included items such as family games, food, cold weather apparel, hand warmers, and wireless speakers. Families were not only excited to receive the basket, but thankful that they were given gifts to help make their season brighter.

A mother that received one of these baskets stated,

"I am so thankful for Boeing and the Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club for gifting me like I am their own family. I can't tell you how much this means to me and my family.

Thank you. Thank you so much."

Thank you Boeing for giving back to our community in such an impactful way. We appreciate all you do for not only our Club families, but for your community as a whole.

Thank you Duke Engineering for your donation of toys to all our Club kids and providing snacks for our socially distanced Christmas parties! You made this season extra special for not only our Club kids, but all throughout the Antelope Valley by delivering toys to those that needed a little extra help this year.

Your commitment to the community does not go unnoticed. AVBGC is thankful for all you do!

Palmdale Old Navy employees came together and adopted two of our Club families this holiday season. We are so thankful for our continued partnership with Old Navy. Throughout the year they give back by lending a hand to the Club in various forms. Our families are thankful for your generous gifts.

Thank you USAF Test Pilot School Class 18A and Edwards Air Force Base for gifting so many wonderful items through our Adopt-A-Family program. Your generosity does not go unnoticed and the family was thrilled to receive so many gifts. Thank you for helping make the holidays brighter!

Thank you Ignacio Family for sponsoring an Adopt-A-Family basket! And thank you Chavez Family for donating gifts to our teens this holiday season!

2020 COVID-19 Support

With changing guidelines and regulations throughout this past year, we are so thankful to have community support. Generous donations from all throughout the community helped make this transition easier on both the staff and families we serve. From masks, toilet paper and hand sanitizer to keep everyone safe; to capes and masks just put smiles on kids' faces! All of these donations have been helpful throughout this past year and we appreciate the ongoing support from our community.

A Note of Thanks this Holiday Season

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 21:02:54 GMT

The holiday season has arrived and like always, we take time to pause and reflect on this year. Well, this has certainly been a year full of challenges, but there is much to celebrate and be grateful for. This year, many organizations have had to rethink and reimagine the way we provide our services. We have made changes and adapted in ways we would have never thought possible. That is something to celebrate.

Traditionally, the Club is a facility based program, but through innovation and perseverance we have been able to reach the youth who need us most...even in the midst of a health emergency. Through our Club in a Box Home Activity Kit, we have reached over 3,000 youth in Antelope Valley and provided them with hands-on, screen-free, outcome driven activities that foster critical thinking and imagination. We are grateful for the commitment of our partners, The Morningstar Foundation, California Water District, Palmdale School District and many more that make this possible.

We are grateful for our partnership with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, which during non-pandemic times provide us with meals for our afterschool program. Within week one of the pandemic they quickly pivoted and entrusted us to distribute over 2 million pounds of food right here in the Antelope Valley community. This partnership has impacted thousands of families in the Antelope Valley and continues to provide food to those most impacted by COVID restrictions.

We are thankful for our grantors, local businesses, and the countless individuals that continue their support of the Club mission. This year's golf fundraiser was looking like it was going to be cancelled, but a few individuals championed the cause and created a pandemic proof event. The result was an astonishing $40,000 raised for critical youth programs . Thank you, Mike Johnson, Dr. Ric Garrison, and the AVBGC Board for finding unprecedented ways to enrich the lives of our local youth.

Enabling all youth, especially those that need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens is the mission the AV Boys & Girls Club staff strive for every day they walk through our doors. We are grateful to our staff who work tireless everyday to help kids create brighter futures.

Finally, we are grateful for our Club parents who trust us with the health and safety of their children, and our Club kids who make everything worthwhile!

We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, we are grateful for YOU, and look forward to the days we can all be together again.

Sincerely,

Stacey Cantwell Jay Duke

Executive Director Chief Professional Officer

Emotional Wellness Resources to Help Your Family During COVID-19

Tue, 26 May 2020 17:29:36 GMT

Parents and caregivers can use these resources to help care for family's mental health.

Parenting in the time of COVID-19 brings uncharted territory for families. How do I keep children healthy? How do I answer their questions about the coronavirus? Is my teen sleeping too long? How can we stay calm and manage the stress? Will I ever get 10 minutes to myself?

Family stress and emotional strain are on the rise because of the rapidly changing situation with the COVID-19 outbreak. And family members who were already dealing with mental health challenges may experience worsening symptoms. But there are ways to cope.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America knows that parents and caregivers may find it challenging to know all the answers, what to say and how to care for their children’s mental health as well as their own. That’s why we’ve created this list of practical resources from experts in family and youth well-being.

Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak
Focuses on potential emotional reactions and mental health concerns and self-care tips

Available in Spanish

Stress and Coping: Parents
Lists behavior changes to watch for in youth and suggests ways to support them

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese

Trauma and Your Family
Defines traumatic stress, how common it is, how it can impact a family and things a family can do to cope with traumatic stress

Mental Health and Teens: Watch for Danger Sign s
Tips for communication, red flags to watch for, potential mental health issues and when and how to get help

Available in English and Spanish, and as an audio recording

Teen Mental Health Guide for Parents
Tips and advice for parents to help teens overcome body image issues, academic anxiety, peer pressure and cyberbullying.

About Childhood Grief
How to demonstrate understanding and compassion to a grieving child based on research and practice among children's grief support professionals and volunteers

Disaster Distress Helpline
Call 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish)

Text TalkWithUs or Hablanos for Spanish to 66746 (50 states) or Hablanos to 1-787-339-2663 (Puerto Rico)

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741
Free 24/7 support via text for anyone in any type of crisis

Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

T-Mobile Commits $10,000 to Support Antelope Valley Families

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 17:45:24 GMT

Thank you to T-Mobile for their generous donation of $10,000 to help make sure that families in Antelope Valley receive the support they need during this crises. The funds will be used to help the Club's efforts to distribute emergency food boxes to families in the Antelope Valley area.

To date, with the help of T-Mobile and our other partners, the Club has distributed 4,000 boxes of food, or over 100,000 pounds, to families in need from Palmdale, Lancaster, and Mojave.

"We are pitching in to make a positive impact. It's all about a future that is brighter for everyone," says T-Mobile.

"During this time, the Club is prioritizing the needs of all youth in the Antelope Valley. We know that before COVID, nearly 1 in 3 children were struggling with food insecurity. I'm sure this crises has increased that number. It is so heart-warming to see the support that T-Mobile has given the people right here in Antelope Valley. We are filled with gratitude and because of their support, we will continue to do more for the youth in the Antelope Valley," said AV Boys & Girls Club Executive Director, Stacey Cantwell.

Thank you again to T-Mobile for their support!

How to talk to your child about COVID-19

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 17:21:04 GMT

Kids thrive on emotional connections and predictable routines, so while some kids may be enjoying the time away from school, many may be confused and struggling to understand what has happened to the world as they know it. Remember, in times of uncertainty, it is very important to reassure the young people in your life and thoughtfully talk to them about what is going on.

Here are some tips to help kids manage the anxiety & stress around Coronavirus:

Be open to answering questions. Kids may ask why this happened and seek to understand the impact on their life. You do not have to have all the answers, but encouraging kids to express their feelings and being open and honest will continue to instill their trust.

Don’t project your own fears. It is natural to feel vulnerable and scared, but it’s important not to overwhelm kids with emotions and to remain calm and in control. Kids will often take emotional cues from adults. If trusted adults appear to be nervous or scared they will too.

News of Coronavirus is everywhere so manage the flow of information . Try to avoid having TV’s on stations that continue to report the event, and monitor your child’s intake of information on social media. Don’t minimize the event, but try to avoid over exposure to media reports.

Remind kids that they have trustworthy and supportive adults in their lives who are still working to keep them safe. Accepting their feelings and communicating with them will demonstrate that you are there.

Restore hope in the future. Regain faith in the future by planning a small activity that will take place in the future so they have something with which to look forward.

Remember, coping with stress will make you, the young people you care about, and your community stronger.

Sempra Energy Foundation Supports Local Youth

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 16:03:00 GMT

Sempra Engery Foundation Awards Grant to AV Boys & Girls Club and 5 other Clubs in Los Angeles County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mary Hewitt

310 303-2869

mhewitt@begreatla.org

Sempra Energy Foundation Awards $50,000 Grant to Support the Los Angeles County Alliance for Boys & Girls Clubs

Los Angeles— (April 7, 2020) – The Sempra Energy Foundation has awarded a $50,000 COVID-19 Nonprofit Hardship Fund Grant to the Antelope Valley, Burbank & Greater East Valley, Long Beach, Variety, West Valley and West San Gabriel Valley Boys & Girls Clubs to support their programs for children and their communities during the crisis. This award from Sempra was through the continued partnership with SoCalGas and the Los Angeles County Alliance for Boys & Girls Clubs.

“For many nonprofit organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic is straining resources as demands increase,” said Dennis V. Arriola, board chair of the Sempra Energy Foundation, and executive vice president and group president of Sempra Energy. “The Sempra Energy Foundation grants are helping key organizations serve critical needs for people who need support now more than ever, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Los Angeles County are doing just that.”

“With this partnership in place, we are stepping up to provide greater assistance to critical workers like those in health care, public safety and other essential functions, and families in need. This funding will help our Clubs that are open and supporting their communities through their extended operations, online programs, child care, Grab & Go food and more. We appreciate the partnership with Sempra Energy and SoCalGas supporting our dedicated staff members who stand ready to assist during this critical time,” said Executive Director Mary Hewitt of the LA County Alliance for Boys & Girls Clubs.

The Boys & Girls Clubs receiving this donation are providing necessary services and support. With the suspension of schools and workplaces, kids and teens are facing challenges unlike anything previously encountered. Sempra Energy Foundation’s generous support will immediately help ensure these Clubs can continue critical COVID-19 response work. During the crisis, the primary goal of the traditional Club sites is to offer full-day activities to school-age children of first responders, healthcare professionals, essential community personnel, and those parents/guardians who must work to maintain employment.

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About The Los Angeles County Alliance for Boys & Girls Clubs : The Alliance is made up of 138 Club Locations serving over 130,000 youth ages 6-18 throughout Los Angeles County. Los Angeles County Alliance for Boys & Girls Clubs is a unified and collaborative force representing all Clubs with the purpose of securing resources, marketing, state of the art programs, and financial support to further the efforts of individual Clubs and increase the impact and reach in their communities.

About Sempra Energy Foundation: The Sempra Energy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation based in San Diego. The Foundation was founded in 2007 by Sempra Energy, a San Diego-based energy infrastructure company with more than $65 billion in total assets reported in 2019.

The Sempra Energy companies' more than 20,000 employees deliver energy with purpose to over 40 million consumers worldwide. As part of the company’s commitment to investing in the communities it serves, the Sempra Energy Foundation and Sempra employees have donated more than $100 million over the past five years.

About SoCalGas: Headquartered in Los Angeles, SoCalGas® is the largest gas distribution utility in the United States. SoCalGas delivers affordable, reliable, clean and increasingly renewable gas service to 21.8 million customers across 24,000 square miles of Central and Southern California, where more than 90 percent of residents use natural gas for heating, hot water, cooking, drying clothes or other uses. Gas delivered through the company's pipelines also plays a key role in providing electricity to Californians— about 45 percent of electric power generated in the state comes from gas-fired power plants.

SoCalGas’ vision is to be the cleanest gas utility in North America, delivering affordable and increasingly renewable energy to its customers. In support of that vision, SoCalGas is committed to replacing 20 percent of its traditional natural gas supply with renewable natural gas (RNG) by 2030. Renewable natural gas is made from waste created by dairy farms, landfills and wastewater treatment plants. SoCalGas is also committed to investing in its gas delivery infrastructure while keeping bills affordable for our customers. From 2014 through 2018, the company invested nearly $6.5 billion to upgrade and modernize its pipeline system to enhance safety and reliability. SoCalGas is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), an energy services holding company based in San Diego. For more information visit socalgas.com/newsroom or connect with SoCalGas on Twitter (@SoCalGas), Instagram (@SoCalGas) and Facebook.

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An Important Message from AV Boys & Girls Club Regarding COVID-19 (updated 3/19/2020)

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 21:37:58 GMT

UPDATED: March 19, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians,

It’s important that you know the safety and protection of your children our number one priority. We are doing everything possible to keep our Club members, staff and volunteers protected from the COVID-19 virus. Effective March 23, Under the advisement of our Local Health Authorities, we have decided to close the Club until local schools reopen.

This closure ensures all kids, staff and volunteers are safe when the Club reopens. Should this time frame change upon the need for additional precautions and/or services, we will update you with this information immediately as we fully understand the implications our closure has on both your child and family.

In the meantime, we are advising all our Club staff, families and youth continue to take preventative measures as recommended by the CDC, Los Angeles County and local health authorities. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will continue to update you with any new information.

As always, our commitment to our Club members and their families is unwavering.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US AT (661) 267-2582.

UPDATED: MARCH 16, 2020

Dear Community Members,

Safety is the number one priority of Boys & Girls Clubs of Antelope Valley, and we are doing everything possible to keep children, our staff, and volunteers protected from the COVID-19 virus. We continue to monitor all updates from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Los Angeles County health department for updated information. We are advising all staff, families, and youth members to take precautions as recommended by the CDC, and providing additional resources like handwashing guides, and information about how to talk to young people about the spread of COVID-19.

At this time, the Club will remain partially open, with the following additional safety precautions in place:

Afternoon program at all school sites, the Whitney Mac Center, and Desert Sands Park will remain closed until further notice.

Full Day program (Club Genius) will be available for working parents from 7:30am to 7:00pm at the Whitney Mac site from March 16-20 and at Desert Sands Park and Whitney Mac from March 23-April 3.

Space will be limited to 40 kids as to remain under the CDC guideline of gatherings less than 50. Registration will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.

Additional cleaning and disinfecting of services will be conducted hourly.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Antelope Valley is the only place that some of the families in our community can turn to when schools are closed. We are monitoring this diligently and will continue to operate as long as we are able to provide a safe environment for young people. As always, we place the safety of our youth and staff at the highest level.

Please understand that should local authorities call for a closing of all programs, then the Club will follow the strictest guidelines set forth.

If community members have additional questions, please contact 661-267-2582. We will continue to update you as we know more.

In Service to Youth and Community,

Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club

MARCH 12, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Our commitment to keeping the young people we serve safe is always our number one priority. Following the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, it is important that you know Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club is doing everything possible to keep your child, our staff and volunteers protected from its spread. We are also closely monitoring reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and our local health department for all updated information.

As a reminder, we follow the operating schedules of local schools so if your local school has a closure, your local Club will be closed as well, along with the Whitney Mac Center in Lancaster.

We recommend these preventive actions that our Clubs and every family should take to prevent exposure to COVID-19.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Stay home when you are sick. Boys & Girls Clubs recommends keeping members home until they are 24 hours fever-free without medication.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask:

CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.

Wash your hands often:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
It takes an average of 11.8 seconds to sing the entire Happy Birthday song, so if you sing it twice, that will ensure you’ve scrubbed long enough. This is a great method to share with children in your family. While this measure is simple, it is effective.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
For more information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website
The CDC also provides specific guidance for travelers.

At this time, there is no evidence that children are more susceptible. Children should engage in usual preventive actions to avoid infection, including cleaning hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoiding people who are sick, and staying up to date on vaccinations, including influenza vaccine.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network offers a Parent/Caregiver guide for COVID-19 with more helpful information for families.

Should you have any questions or concerns about this or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

Our commitment to you and your children is unwavering.

Sincerely,

Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club

Additional Resources for You and Your Families

Exploring the facts of the Coronavirus with kids

BrainPOP Coronavirus video

Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with COVID-19

CDC’s What you need to know about handwashing video

Basic handwashing videos to use with younger youth:

Handwashing video

Handwashing: Step-by-step resource

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT YOUR CLUB'S SITE DIRECTOR OR CALL (661) 267-2582.

Black History Month at AVBGC

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 17:11:59 GMT

Club kids celebrate Black History Month with project submissions!

In celebration of Black History Month, Club kids were encouraged to decide on the best way to interpret a person, place or event significant to African American History. Submissions could be in the form of a skit, Hip-Hop song, or piece of artwork. We are thrilled that the Club kids came together

Mojave Boys & Girls Club

RANCH VISTA BOYS & GIRLS CLUB:

COTTONWOOD BOYS & GIRLS CLUB:

Community of Practice Training with LACOE

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 21:48:10 GMT

Los Angeles County Office of Education held Community of Practice Training at Whitney Mac Center in Lancaster

Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club teamed up with Los Angeles County Office of Education staff to hold a Community of Practice training on Saturday, Februrary 1st. The Club invited after school program staff from all throughout the Antelope Valley to learn about Community of Practice, which helps organizations upskill and reskill workers through individual learning and to bridge the gap between individual knowledge and organizational learning. Communities of Practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club thought it would be great to have after school staff come together under one roof to learn about providing a better learning experience for local youth. We are, after all, providing the same service to youth and working together to find better ways to teach! The turnout was great with organizations such as RISE, CARES and ASES coming out to benefit from this great training!

Through joint activities, members throughout the community increase their expertise in running effective after school programs by improving existing skills and developing new ones. Team building exercises not only introduce people to a new way of doing things, but it also practices effective communication with fellow staff. Learning to work together by sharing opinions or suggesting new ways in doing things can help make an organization succeed. It's amazing the change that a community can do if they work together!

Community of Practice training also helped by allowing members to bounce ideas off each other, ask questions, and engage in real-time conversations that serve to enhance and further the knowledge of individual members and the group as a whole. Learning to work the problem, not the person is an example of ways to make a work and learning environment better.

With ongoing training throughout the morning, we thank Cali Cafe for catering lunch! Staff needed the extra energy to get up and get hands on with team building exercises!

This training not only helped the Club staff, but it also brought the community together as a whole! Whether a company employs 50 or 3,000 staff members, a corporate learning community of practice can give an opportunity to achieve success by tapping into the collective knowledge and skill sets of the workforce. It is great to see a community of after school program staff come together for a similar cause and hope we can partner together for future training! With this training the Club staff will be better equipped on helping local youth towards GREAT FUTURES!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 23:25:40 GMT

Lancaster community coming together to transform the Club in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr.

The City of Lancaster came together to provide a Day of Service to the Club. With the helping hands of the community, the Club was able to receive some well-needed revamping! Volunteers disposed of broken/unwanted items, provided a fresh coat of paint throughout the building and cleared the outside landscape. These volunteers were eager to help anywhere they could and weren't afraid of getting their hands dirty. Completing projects and renovations that would take weeks, if not months! Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds worked together with the common goal of making our community a better place for each of us to work and play. City officials dropped by as well to lend their hand in these projects and dedicated time to answering volunteer questions. These volunteers chose to spend their day off by giving back to their community and it does not go unnoticed.

Lending a hand to the Club was only one of the many services they provided to the Lancaster community throughout their day. It is important that a community comes together to help where it is needed and we appreciate all the volunteers that took the time to assist in keeping this building a safe and clean place for local youth. This will leave a lasting impression on not only the Club itself, but the local youth that spend their afternoons here working towards GREAT FUTURES .

Holiday Season at the Club

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 17:40:56 GMT

Looking Ahead to a Brand New and Exciting Year

The Club has undergone changes this past year that will allow us to grow in many ways that were not possible before. We are excited for the future of the organization and serving youth for generations to come. We are very appreciative of ALL of our community partnerships. Our impact would not be as effective without the continued support of you and the Antelope Valley community.

Lockheed , Northrop , Boeing , CHiPs for Kids , Toys for Tots , and ABC7 Spark of Love donated gifts that were distributed to our Club members and the donations were so numerous, we loaded into our Club bus and drove around the Antelope Valley to distribute to local youth in neighborhoods most in need. Reaching youth throughout the community is our goal and with the support of generous donors we were able to do just that.

Staples in both Palmdale and Lancaster came together to make generous donations to the Club kids. This donation will give Club kids the tools they need to finish off the school year towards GREAT FUTURES.

Lancaster Jethawks staff and the mascot, KaBoom visited the Club kids bearing gifts! Throughout the year we partner with the Lancaster Jethawks on a few projects that leave the Club kids with unforgettable memories. We are so thankful for all that they do throughout the year.

Bank of America reached out to the Club to make a generous donation and volunteer their time to the Club kids to make the holiday's special. Not only did they donate $500 towards creating a fun day of holiday activities for the Club kids, they took personal time to help them with these activities. They enjoyed cookie decorating, pancake decorating, gingerbread house making, and giving local youth a reason to enjoy the holidays!

We are so thankful that Old Navy 's adopt-a-family initiative was such a success. Their store teamed up to gather gifts for one Club family. Throughout the year Old Navy keeps their doors open to the Club by volunteering their time to the Club and allowing Club teens to gain in-store work experience. We appreciate them keeping the Club families in mind during the holiday season.

2019 CLUB HIGHLIGHTS

Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club is READY!

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 16:51:23 GMT

We partnered with Red Cross to keep our Club kids safe.

September is National Preparedness Month and we focused on the most important aspect of our Clubs operations - THE SAFETY OF OUR CLUB KIDS. Boys & Girls Clubs of America recognized September 12th as Readiness Day, where Clubs across America help kids be prepared for the many types of emergencies we face every day! We partnered with American Red Cross to help educate and prepare our Club kids for many emergency situations by implementing The Pillowcase Project.

The Pillowcase Project was created by the American Red Cross following Hurricane Katrina. A Southeast Louisiana regional executive had learned that Loyola University students carried their valuables in pillowcases when they were evacuated for Katrina. American Red Cross created The Pillowcase Project which became a preparedness education program. The goal of the program is to help create a generation of children who understand the science of hazards, are empowered to take actions preparing for emergencies, and are excited to help create a prepared community by sharing what they have learned with family and friends.

The team of three shown above educated Club kids at two of our locations throughout the Antelope Valley. They educated our youth on things like identifying the best ways to stay safe during emergencies that can occur in our community such a fires and earthquakes, coping skills to manage stress during emergencies, and using knowledge to act as advocates for emergency preparedness in their homes and community.

The Club kids enjoyed participating in practice drills...

Answering trivia questions...

And decorating their pillowcases...

We love this partnership with American Red Cross because it is our priority to keep our Club kids safe. Thank you American Red Cross for taking time to educate our Club kids and making sure kids around the world are PREPARED. Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Clubs Readiness Day was a success!

CARMAX CARES!

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 17:30:05 GMT

Lending a hand in carnival game fun!

On Friday, June 28th CarMax employees spent time volunteering at the Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club. We planned a fun day of mini carnival games for the Club kids along with grilling up hamburgers and hot dogs! This fun Friday couldn't have been done without the help from our local CarMax employees. Each employee ran individual carnival games along with handing out candy to the Club kids as rewards. Our local youth loves when our community comes together to plan a day of fun in the summer!

Games such as pin the eye on the minion...

Hula hoop ring toss...

Fish toss for goldfish snacks...

Connect four and giant jenga...

Tic-tac-toe and cornhole...

Our "Commander in Chef" made sure the hamburgers and hot dogs were hot off the grill for the Club kids!

CarMax employees even spent time with our Club teens in a game of volleyball!

We appreciate companies like CarMax taking time out of their busy schedules to give back to the community. Our local youth loves when we come together for summer fun activities and interacting with new faces in the community!

THANK YOU CARMAX FOR GIVING BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND LOCAL YOUTH!

Edison's Season of Giving

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 18:03:34 GMT

Southern California Edison lending a hand in youth activities!

We are so happy to have such a great partnership with Southern California Edison nationally and locally. A team of Edison employees volunteered their time at our Whitney Mac Center site this week and assisted in helping not only our Club youth, but also helped with some finishing touches in our building. It's always amazing when a community comes together to make any day brighter for the youth and we appreciate Edison employees taking time out of their busy work day to give back.

They assisted in all sorts of fun indoor games that kept the kids engaged and having fun!

Skittle races to see who could transfer skittles with a straw the quickest....

Blindfolded cottonball races to see who could scoop the most into their buckets...

Cookie face challenges...

Bead drop races...

Ending the evening with group coloring and mini puppet activity!

Not only did they manage fun activities for the Club kids, they also had a team helping paint! Providing finishing touches to our building and leaving their mark at the Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club.

Thank you Southern California Edison for an amazing continued partnership. Our Club kids would love to have you back anytime! Your efforts to give back to your community does not go unnoticed and the Club kids enjoyed every minute you spent with them. Your company has definitely brightened this community!

Planet Fitness 5K

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 18:25:59 GMT

3rd Annual Family 5K Run/Walk

We teamed up with Planet Fitness for the 3rd Annual Family 5k Run/Walk that took place at Pelona Vista Park in Palmdale, CA on Saturday, June 8th. Thank you all participants who showed up in support to help end teen bullying. We are thankful to have such a great partnership with our local Planet Fitness and appreciate them donating $500 to Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club!

Our local radio station KMIX 106.3 provided music, games and raffles all throughout the event. Laughs started in the early morning with a kids game! (pictures below)

Before the run/walk began runners and walkers were led in a short series of stretches.

The event was a great success and we appreciate our continued partnership with Planet Fitness! Their continued commitment to a judgement-free zone and helping to end bullying doesn't go unnoticed! Thank you again for all that came out on their weekend morning!

Old Navy Lending a Hand

Wed, 01 May 2019 20:22:50 GMT

A partnership that continues to grow.

On Tuesday, April 30, 2019 staff from Old Navy visited our Hammack Activity Center's Boys & Girls Club where they spent the afternoon lending a hand in daily staff duties. Entering the site with positive attitudes and willingness to help and interact with the Club kids is what makes this partnership with Old Navy so special. These employees took time out of their day to help guide these Club kids to GREAT FUTURES. This year and many years before Old Navy has provided valuable volunteer hours at the Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club.

Old Navy staff even showed their Red Nose Day spirit!

Old Navy staff met with our site coordinator to learn about daily routines and activities they could assist with. They jumped right in by speaking with the kids about Club rules and listening before activities began. Club kids were excited to have new faces and eager to show off their skills!

Warm-ups and relay races!

After all the exercising Old Navy employees helped monitor food service and did preparations for another activity. Club kids planted seeds to begin a small garden and did a fish craft with the help of our Club staff and Old Navy volunteers. Old Navy employees were able to see how our Club operates in the afternoons for local youth and we appreciate them taking the time to volunteer! They created memories with these Club kids and gave back to the youth community.

THANK YOU AGAIN OLD NAVY FOR YOUR CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP!

BGC Week!

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 15:48:44 GMT

Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club has so much to celebrate!

The Boys & Girls Club movement celebrates National Boys & Girls Club Week by recognizing the invaluable service Clubs bring to communities and sharing how GREAT FUTURES start at the Club. While our Clubs operate on a local community level, they are also part of a growing national movement that supports and advocates on behalf of youth every single day.

National Boys & Girls Club week is a great time to see how our skilled staff helps youth achieve their dreams. We've scheduled activities for everyone to enjoy, along with great partnerships from around the Antelope Valley to make it happen! These events are just a glance into what happens behind our big blue doors!

MONDAY, APRIL 8th
BGC Week Kickoff!

TUESDAY, APRIL 9th
ANTI-BULLY DAY
Club staff and kids wore PURPLE to show we stand together against bullying. Sites also created "steps" towards a healthy, bully-free environment.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10th
HEALTH & FITNESS DAY
We were excited that University of Antelope Valley's men's and women's basketball teams visited the Hammack Activity Center and Whitney Mac center to hold sport activities for the youth. Stations were set up so there was something for every Club kid. Jersey's were also worn to show our team spirit!

THURSDAY, APRIL 11th
CAREER DAY
Northrop visited Hammack Activity Center to host a career event with the teens. Our Club youth also dressed for success!

FRIDAY, APRIL 12th
CLUB KID HIGHLIGHT DAY
Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club hosted a small Awards Ceremony just for the youth! Staff and youth were encouraged to BE A STAR and dress like a celebrity! Looks like Ariana Grande and Nelly made an appearance!

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Antelope Valley enjoyed celebrating BGC Week! There were so much involvement from all of our sites and our partnerships with local companies only made the week better!

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERSHIPS!

How do the Club kids take part in celebrating BGC Week?

Esther Montiel is Named 2019 Youth of the Year

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 00:23:15 GMT

Esther Montiel

Congratulations to our 2019 Youth of the Year, Esther Montiel!

Esther is in 10th grade and loves to play basketball. She wants to study Criminology on the East Coast and hopes to one day work for a branch of government. In the 4 and a half years that Esther has been with the Boys & Girls Club she has formed bonds with the youth and staff. Helping younger kids is what she loves most and has given back to the community by giving them a sense of hope and guidance. Being a part of the Boys & Girls Club has changed her life for the better and given her hope for the future.  

Esther has demonstrated what leadership, dedication and hard work truly means. We are pleased to have Esther represent the Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club throughout this year and at the 2019 Los Angeles County Youth of the Year.

Thank you to all of our 2019 Youth of the Year Nominees for sharing your stories, reaching out to the community, and being positive and encouraging role models to all of the members here at the Boys & Girls Club.

Youth of the Year is a year-round character and leadership program that recognizes Boys and Girls Club members who display the spirit of the Club. Aged 14-18, these teens demonstrate academic achievement, leadership skills and service to the community. They are working hard, investing in themselves and have their sights set on achieving a GREAT FUTURE.

Join us throughout the year to see what Esther will encounter and experience being our 2019 Youth of the Year.

Thank You to Our Sponsors for Your Generous Support!

Special thanks to our Youth of the Year committee members:

Event Chair- Pam Gaspar, Bernie Longjohn, Marie Longjohn, and Amanda Petryshyn.

Lowe's Heroes

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 23:06:11 GMT

Words cannot express how thankful we truly are - Lowe’s Heroes went above and beyond, exceeding all expectations, showing the Club that not all heroes wear capes, but are willing to give back to Great Futures.

Last week, Lowe’s Heroes from East Palmdale, West Palmdale, and Lancaster came by the Hammack Activity Center to give back to their community. All three Lowe’s locations came together to take on, and better the Hammack Activity Center for nearly 400 youth in need in our community. From fresh paint, to new ceiling tiles, baseboards and flooring - the staff, Board of Directors and Club members could not be more thrilled to see the love and passion that was put into this building last week.

Lowe's Heroes did more than we could have ever imagined. Not only did the change the look of our front entrance way, PowerHour/food service area, the Club kids Game Room, and our Teen Room, they brought and still continue to bring joy to every youth member that walks through our blue doors.

"The Boys & Girls Club is a place for our Club members to feel safe, welcomed and valued. I've seen a tremendous difference in our day to day operations here at the Hammack Activity Center since the Lowe's Heroes Project took place. It warms my heart to see our youth with such positive perspectives for themselves, others, and their second home. Seeing what Lowe's Heroes have done for us and our community goes to show that when members of our society come together, great things can, and will happen." - Executive Director - Stacey Cantwell

Everyday heroes are all around us, ours just happen to be the wonderful Lowe's employees throughout the entire Antelope Valley.

Hands on. Hearts in.

Local Businesses Support Kids at the Boys & Girls Club

saltobelli@avbgc.org (Sally Altobelli) — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 23:32:40 GMT

The Children's Bureau, Boeing, and Panda Express give over 150 kids a head start at a great school year.

On Saturday, August 4th, 2018 the Club celebrated its annual Celebration for Kids to highlight the critical needs of kids and teens in the community. Today, too many youth are facing serious issues that can deprive them of a happy healthy childhood and negatively impact their future. This year’s Celebration for Kids was celebrated with 150 kids participating in events at the Whitney Mac and Hammack Activity Center sites.

Celebration for Kids aligns with Boys & Girls Clubs of Antelope Valley’s overall initiative to help kids and families ease the costs of everyday life. Because of awesome community partners- Boeing and The Children’s Bureau, over 150 backpacks were given to youth to help them get the school year started off right. Panda Express graciously provided lunch for everyone through their volunteer program: Panda Cares.

“At Boys & Girls Clubs of Antelope Valley, we strive to change the opportunity equation for kids in our community, enabling them to achieve a great future,” says Stacey Cantwell, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Antelope Valley. “Supporting families through helping with school supplies is just one example of the amazing work we and our partners do each day to enable kids and teens to reach their full potential by staying on track to graduate, demonstrating good character and citizenship and practicing healthy lifestyles. Thank you to Boeing, The Children’s Bureau, and Panda Express for their partnership. This could not have been possible without you.”

Supporting kids and teens is a critical issue for our nation. Today’s generation is estimated to be worse off than their parents. Our nation’s graduation rate ranks 22nd among 28 countries and three out of 10 kids are obese or overweight. One in 5 American kids live in poverty and one in 3 Antelope Valley kids live in poverty.

Boys & Girls Clubs believe that every young person in America deserves a great future and that ensuring a safe, productive place for them to spend out-of-school time is a vital, yet overlooked, factor.

Celebration for Kids is also part of Boys & Girls Clubs of Antelope Valley’s Great Futures Campaign. The Great Futures Campaign aims to redefine the opportunity equation for Antelope Valley’s kids and call attention to the critical role of out-of-school time in reversing the negative trends facing today’s youth. Because of the support of our community partners and you, Boys & Girls Clubs will inspire and empower more kids toward success through life-changing programs and resources.

Thank you again to Boeing, The Children's Bureau, and Panda Express for an amazing day.

Dr. Garrison Creates Some "Magic" For the Antelope Valley

saltobelli@avbgc.org (Sally Altobelli) — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 23:02:25 GMT

Many thanks to Dr. Ric Garrison who had it in his heart to create some "Magic" for those most in need in the Antelope Valley. On March 9th, Dr. Garrison unleashed the magicians from Magic Castle on hundreds of supporters at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center to raise money for organizations that help the homeless, victims of domestic violence and youth.

Those in attendance called the event an evening filled with fun, good-will, and of course: magic!

The Boys & Girls Club of the Antelope Valley is honored and humbled to be a recipient of proceeds from this unique event. Other recipients of proceeds included Grace Resource Center and Valley Oasis.

“This gift will go a long way in providing life enhancing programs for youth who are most at risk,” said Jay Duke, CPO of the Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club of the $20,000 contribution.

Dr. Garrison, who has been a long time supporter of youth programming and the Club, commented, “I am honored and proud to support the children of the Antelope Valley".

Thank you, Dr. Garrison, for your commitment to supporting youth who need it most. You are truly making great futures!

Tracy Jimenez is named 2018 Los Angeles County Youth of the Year

saltobelli@avbgc.org (Sally Altobelli) — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 03:04:51 GMT

Boys & Girls Club of Antelope Valley is proud to announce that Tracy Jimenez is the winner of the 2018 Los Angeles County Youth of the Year! Tracy shares this title with Thomas M. from BGC Pasadena.

Tracy will be advancing to represent the Antelope Valley and all of LA County at the state competition in Sacramento. We are so proud of her and all of her accomplishments throughout this process. Her story has touched the hearts of not only the Antelope Valley, but all of Los Angeles County.

Tracy shares the title of Los Angeles Youth of the Year with Thomas M. from Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena. Together, they will head to Sacramento to compete once more against other regional winners for the title of California State Youth of the Year.

Through the support of her Boys & Girls Club, Tracy became a leader in multiple areas of her life. When Tracy joined the Hammack Center Boys & Girls Club at age ten, it gave her something priceless – a place to call home. Jumping from foster home to foster home, Tracy found stability behind her Club’s blue door. It provided her with positive, caring relationships with adults who showed her that her present circumstances did not have to dictate her future.

Today, Tracy is an excellent role model and mentor to younger members at the Hammack Center. She has held various leadership positions within the Club including Keystone Club President. Keystone Club is a program dedicated to promoting teen leadership and community service. She is also a part of the Keystone Career & Internship program and currently holds a position within the Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club organization. She is an excellent student and a member of the Knight High School JR ROTC program.

Tracy is a junior in high school, so she is still formulating her plan, but she would like to serve her country in the military and then head off to college to study in the medical or criminal justice field. We have no doubt that when she commits to her plan she will be successful.

Congratulations Tracy!

Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program for Club youth and the National Youth of the Year title is the highest honor a Club member can receive, representing the voice of four million Club youth. For over 70 years, the Youth of the Year program has recognized young people for their outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle. The Youth of the Year program is presented by The Walt Disney Company with support from signature partner Toyota. Along with additional partners the National Youth of the Year will receive $100,000 in academic scholarships. Previous winners have also been awarded a trip to Disney World and a brand new Toyota vehicle. Each year across the Boys & Girls Club movement, the Youth of the Year program awards more than $1 million in scholarships to Club teens.

Check out some of these highlighted photos below from the Los Angeles Alliance Youth of the Year Event.

WM Coolbots Robotics Team

saltobelli@avbgc.org (Sally Altobelli) — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 19:47:21 GMT

"Team Work Makes The Dream Work!"

Congratulations to our WM Coolbots Robotics Team for taking 12th place out of 28 teams in their latest robotics competition that was held at one of our local middle schools, Joe Walker. With their team being made up of 1 main programmer, 1 main robot designer, 2 decorators and a support team like no other, our Robotics team was able to come together and thrive.

Robotics is a branch of technology that deals with the application, construction, design, and operation, of robots. Our Boys & Girls Club WM Coolbots Robotics Team has been training hard and continues to improve their skills as they prepare to compete at their next Robotics Competition, which will be held at Legoland Amusement Park this upcoming February!

“All members have followed my coaching game plan, and with that, they have all taken pride in every part of the team's success,” says Coach Alvin Armstrong. "I am so proud of the advancement the team members have made this year in their knowledge, performance and dedication to robotics. This has been the best year yet."

Once again, congratulations to our amazing and intelligent Club kids here at the Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club. We can’t wait to see what this team conquers next! Great Futures Start Here.

The Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club WM Coolbots Robotics Team is proudly sponsored by Waste Management.

Discover China

saltobelli@avbgc.org (Sally Altobelli) — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 22:23:18 GMT

A Trip of a Lifetime

On June 27th, 2017 Hali Jones and twenty one other Youth of the Year Nominees throughout the Los Angeles County embarked on a journey they would never forget! Hali, her fellow nominees and the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club Alliance took off to explore China on a ten day cultural experience. Xiamen Airline was gracious enough to provide airline tickets to all of our Youth of the Year Nominees.

First Stop: Xiamen, China

Upon landing in Xiamen, Hali and her fellow nominees were greeted with an amazing tour of the Xiamen Airlines Training Facility where they got to see what it takes to become a world class airline. While in Xiamen, Hali also got to enjoy checking out the Xiamen University campus!

Second Stop: Shenzhen, China

While on their adventurous trip discovering all that China has to offer, the Youth of the Year Nominees got to see the beautiful city of Shenzhen. While in Shenzhen, the YOY Nominees spent the day with their incredible host, Coolpad! Coolpad planned out a day of action taking on the thrilling city! From having a challenge play road trip, to experiencing traditional Chinese carpentry, it was a day full of cultural appreciation. Hali and her fellow Youth of the Year Nominees enjoyed an international federation of invest Shenzhen dinner. Local Antelope Valley Boys & Girls Club supporter BYD allowed our YOY’s to tour their facilities and see what the future holds for our next generations to come. BYD also held a charity event which the Youth of the Year Nominees got to be a part of. After touring Kengi Battery Factory, the YOY’s wrapped up Shenzhen by spending the day at Splendid China’s Theme Park.

Third Stop: Shanghai, China

Upon arriving in Shanghai, nominees were immersed in the traditional Chinese culture. Local Club sponsor, Disney, treated the nominees to a magical experience at Shanghai Disney. As their last couples of days were approaching, our YOY’s were able to check out Downtown Shanghai, AEG’s Mercedes Benz Arena, COMAC, Price Waterhouse Coopers, LandSea, Shanghai Caoyang and Squire Patton Boggs. Right before returning to Los Angeles, Hali and her fellow Youth of the Year Nominees were able to spend some time in one of Shanghai’s Senior High Schools where they were able to learn a new talent of traditional brush painting.

Overall, Hali had an unbelievable time while seeing all that China has to offer! It surely was a trip of a lifetime for our Youth of the Year, Hali Jones.

The Magical Experience

saltobelli@avbgc.org (Sally Altobelli) — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 22:40:32 GMT

Do you believe in magic? Our Club kids sure do! Members from Whitney Mac and the Hammack Activity Center got to see the magic unfold and experience the fascination when Magician Mike Freeman stopped into town! Freeman painted a wonderful enchantment for our Club kids to be in awe over. Illusion after illusion, our Club kids were taken back by the magic in the air! Not only did Freeman have all of our Club members hooked from the start, but they were all in disbelief over the experience taking place in front of their eyes! Needless to say, our Club kids were stunned and taken back from the energy in the air!

Thank you to Magician Mike Freeman from The Academy of Magical Arts at The Magic Castle in Hollywood, California for taking the time out of your day to spread a little bit of magic over all of our wonderful Club kids!

Take Me Out To The Ballgame!

saltobelli@avbgc.org (Sally Altobelli) — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 19:32:51 GMT

JetHawks Youth Baseball League

Thanks to the Lancaster JetHawks Baseball Foundation and some amazing local sponsors, over 100 Club members are thrilled to participate in the JetHawks Youth Baseball League! The goal of the Lancaster JetHawks Baseball Foundation is to help as many of our local youth as possible find confidence, hope, improved health and a skill set that will help them not just on the baseball diamond, but in life. The Boys & Girls Club of Antelope Valley was honored and humbled when asked to partner with the Lancaster JetHawks Baseball Foundation. For many of our youth, this is their first introduction to the game of baseball and organized sports. Through their participation in the league, each child receives a baseball glove, uniform, hat and bag, plus meals and the chance to play with their friends on the same field that Major League prospects have played on for the last 20 years- at no cost to the Club or our members.

Needless to say, the energy of the kids when they came off the bus and entered the stadium was electrifying! The kids, coaches and volunteers were pumped up for our first game as Lancaster City Manager, Mark Bozigian, who also serves as the Commissioner of the Lancaster JetHawks Youth Baseball League, took the field to open the inaugural season with the flag salute and league pledge.

The league is comprised of 4 Tee Ball teams and 6 Coach Pitch teams all sponsored by local businesses. Teams take turns rotating throughout the stadium between the field for games, the kids zone, and eating. It's evident by the smiles on the kids faces that this league is the highlight of their week! Check out some of pictures from Week 1!

Welcome to Our New Website

saltobelli@avbgc.org (Sally Altobelli) — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 19:28:47 GMT

The Club is growing and we are making it easier for you to get the information you need.

Our New Site

Wow, this has been quite a year! The need for quality and affordable after school care is growing in the Antelope Valley. Everyday thousands of kids are left unattended after school in our community. Did you know that juvenile crime jumps up 67% between the hours of 3pm and 7pm? The Boys & Girls Club of the Antelope Valley is working hard to reach those that need us most.

We are excited to announce the opening of 3 new Club sites this fall. This brings our total number of locations up to 25! You can find a Club site closest to you here. Since we are expanding that means we are in need of quality individuals that are ready to join the team and make a positive impact in a child's life. Check out our new Careers page to join the team.

Our new site makes it easier to Register your child, get information on Volunteering and become a Supporter of the Club. Not finding what you are looking for? Send us an email and we will add it to our site or make it better!

We hope you enjoy the new site!

In Service to Youth,

Sally Altobelli
Director of Development & Marketing