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Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County Prepares to Hold Active Threat Training for Staff

michellet@bgcswc.org (Joe Sorenson) — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 17:37:25 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, CA June 29, 2022 Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County Prepares to Hold Active Threat Training for Staff Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County (BGCSWC) located in Riverside County announced today that they will be holding an active threat training this week for members of their staff and board of directors. They are dedicated to promoting a culture of safety to create a positive, safe environment for their staff, members, and volunteers. In partnership with Michael Julian, CEO of A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training Program and MPS Security, and also a Board Member for BGCSWC, an active threat training will be held to increase awareness of its team members around the subject of safety. This will be the third A.L.I.V.E. training BGCSWC staff have participated in with Julian. The A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival training program helps to prepare for the unimaginable by protecting and empowering participants by making them aware of what to do in the event of an active shooter. About Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County has served the youth in our community for over 30 years. The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County is to inspire, enable, and support all youth to realize their full potential as successful, responsible, and impactful members of the community. A locally governed and funded 501(c)3 organization, the Club provides programs for more than 1,089 youth, ages 6-17, helping them develop these skills: Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles. For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County or to learn more about the Before & After School, Day Camp, and Transportation programs they offer visit https://www.bgcswc.org.

Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County Celebrates Great Leadership

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 21:03:04 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, CA

March 16, 2022

Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County Celebrates Great Leadership

There is no doubt that COVID-19 and the variants have wreaked destruction and despair across this country and among families, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and anyone else it could find. However, this is a story of a group of people that refused to submit to the chaos the pandemic has created. This is a joyous story of how 24 people, staff, and one leader, made a conscious effort to steer the rocky waters and follow the passion of all involved into a safe harbor.

The Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County, a 501c(3) nonprofit in Riverside County, chose instead of defeat to put our heads together, to tap our resources and ideas, and to deal with the hand that had been dealt to us. In order to do this, we needed a perfect leader among an able staff, and board, to lead us through. We got that! Her name is Kimberly Freize Uhler. Our leader, Kimberly never gave up, and always led with hope, perseverance, ability, and compassion.

Under the able leadership of Kimberly we were able to make tough decisions amid the difficulties that ultimately strengthened our position and enabled us to reopen two closed clubhouses, reduce our accounts payable by 45%, increase individual giving to over $100,000, expand our Board to 24, and still focus solely on our mission statement which is, “To inspire, enable, and support all youth to realize their full potential as successful, responsible, and impactful members of the community.”

Under Kimberly’s guidance, our Board continued through the last two years to never lose sight of our mission to inspire and enable young people in the valley to succeed. We worked together to execute new “Learning Hubs” to assist with remote learning classes, provided and served over 23,800 nutritious meals to youth members and accumulated 2,616 volunteer hours from over 70 volunteers. We were able to serve 609 total members with needed services under COVID capacity limitations. We received and distributed over 750 new toys to our families for Christmas and provided over 35 Thanksgiving meals to families in need. We were nominated for Nonprofit

of the Year by the City of Murrieta/Wildomar and invited to join the County of Riverside Nonprofit Roundtable.

We, unfortunately, as a Board did not escape the effects of COVID completely. We lost one of our most beloved members, Bill Cary, to COVID. Again, we created something good out of something horrible by establishing the Walter (Bill) Cary Jr. Scholarship Fund which has been able to give three youth club members scholarships to help further pursue their interests in Bill’s name.

It is amazing what likeminded individuals can do when they come together with a common cause (our youth) and are led by one amazing person named Kimberly!

Kimberly’s term as Chairwoman of the Board has concluded and we expect our new Chairman, Tony Berardino to be just as dynamic. Our new Executive Board also includes Myrna Crowther-Chair Elect, Chris Petersen -Second Vice Chair, Jeff Kurtz -Third Vice Chair, Dr. Alan Winkelstein -Secretary, Steve Amante -Treasurer, Ed Miller -Legal Counsel, and of course, Kimberly Freize Uhler -Past Chair. Our Executive Board and all other Board members stand ready to face the future head on with fabulous outcomes, starting with a task force to drive the reopening of our Old Town Temecula Clubhouse on Pujol Street.

About Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County

Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County has served the youth in our community for over 30 years. The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County is to inspire, enable, and support all youth to realize their full potential as successful, responsible, and impactful members of the community. A locally governed and funded 501(c)3 organization, the Club provides programs for more than 1,089 youth, ages 6-17, helping them develop these skills: Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles. For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County or to learn more about the Before & After School, Day Camp, and Transportation programs they offer visit https://www.bgcswc.org.

United Way Partners With BGCSWC

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 04:49:42 GMT

The Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County is a recipient of Inland Southern California United Ways Coalition COVID-19 Relief Fund. These funds are being distributed by a partnership of United Ways in the Inland Southern California region including Arrowhead United Way, Inland Empire United Way, Corona-Norco United Way, United Way of the Desert, and United Way of the Inland Valleys.

We are proud to work together to improve the lives and futures of children and families in need in our community.

We Stand Against Racism

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 20:37:06 GMT

At the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County, we take a stand for the future of America’s children. We stand against racism and discrimination. We stand for safety, health, dignity and equitable opportunity. Boys & Girls Clubs have always been at the forefront of change, and we are long overdue for change in this country. As a nation, we can and must demand change to ensure these basic rights for black and all people of color facing systematic prejudices.

The future of our nation rests in the hands of our young kids and teens – young people who are watching the news and their social media feeds, overhearing their parents’ conversations, worrying for their world and coming to our Club with concern in their eyes. With racist acts and national civil unrest combining with a global pandemic, our Club members – especially black children and teens – need us.

Our Club members – especially young people of color – need to be heard. And they need leadership from trusted voices. They need to hear that we will fight to ensure the great futures they deserve. That they deserve to dream. That they deserve love. And that they deserve to be safe – not just at the Club, but everywhere. We continue to do Whatever It Takes for the future of our youth in this great community that we serve.

STAND WITH US!

Conversations with Teens Foster Healing from Traumatic Experiences of Racism

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 16:21:53 GMT

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends several practices for adults to address racism and support young people’s well-being

At Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we know the future of our nation rests in the hands of our young kids and teens. Young people, especially young people of color, need trusted voices who will stand against racism and discrimination and for their safety and dignity. They also need to be heard.

Alongside Boys & Girls Clubs’ trained youth development professionals, youth advocates, educators and parents are critical for opening dialogue with teens that addresses racism, especially during times of heightened social division.

According to an upcoming publication from the American Academy of Pediatrics, racism and discrimination are “adverse childhood experiences” that undermine development and well-being. Experiences of racism can influence self-esteem, deviant behavior, classroom behavior regulation and perceived discrimination. Courageous conversations that recognize and acknowledge injustices are one way to help teens counter negative physical, emotional and social effects, according to the report.

How can you create safe spaces that foster conversation about racism? Before leading teens in discussion, adults should seek a deep understanding of the challenges and spend time in self-reflection to explore how they have been affected by racism. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following practices for supporting youth that integrate trauma-sensitive care, health equity and positive youth development.

Teach children about race and ethnicity. Self-identity is a key developmental aspect of adolescence. When families talk about and celebrate their heritage and culture, prepare their teens to succeed in a racialized world, and emphasize diversity and inclusion, youth tend to experience increased self-esteem and academic performance while decreasing behavioral problems and depressive symptoms.
Start open-ended dialogue. Refrain from making assumptions about negative experiences and imposing your own worldview. Instead, focus on strengths, coping and resilience. When possible, include people who have shared experiences with the teens as well as allies.
Get to know youth, their identities and their experiences. Ask genuine questions that demonstrate you care. Questions about identity and experiences of racism may be broad or more direct but should allow youth to describe what’s important to them.
Validate their feelings and responses to racism. Allow teens to name the situation or issue. You may respond by saying, “I appreciate you sharing how that felt for you. It hurts. I find it difficult to even hear about it, let alone experience it.”
Allow them to cope. Be present to teens and assess whether their coping strategies are effective. Some questions you could ask include, “How did you think or feel while this was happening or watching? How do you deal with these thoughts and feelings?” and “What has helped you deal with the experiences and stay above the negativity?” You can also share your experiences and how you coped with them.
Heal through creative self-expression. Telling one’s story can be a powerful healing mechanism. Teens can record videos telling about their experience, create an illustration, comic or storyboard of the encounter, take selfies that convey their thoughts and feelings, or perform spoken word or song.
Form communities. Affinity groups and positive relationships are important for youth to affirm their identity and turn to for support. Ask youth if they would like to connect with a community and then help make it happen.
Minimize self-blame. Help youth reflect on their feelings so they avoid doubting or questioning their value and self-worth. To help affirm their value, strength and potential, you could say, “You know how we speak to ourselves. We speak to ourselves in ways that lift ourselves up or put ourselves down. Reflect on the ways you speak to yourself. It is important that you stay alert and be watchful of the ways you speak to yourself. My wish for you is that you make your own truth by embracing yourself and loving the unique strengths that you have.”
Help youth be advocates. The greatest mechanism for healing is allowing youth to see themselves as cocreators of a better system. Encourage youth to focus on their hopes and dreams, get involved and act. You could suggest that they create change by educating others, advocating for legislation, demonstrating, raising money, engaging in community service and getting the press involved.

Authors of the report concluded with a call to action for youth advocates: “We belong to each other. Together, regardless of race and beyond race, we must want what is right for each other, aspire for better, and work for greater if we are to leave the generations of youth that will come after us a just and equitable society—all while caring for each other.”

Reaching Teens, 2nd Edition: Strength-Based, Trauma-Sensitive, Resilience-Building Communication Strategies Rooted in Positive Youth Development will be released by the American Academy of Pediatrics on June 15. Boys & Girls Clubs of America contributed to several chapters of the publication.

Learn more about the practices recommended above in a select chapter from Reaching Teens.

Teenagers and young adults encouraged to get tested for coronavirus

Wed, 13 May 2020 21:12:01 GMT

Riverside County

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Riverside County Joint Information Center

(951) 955-5087

Riverside County health officials are encouraging young people to get tested for coronavirus because it is believed the group has been underrepresented in testing so far.

More than 71,000 people have been tested in Riverside County – at county- and state-run testing sites, clinics, hospitals and private facilities – and health officials say it is important that all segments of the population get tested to help determine the spread of coronavirus in the community. While adults have been well represented in testing, officials said they would like more of those 25 and younger to get screened.

According to census data, those 18 and under make up about 25 percent of Riverside County’s population, but that group has made up only 6.6 percent of the testing appointments at the county’s coronavirus testing sites.

“We would like to get a more complete picture of the illness as it has spread among young people,” said Kim Saruwatari, director of public health for Riverside County. “This will helps us better understand who in the community has the disease and how it might be moving among children and families.”

The county currently operates four drive up testing sites – Indio, Perris, Riverside and Lake Elsinore – and those who want to be screened do not have to have symptoms, although they do need an appointment. Parent permission is required for testing of minors. For an appointment, call 800-945-6171.

Appointments are also required at the eight state-operated walk-up testing sites spread throughout the county. To make an appointment at the state sites go online, click https://lhi.care/covidtesting , or for those without internet access call 888-634-1123.

“Testing is for everyone, regardless of immigration status or insurance, and it is free,” said Riverside County Board Chair and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “Testing has been expanded to be available for those with and without symptoms, and we encourage our young people to get themselves tested at one of our many testing sites.”

There is no cost to the person being tested at either the county or state operated facilities.

# # #

Clarification of local health officer orders

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 17:13:00 GMT

Riverside County NEWS RELEASE

Contact:

Riverside County Joint Information Center

(951) 955-5087

Clarification of local health officer orders

The County of Riverside issues the following clarification for today’s amended public health officer order:

The County’s current health order prohibiting gatherings outside the home expires April 30. Beginning May 1, the county will fall solely under the governor’s stay at home order as it pertains to gatherings. The governor’s order states that all California residents must stay home unless they are engaged in an essential business or activity, such as grocery shopping or visiting the doctor.

The governor’s order does not have an expiration date. As soon as the governor releases the stay at home order, Riverside County will be ready to move into the governor’s second phase of reopening businesses.

The newly amended health order continues to allow for certain recreational activities in Riverside County, including the use of trails and parks for hiking, biking and equestrian uses. Golf is also permitted in Riverside County with certain limitations.

This amended health order continues to require face coverings and a six-foot social distance through June 19. # # #

A Global Day of Unity #GivingTuesdayNow

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 23:29:58 GMT

Together we can heal. Be a part of the solution: show your support and rally to do some good!

A HUGE thank you to all of our friends and family who supported our efforts on #GivingTuesdayNow by making a donation to our COVID-19 Relief Fund. For those who missed it, there is still time to donate by visiting bgcswc.kindful.com .

Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County is participating in the worldwide movement, #GivingTuesdayNow , which is a global day of giving and unity taking place and leading up to May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.

At a time when we are all experiencing the pandemic, generosity is what brings people of all races, faiths, and political views together across the globe. Generosity gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others and is a fundamental value anyone can act on.

At BGCSWC we are not able to help those in the community that need us the most right now because of COVID-19. Our Clubhouses remain closed until it is safe and we are able to re-open them. We know that we are not alone in this disruption of business and we hope that together we can all come out of this pandemic soon.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

While much of the world has stopped, our mission to inspire, enable, and support all youth to realize their full potential as successful, responsible, and impactful members of the community will not be placed on pause. That’s why we’re asking you to help us cover the cost of continuing our work together by donating to our COVID-19 Relief Fund, #GivingTuesdayNow.

On behalf of all of us at Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County, thank you for being a part of our community. We wish you and your family health, safety, and happiness and want you to know that together, we can overcome all things.

Staying Physically Healthy & Active During COVID-19

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 21:19:11 GMT

Tips on how to keep kids active and reduce sedentary behavior while at home.

With many gyms, parks and recreation centers closed, we know it may be difficult to keep kids physically active while the nation works to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Regular physical activity is important for both our physical and mental well-being. The World Health Organization recommends children and youth aged 5–17 engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.

The following are some tips on how to keep kids active and reduce sedentary behavior while at home, with no special equipment and with limited space.

‘Sports Live On’

Although many sports leagues have been cancelled, kids can take a cue from our friends over at Buffalo Wild Wings and show off their athletic skills while practicing social distancing. Join the #SportsLiveOn challenge and have kids practice their favorite sport in a clever and unique way. Perfect the jump shot with trash can basketball, improve dribbling skills with toilet paper, or set up putt-putt golf in the backyard! Take a look at this video for some cool ideas and motivation to keep sports alive, while staying at home.

Planet Fitness Home Work-Ins

Just because your gym is closed, doesn’t mean you can’t still attend a workout class! Our friends over at Planet Fitness are offering free, live-streamed workout videos every day. The workouts change daily, and so do the instructors. Tune in daily, and you might even be lucky enough to have a class led by a celebrity! Tune in on Facebook .

100 Challenge

A simple one to get started – 100 reps of this one exercise.

Lie on your back with your knees bent and up in the air, your knees and hips forming 90-degree angles.
Reach your arms straight up to the sky
As you reach your arms back down to the floor, lift your head and roll up with your shoulder blades just off the floor.
Move your arms up and down as if you’re slapping the floor – and start counting!

For more 100 abs check out the 100 Ab Challenge from Blogilates ! Every day for 30 days you do 100 reps of a different ab exercise every day for 30 days. You can also break each exercise into smaller sets throughout the day!

How High Can You Go

This is a great outside option, and simple enough for the youngest of kids too! (But maybe pass on this one if you have downstairs neighbors)

5 high jumps (jump as high as you can!)
5 broad jumps (jump as far as you can!)

Repeat for 10 rounds, or 10 minutes (whichever comes first). For more body weight workouts and how-to videos, click here .

The Fast and the Furious

A four minute (yes, FOUR minute) high-intensity interval workout. It alternates 20 second bursts of working out as hard as you can with a quick 10 second rest to build cardiovascular fitness AND muscle.

Here’s one workout to get you started ( and an online timer designed specifically for it ):

Do as many jumping jacks as you can for 20 seconds
Rest for 10 seconds
Complete 8 rounds

For a longer workout, try this video . And here’s another good bodyweight High Intensity workout .

Circuit Run

Social distancing doesn’t mean distancing yourself from outside! If you are able to be outside without being too close to others, try this run/walk workout that totals up to 20 minutes:

Walk for 5 minutes to warm up
Then do 6 rounds of:

Run 1 minute
Walk 1 ½ minutes

For more, try the Couch 2 5K program! The program alternates walking with short bits of running to build up to running a full 5k in 9 weeks. The U K’s National Health System has the program written out, an app, training tips, and podcasts for each workout !

Physical activity and relaxation techniques can be valuable tools to help you and your family remain calm and continue to protect your health during this time.

Common Sense Launches WideOpenSchool.org to Help Families and Educators Transition to Students Learning From Home

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 18:04:08 GMT

As Schools Continue to Close as a Result of the Coronavirus Pandemic, Some of the Most Respected Companies in Education, Media and Tech Join Forces to Offer A Free and Open Collection of Quality Online Learning Resources to Educators and Families

Press Release

SAN FRANCISCO, March 31, 2020 - Common Sense Media, the leading nonprofit organization whose mission is to help kids, families and educators thrive in a world of media and technology, has convened a group of education, tech and media partners to launch WideOpenSchool.org, a free online resource to support families and educators who are transitioning to remote learning as a result of the coronavirus.

WideOpenSchool.org features the very best resources from publishers, non-profits, and education companies, including American Federation of Teachers, Amplify, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Head Start, Khan Academy, National Geographic, Noggin, PBS Learning Media, Sesame Street, Scholastic, TIME for Kids, XQ Institute, and YouTube.

Common Sense Media is curating the content on the platform and coordinating with key distribution and technology partners including Apple, Comcast, Google, Salesforce, and Zoom to ensure families and educators are aware of the resources and can access them.

“Today, due to the coronavirus pandemic, there's an elevated need for quality learning materials all in one place for families and educators and Common Sense is proud that trusted experts and partners have joined together to launch WideOpenSchool.org so quickly,” said James P. Steyer, CEO and founder of Common Sense Media. “Many organizations have moved swiftly to respond to this crisis with incredible resources and special offers for educators and families. We wanted to use our expertise as an expert reviewer and curator to create the go-to source of quality content that will provide educators with the support they need to shift to remote teaching and a one-stop, trusted place for families to engage kids who are now learning from home.”

With the likelihood that schools will remain closed through the end of the school year, families and educators are facing an unprecedented challenge to entertain and educate kids and maintain social connection, and to make sure that all students have access to online learning and engagement. WideOpenSchool.org aims to make learning from home an experience that is accessible to all and that truly engages kids and teachers, relieves family stress and restores community in the face of long-term school closures and other shutdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic.

PARTNER STATEMENTS

Wide Open School is a free and open collection of the best online learning experiences and activities for kids curated by the editors at Common Sense and organized by grade band and subject. Everything on Wide Open School centers around the schedule which is programmed each “school” day for each grade band. The experts at Common Sense along with our partners are working to keep kids learning, entertained, physically and creatively engaged, and emotionally strong during these challenging times.

While the platform officially launched today, Common Sense will be forging additional partnerships with media and education companies, non-profits, teachers and kids in an effort to make WideOpenSchool.org a free and open source for the best education and entertainment materials, including social emotional learning and mental and health information and digital citizenship and well-being lessons. With a focus on and a commitment to equity, WideOpenSchool.org will reach families through mobile, desktop and television and provide a clearinghouse of information that helps families gain access to broadband services to connect low-income families as well as an aggregation of trusted resources to help families access urgent services addressing health, hunger, shelter, and psychological needs.

WideOpenSchool.org Launch Partners

American Federation of Teachers, Amplify, Apple, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Comcast, Crisis Text Line, Google, GoNoodle, Head Start, Jr. NBA, Khan Academy, Mind in the Making, National Geographic, Newsela, Noggin, Outschool, PBS Learning Media, Playworks, Salesforce, Sesame Street, Scholastic, Southern Education Foundation, TIME for Kids, Understood, VROOM, XQ Institute, YouTube, Zearn and Zoom

About Common Sense

Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Learn more at commonsense.org .

Information on Local School Nutrition Programs

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 17:45:46 GMT

In response to the current COVID 19 crisis, our local school districts are continuing their nutrition programs

and are releasing other important updates regarding the COVID 19 situation on a continuous basis.

For more information regarding your child's school district please click on the respective link below:

Lake Elsinore | Murrieta | Temecula

Please see below for nutrition-specific information:

Enrichment and Learn at Home Activities

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 18:01:01 GMT

Great enrichment resources for families! Many companies are offering free subscriptions due to school closures. Use the links below to find activities to keep your child engaged and learning while we all fight to stay safe and healthy at HOME .

WideOpenSchool.org

Wide Open School is a free collection of the best online learning experiences for kids curated by the editors at Common Sense.

PBSkids

The website for children’s programming aired by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in the United States.

Experiencing America: A Smithsonian Tour through American History

Dr. Richard Kurin, the Smithsonian Institutes Distinguished Scholar and Ambassador-at-Large offer this 12-hour video course at The Great Courses, which you can access within a free trial.

National Geographic Kids

Child-focused resources about animals, science, history, people and places from around the world from The National Geographic Society.

Colorations educational craft ideas

This is a website we maintain with hundreds of educational and grade-appropriate craft ideas that you can do at home.

Storytime From Space

Videos of astronauts reading STEM-themed books from the International Space Station brought to you by the non-profit Storytime From Space.

Steve Spangler Science experiments you can do at home

This is a site established by science guy Steve Spangler, who’s been on ‘The Ellen Show’ over 20 times, with close to 400 science experiments you can do at home.

A Children’s Guide to Folklore and Wonder Tales

Dr. Hannah Blevins Harvey, treats you to dynamic, theatrical, and engaging tellings of cherished tales from around the world, through this 12-hour video course at The Great Courses, which you can access within a free trial.

Really Good Stuff student activity printables

There are about 40 free printable student activities on this page from K-6 company Really Good Stuff, which you can do at home, especially if you have limited resources.

Kidomi digital education appropriate for children

This is a 2018 National Parenting Product Awards Winner from Fingerprint Play and is a subscription app for kids 6 – 12 with thousands of hours of games, books, and videos. You can sign up for a free trial.

ABCmouse Digital Education

This is a digital education program from the award-winning company The Age of Learning, with subjects including reading and language arts, math, science, health, social studies, music, and art. You can sign up for a free trial.

Scholastic Learn at Home

Day by day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing.

Amazing Educational Resources

Education companies offering Free subscriptions due to school closings.

Resources for Inclusion

California MAP to Inclusion and Belonging Newsletter

Information and resources to support early learning and care providers and families during this crisis with particular emphasis on the specific needs of children with disabilities.

BGCSWC Club Closures as Preventative Measure

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 20:48:08 GMT

MEMO:

To: Club Parents & Families

From: Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County

Date: March 19, 2020

Re: Updated Closure of Clubs as a Preventative Measure Regarding COVID-19

It’s important that you know the safety and protection of your children is the number one priority of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest County. Due to the rapidly evolving health situation with COVID-19, and with the utmost concern for the safety and wellbeing of our Club youth members, families, volunteers and staff, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest County has made the decision to close all site locations (Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore) and cancel all Club programming effective Saturday, March 14, 2020 through Thursday, April 30, 2020 . Should these dates change, we will update you immediately.

While we fully understand the implications our closure has on both your child and family, we believe it is critical to follow recommendations and/or mandates being made at the City, County, and State levels to make this difficult but needed measure to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County will continue to monitor recommendations from the Riverside County Health Department along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

We appreciate your understanding as we take the steps necessary to ensure the well-being of our youth and staff. Please feel free to visit our website with any further updates, as our Clubhouses will be closed ( www.bgcswc.org ). As always, our commitment to our Club youth members and families is unwavering. Please be well and take care of yourself.

MISSION:

To inspire, enable, and support all youth to realize their full potential as successful, responsible, and impactful members of the community.

CORE VALUES:

INTEGRITY ● EXCELLENCE ● SAFETY ● COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS ● POSITIVE IMPACT

Supporting Boys & Girls Clubs During Coronavirus

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 19:47:14 GMT

This crisis successfully requires that each of us does their part to slow and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

With the suspension of many schools and workplaces throughout the world because of the COVID-19 pandemic, every one of us is facing challenges unlike anything we’ve encountered before. In this critical time, Boys & Girls Clubs of America is dedicated to supporting the public in whatever way we can.

Right now around the country, Boys & Girls Clubs are providing important services to help communities navigate this new and challenging climate, some are facilitating provision of meals and, in some cases, lending support to families of medical workers. Clubs have always played an important role in communities, and that is no different today.

To slow the spread of the coronavirus, those who can have been advised to stay home and practice social distancing. To help you through this, Boys & Girls Clubs of America would like to share with you our Youth Development Toolbox app. Used regularly by Club staff, YD Toolbox includes lots of fun activities and learning opportunities for your children to engage in at home.

Get YD Toolbox from Apple Store

Get YD Toolbox from Google Play

We also are providing access to our premier online learning platform with our national partner Comcast NBCUniversal, MyFuture . Families and caregivers can access these digital resources to learn, create, play, and learn valuable skills like coding and digital arts.

This is an unprecedented moment in our lives, with situations changing continuously. To come through this crisis successfully requires that each of us does their part to slow and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. So, please, keep washing your hands, keep practicing social distancing, and keep doing everything you can to ensure the safety of your families and the general public.

Sincerely,

Jim Clark

President and CEO

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Boys & Girls Clubs Response to COVID-19

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 19:28:23 GMT

With suspension of schools and workplaces due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our nation is facing challenges unlike anything previously encountered. More than 4,700 local Boys & Girls Clubs serve more than 4.7 million kids and teens annually in nearly every community in America. In this critical time, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) remains committed to supporting kids and communities in need and ready to do more.

In times of tragedy and crisis, Clubs have always continued to not only serve kids and teens, but to work with state and local officials to do more. With the incredible speed at which this global health pandemic is evolving, Clubs play a unique role and are continually adapting to serve their communities in this time of need. In partnership with local Clubs, BGCA is developing a strategy to ready Clubs to continue serving local communities during this global pandemic.

Please join us in our service to local Clubs and communities, especially for the kids and teens who need us most in this difficult time. Thank you for your support.

Support efforts of Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County

How to talk to your child about COVID-19

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 18:19:23 GMT

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As the world is turning its focus on understanding what COVID-19 is, and ways to prevent viruses like it from spreading, it is also important to take time to talk with your child or teen about the spread of viruses and the best ways to protect themselves. Remember, the age of your young person matters, so it is important to give them the facts in ways that they can understand.

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.

First, hone up on your knowledge. Review the CDC guidelines for healthy habits. Prevention, stopping a problem before it becomes a problem, is the ultimate goal.

Tips for talking to kids about COVID-19:

For older children, ask them what they’ve heard about COVID-19 and what questions they might have. Gauge their level of knowledge and help them sort fact from fiction.
It is a parent, or positive mentor’s job to help young people feel safe and secure. Reassure young people if they are worried, that they are safe. It’s important that kids are not asked to support their caregivers concerns or worries.
Share with them what you know and what you don’t know. Help them understand that scientists are studying the virus every day and are learning more. Be sure to create opportunities for more conversations as more information is understood about the virus.
For younger and older children, one of the best things you can do is reinforce healthy hygiene habits. Ask them: What do we do now to stay healthy? What could we do more of? What can we do better? Here is some prevention guidance from the Centers for Disease Control to protect yourself and your family.
Don’t forget to try to make it fun! Especially for younger children, focus on healthy habits and make up a game to reinforce them. For example make-up a contest for coming up with a new fun song to sing every time they wash their hands (that lasts 20 seconds).

Preventing the spread of viruses is important every cold and flu season, and especially now. Continue to follow guidance from the CDC and local health departments in your community to stay up to date.

School supply drive held in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County

michellet@bgcswc.org (Joe Sorenson) — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 16:06:52 GMT

SDCCU Stuff the Bus is Collecting New, Unused School Supplies for Students in Need in Temecula, Murrieta and Lake Elsinore

SAN DIEGO, Calif., (July 16, 2019)-- Kids face many hardships—school supplies should not be one of them. That’s why San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU ® ) has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County to help students in need in Riverside County.

“We are proud to partner with the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County to help prepare students for success in the new school year. We encourage the community to support this effort—a small donation can make a big difference in the lives of these children,” said Teresa Campbell, SDCCU President and CEO.

Supplies can be dropped off at any SDCCU branch location in Riverside County. For a complete list of drop sites, visit sdccu.com/stuffthebus .

The Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County provides academic support, sports, arts, S.T.E.M., career readiness, and leadership programs through before and after-school programs and day camps at its three site locations in Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, and the surrounding communities. The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County is to inspire, enable, and support all youth to realize their full potential as successful, responsible, and impactful members of the community.

San Diego County Credit Union is San Diego’s largest locally-owned financial institution serving San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties. SDCCU has assets of $8.3 billion, over 410,000 customers, 43 convenient branch locations and 30,000 surcharge-FREE ATMs. SDCCU provides breakthrough banking products that meet the demands of today’s lifestyle and delivers banking services that save customers money. SDCCU is leading the way, offering FREE Checking with eStatements, SDCCU mobile banking, mortgage loans, auto loans, Visa® credit cards and business banking services. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity. For more information, visit www.sdccu.com .

Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County Recognized for Outstanding Board Leadership

michellet@bgcswc.org (Joe Sorenson) — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 18:40:43 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Headquarters based in Atlanta, Georgia will honor the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County for achieving the Gold Level of Award Level of the League of EAGLES Award Program. This award is a key element of the national organization’s Great Futures 2025 Strategic Plan. The award recognizes local affiliate organizations for achieving 85% or more of the Board Governance Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which defines the strength of the organizations board of directors. Recipients of the League of Eagles Awards achieving a set of standards which provide an outcome-based assessment of the board’s responsibilities and impact on for the organization. This awards program measures six key elements of a “strong board of directors” which include 85% or more individual board members achieving the following standards:

Engagement.	Engaged and attend board meetings
Ask.	Ask others face-to-face for funding
Give.	Give back by making a personal financial gift
Lead.	Lead the organization to achieving strategic initiatives
Evaluate.	Evaluate their individual board performance based on a personal plan
Serve.	Serving actively on committees or task forces of the organization

Reaching this milestone is a significant accomplishment of which only 15% or less of the 1100-member organizations of the 160-year-old national youth development organization met in 2017. The award is a testimony of the dedication and commitment of the organization’s board and executive leadership to serving the youth of your community at the highest level. Alan Winkelstein, member of the organization’s board of directors will receive the award during the Pacific West Leadership Conference to be held at the Hyatt Regency in Garden Grove on Thursday, September 13. For more information about the local organization and their impact on youth in our community log on to www.bgcswc.org .

The Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County Names New CEO As Board Sets New Goals To Maximize Outreach

michellet@bgcswc.org (Joe Sorenson) — Wed, 23 May 2018 01:05:11 GMT

Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County New CEO Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SOUTHWEST COUNTY NAMES NEW CEO AS BOARD SETS NEW GOALS TO MAXIMIZE OUTREACH

TEMECULA, Calif., May 22, 2018 – The Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County named Shelly Anguiano Figueroa as their incoming CEO today. The announcement comes as the organization sets higher goals to service more at-risk youth in Southwest Riverside County and prepares to embark on a growth phase to keep pace with the increased demands of the growing Southwest Riverside corridor.

“We are thrilled with the opportunity to bring such a seasoned leader and Boys & Girls Club professional to the Southwest Riverside County organization,” remarked Boys & Girls Club Chairman of the Board, Edward Miller. “As our valley changes, we see greater need for these youth services throughout the county. Shelly has a long, successful history of growing Boys & Girls Club organizations in Southern California, and we are confident that she is the right person at the right time to advance our efforts and positively impact the lives of our local youth.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County expects to serve 1,500 kids at three locations including Temecula, Murrieta and Lake Elsinore in 2018. The organization continues to grow and the need for services increases year over year. “Our sites fill a need schools and city recreational departments are unable to meet. The Club is committed to helping families despite their financial resources and are often the only choice…from homework help to assistance in completing college applications, the Club ensures that youth are able to maximize their potential despite any challenges in the home,” commented Miller.

Mrs. Figueroa has had strong success in developing campaigns that helped to grow planned gifts and donor support while serving as the CEO at the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. “Fund raising and corporate support is critical to the health of Boys & Girls Clubs in every market,” commented Figueroa. “I am thrilled to now be CEO in this beautiful Valley where corporate giving and community pride have always been such a cornerstone of the area. The generosity of the business community is remarkable. I fully expect the Club will continue to thrive and serve the youth and families that need us most.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County was founded in 1990 with a single clubhouse out of Margarita Middle School in Temecula. The business community of Temecula Valley has a long history of supporting this valuable non-profit organization and through this outstanding support the Club has grown to three locations. For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County or to learn more about the programs they offer visit https://www.bgcswc.org .

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Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County Named 2017 Charitable Organization of the Year

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 09:41:10 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On Thursday, March 29th, we were honored to host several of our Club volunteers and supporters at our 2017 Charitable Organization of the Year Celebration at our Pechanga Great Oak Clubhouse.

This gathering was a way to thank our Club parents, supporters, volunteers, and community partners, for helping us be awarded the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce's 2017 Emerald Charitable Organization of the Year. Thank you to all who have contributed to our Clubs in the past, and currently support, with your time, treasure, and talent. We are deeply honored to have received this prestigious community award, and thank all those who are a part of ensuring GREAT FUTURES in the lives of our kids. We couldn't do it without you!

For more information on how to get involved in the Clubs, or to schedule a Club Tour, contact Alina Cota at (951) 699-1526 x 102 or alinac@bgcswc.org.