"The Boys & Girls Club has been an extraordinary program that has given me a peace of mind as a single mom. My kids are in a safe environment and learning to interact and handle conflict on their own with guidance from the staff.  

My boys have been in regular daycare for the last 10 years and moving them to a different type of program was real hard for me. I tested out the B&G’s when they were off of Broadway during a spring break a couple years ago and didn’t bring them back until they moved to Rivera due to my own insecurities. I lost my subsidized childcare and didn’t know where to turn so I wound up at B&G’s very fearful my kids who have been sheltered all their lives wouldn’t make it in this new environment. Boy was I wrong this club and it’s mentorship has been a huge relief for me, my boys are building relationships and trust in people that I really shouldn’t have had concerns, but again my own insecurities. 

Being part of the Boys & Girls Club has been very rewarding. Their father passed away when they were very young so building positive relationships with male role models is such a blessing. My boys are learning that they need to earn certain things that are a privilege not a right. They are learning to respect themselves and others."     

- Amber Puertas, Mother

When Caleb first came to the Club his family was in crisis. Caleb, his siblings, and his mother were victims of domestic abuse in their household. After Caleb’s mother made the decision to pack up and leave the situation with her three kids in tow, she was looking for a fresh start in a new city. Caleb’s mom came to the Club looking for stability and support for her kids as their family was struggling both mentally and financially.

Upon arrival to the Club, Caleb was performing poorly academically and refused to communicate with his peers. He often had outbursts, didn’t want to participate in Club programs, and often argued with staff. The Club quickly provided Caleb, his older brother, his little sister, and his mom with regular family counseling services as well as assisted them with basic needs such as shoes, clothing, and food donations. Caleb was paired with a staff mentor shortly thereafter.

As he continues to build trust with his mentor, his confidence is growing. He’s making friends, doing much better academically, and smiling much more often while he’s at the Club. Now Caleb’s younger sister old enough to attend the Club as well and she is also paired with a mentor, adding increased support for their family during a very difficult situation. Their mother credits the Club with providing her family with the stability and resources they needed in order to “get their family back”.

Theresa began her time at the Club when her mother enrolled her in the Summer Program. Her father had just left for another military tour, and her mother needed to work extra hours at her job. While the other Club kids were having a hard time settling down from all the excitement of the first day of Summer Program, Theresa chose to sit by herself in the last seat of her grade level row. She sat frozen in her seat, knees pulled into her chest, staring down at the floor. When other Club kids split up for activities, Theresa removed herself from everyone by sitting under a tree with her back to the group. Multiple Club staff made an effort to engage her but were met with a complete silence with only fear and sadness in Theresa’s eyes. For weeks, she refused to engage in any activities, but the Club staff would not give up on her. For every activity a Club staff member would make a point of going to Theresa and ask, “Won’t you join us? We’d love to have you a part of the group.” 

One Tuesday, it happened. Club staff member Sean asked Theresa if she would like to join that day’s Healthy Habits lesson. To his surprise, she responded with a soft nod and a quiet, “Yes.” It was a huge win for not only the staff but for Theresa! It had taken weeks to get her to say just that one word. However from that day forward, Theresa slowly broke out of her shell, speaking to more staff members and playing with the other Club kids. She even ended up joining the Club’s SMART Girls group and became leader in the Cal Sac STEAM program. She went from completely isolating herself from everyone and everything, to having a circle of friends she could trust. Instead of sitting in the back row, she was first in line for the next set of activities. Her transformation was a shock to the Club staff and to her mother, who had noticed her child becoming more open and mature at home. The Club named Theresa Youth of the Month to recognize her for the accomplishments she earned and the challenges she faced. 

"The Boys & Girls Clubs of Anaheim is a home away from home for both members of the club and the staff alike. I interned at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Anaheim during the Summer of 2016 and I have nothing but great things to say about my experience. Upon my first day of arrival at the club, I immediately noticed that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Anaheim exuded an aura of amiability and inclusivity. Needless to say, I felt welcomed from day one. I was able to assist the staff members in providing enjoyable and enriching program activities that served to stimulate the physical, emotional, and mental development of the club members. Throughout my time interning at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Anaheim, I noticed that the young members of the club truly enjoyed their time at the club and highly respected their staff members. I firmly believe that with each passing year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Anaheim continues to make a positive impact in the lives of our growing youth."

- Jessica Zamora, Intern