Message from our CEO, Geovanny Ragsdale

Thank you to Donato Ricci, General Manager of the Oaks at Lakeside!

Donato is a member of the Advisory Council for our Cooper Literacy Program (CLP). Donato kindly arranged for Club members to attend field trips to the historic Encino State Park and treated them to a delicious lunch prepared by the Oaks. Members were highly engaged in the events: touring de la Ossa Adobe, a blacksmith shop, making butter, and feeding ducks in the beautiful pond. Members journaled their experiences, and many touted this was “the best field trip they ever attended!"

Stay tuned as a fundraising event is planned for September 19th in support of the Cooper Literacy Program. We thank you for your partnership in our literacy efforts!                      

Thank you, Donato Ricci!

Thank you David Lisbe!

Thank you David Lisbe for meeting with our younger members to share your experiences in film and talk about several of the books that were the source materials for some of the films you helped animate!!

Lisbe was the first speaker to address Club members as part of the Cooper Literacy Program, which brings noted professionals, authors, and others, to speak with the youngsters about reading and literacy.

Among the films featuring characters Lisbe has animated have been Zootopia, Moana, Puss in Boots 2, and The Bad Guys. He has worked on films for all the major animation studios, including Sony, Disney and DreamWorks.

According to Martin Cooper, who created the Cooper Literacy Program and is the Club’s Chairman Emeritus, “There is universal agreement that literacy is a key foundation for a full life, including succeeding at school, socializing with others, developing independence, and building careers. That is why a year-‘round program to teach children to love and enjoy books and reading is so important.”

bgcwv.org/cooper-literacy-program

Summer Advocacy JAM - Thank you Senator Menjivar!

Thank you so much for visiting us Senator Caroline Menjivar! Her visit was part of the organization’s Summer Advocacy JAM Session intended to showcase the depth, creativity, and value our programs offer youth alongside access to jobs, academics, and mental health support as essential tools for success.

The Senator took time out of her day to visit the Gary M. Thomas Clubhouse & Teen Center to present to young people on the positive impact their advocacy work can have on their lives now, and the power they hold to influence change for the future. She also spoke about the importance of mental health, and her focus on access to quality services for California’s youth.

Backpack Palooza!

On July 22nd, the community and our members gathered for Backpack Palooza at Saint Mel Parish in Woodland Hills. Members in attendance receive a backpack FULL of school supplies!

Thank you Saint Mel Parish, North Valley Caring Services, and Guadelpe Center for putting together this incredible event!

Alliance for Community Empowerment (ACE)

Alliance for Community Empowerment (ACE) is collaborating with BGCWV to bring in vocational training to our middle school members! Members are introduced to skilled trades and get to complete hands-on projects. On day 1 of the workshop, members successfully built a lamp!

ASL Program at Canoga Park High School

Our members have been learning ASL this summer with Cameo who has been graciously donating her time to volunteer her knowledge and teaching our youth sign language. Such a valuable skill to have and fun language to learn!

Celebrating Coach Jacob

The Teen center celebrated and surprised Coach Jacob on his birthday with drawings, gifts, and cake! They enjoyed celebrating their favorite coach!

DEI And Disability Advocacy Discussion

Members at Stanley Mosk Elementary were a part of an amazing opportunity through the Future Ready Kids Program to speak with Candis Welch, a DEI and Disability advocate. During Candis’ session they discussed several topics such as how to improve motivation, getting through adversity, overcoming obstacles, and discussed diversity, equity and inclusion with our youth.

We are looking to hire a stellar Individual Giving Manager who will help us create and grow the number of individual givers in the organization and aid our Chief team in the important work that supports BGCWV.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a nonprofit organization and make a direct impact on the lives of youth in the West Valley!

For the full job description and qualifications needed, please visit bgcwv.org/careers

Check out this past month's happenings:

As donors and members, we want to thank you for supporting Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley.



Your collective gifts generated the following breakdown to the organization.

As an individual who values the work of Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley, you can make an immediate difference when you become a monthly donor. Monthly givers help provide high-quality programs which serve the kids and youth across the West Valley during the most critical hours of the day, after-school.

• A monthly gift of $10 provides one afternoon of services for one kid every month.
• A monthly gift of $25 helps to subsidize one kid's transportation to the Clubhouse for one day every month. 
• A monthly gift of $50 provides supplies for one class offered to 20 kids every month. 
• A monthly gift of $100 provides a STEM kit for one class of 20 kids every month. 
• A monthly gift of $250 provides two weeks of summer camp programs for one kid. 

We serve the kids daily because you partner with us on our mission to inspire and enable every young person, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible adults. 

In 2022 the Club was able to create a place where every child we served felt like they belonged. This was an important focus for us as many of our kids and teens were still suffering emotionally and mentally as they overcame the challenges of being isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the support of almost 400 donors and supporters we were able to serve 2,444 unique kids in the West Valley Community throughout 2022.

Shop local and support the Canoga Park Famers Market on Saturdays.

Our Corporate Champion program recognizes businesses that support the Club with a year-long contribution that impacts the lives of more than 2,500 young people. Contact us to become a Corporate Champion today! To learn more, click here.

Stay Connected!

Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley| www.bgcwv.org |(818) 610-1054

Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit in the City of Los Angeles, the State of California, and the IRS. Our EIN is 95-4419365. To support the work we do in 2023 you can call 818.610.1054 ext. 2001 or give directly at www.bgcwv.org/donate every gift helps to ensure kids and youth have a safe place to reach their full potential.