Geovanny Ragsdale
President/CEO | | |
Every homework assignment is completed.
Every test passed.
Every confident smile.
It all starts with support.
Now through March 1, donate at checkout at your local Ross Dress for Less to help fund Power Hour at our Club. Together, we’re giving kids the academic tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.
📍 Participating Ross Stores:
• 19151 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356
• 16930 San Fernando Mission Blvd, Granada Hills, CA 91344
• 6543 Fallbrook Ave, West Hills, CA 91307
• 19373 Victory Blvd, Reseda, CA 91335
• 19330 Plummer St, Northridge, CA 91324
We are grateful for your continued support and belief in our members. Your generosity makes a real difference every day.
| | THANK YOU TO OUR CONFIRMED GOLF SPONSORS! | | SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES STILL AVAILABLE! | | |
This month, the Gardening Club officially launched at the Gary M. Thomas Clubhouse, thanks to the incredible generosity of Bonnie and Jeff.
Through their donation of time, talent, and treasure, Bonnie and Jeff have laid the foundation for a program that is already taking root in meaningful ways. They have brought energy, structure, and hands-on learning to the Club, creating clear responsibilities for participating youth — responsibilities our members proudly maintain even on days when the Gardening Club does not formally meet.
Their commitment goes beyond planting seeds in the soil. They are cultivating ownership, accountability, and pride in our young people. By sharing their love and passion for gardening, they are helping nurture the next generation of leaders in the West San Fernando Valley.
We are deeply grateful for their dedication and partnership in making this program possible.
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We are grateful for our generous and caring community of donors.
Your support makes a meaningful difference for almost 3,000 members, and we thank you!
January Dollars Received: $8,150.00
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Individual & Affiliate Contributions: $50.00
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Foundation Grants: $2,000.00
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Corporate Giving: $5,000.00
Government Grants: $0
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Special Events: $1,100.00
Visit our Ways to Give webpage to view the many opportunities that support our programs, services, and operations.
We appreciate donors who donate online, as it supports our programs more seamlessly.
Consider becoming a volunteer and giving your time and talent to the next generation of leaders at one of our Club locations.
Contact: Kelly Ventimiglia, Chief Philanthropy Officer, k.ventimiglia@bgcwv.org
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Sean Sullivan joined Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley Board in 2018 and is currently serving as Board Chair. Outside of his leadership role, he enjoys playing golf.
"What I love most about serving as Board Chair of Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley is seeing the real impact we make in young lives every day—helping kids feel safe, supported, and inspiring them to believe in their full potential."
The Club thanks Sean for his eight years of dedicated service on the Board. This is his second year serving as Board Chair. His past areas of service include Chair of the Annual Tee Off Fore Kids Golf Classic and as the Club's Area Council Liaison.
Sean’s connection to Boys & Girls Clubs began in his youth—he attended Boys & Girls Club of Carson with his cousins during the summers. His favorite memories include the sports he got to play and the mentors who were there every day to guide and support him.
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Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday to support our members!
Are you interested in a meaningful experience where you can share your knowledge, time, and experience with our club members? Join our volunteer program today!
Currently, we need retired teachers to volunteer and support the training of our newest staff who work directly with the kids.
Our fall programs are running through December 12th. The Club has opportunities for volunteer support from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, contact us via email at Volunteer@BGCWV.ORG or visit bgcwv.org/volunteer.
If you are interested in a volunteer group project, let us know so we can share special projects needed during other hours of the day.
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Our opportunities right now are permanent, Part-time, and Full-time!
All part-time staff receive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual, get paid for our nine approved holidays, and have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) after 90 days with the organization.
Join our team and make a life-long difference in the lives of the youth we serve!
To view the job descriptions and qualifications, visit bgcwv.org/careers
| | Check out this past month's highlights. | | Fashion Club Specialty Program! | | |
The Fashion Club Specialty Program at Haynes Elementary has officially launched! This exciting, hands-on experience gives elementary members the opportunity to explore their creativity through a variety of stylish projects, including decorating sunglasses, designing tote bags, and creating custom bracelets.
Throughout the program, approximately 15 to 20 members are building confidence, strengthening fine motor skills, and expressing themselves while learning basic design concepts in a fun and supportive environment.
A special highlight of the program is the opportunity for each member to design and decorate their very own shirt, turning their ideas into wearable art they can proudly take home. The program will conclude with a Fashion Showcase, where members will celebrate their creations and shine with confidence.
We can’t wait to see what the Haynes Kinder Fashion Club will do next!
| | The members from YS and Boys & Girls Club have come together to form our volleyball team, and they’ve done an amazing job working as one united group. They consistently show up to practice ready to put in the work—rain or shine. Even on rainy days, they stayed committed, practicing their setting skills along the walls of the auditorium. | | |
They’ve shown great dedication, strong sportsmanship, and continuously uplift one another, no matter the outcome of the game. In our first match, we lost the first game and tied the second. The following week, we tied the first game and won the second. They truly took what they learned from that first match and used it to grow and improve.
We are so proud of this team and the progress they’re making.
Let’s go, Blythe! 🏐
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This February, our Club was filled with joy, generosity, and meaningful connections as we celebrated with a Kindness Gram & Valentine’s Carnival for our members. The goal of this special day was to give our youth the opportunity to express care, gratitude, and thoughtfulness toward one another—while having lots of fun along the way.
One of the highlights of the day was seeing our older youth step into leadership roles. They spent the afternoon setting up carnival games and gift stations, thoughtfully preparing surprises for our younger members. While the younger members enjoyed their Triple Play hour, the older members worked together to make sure everything was ready, demonstrating responsibility, teamwork, and kindness in action.
Before the gift exchange began, members shared pizza with their friends, creating a warm and welcoming space filled with laughter and conversation. When the surprises were revealed, members exchanged gifts such as edible bracelets, Valentine’s fortune cookies, and other small prizes—each one meant to show appreciation and celebrate the friendships that make our Club feel like a second home.
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To end the day, members used the tickets they earned from playing carnival games to purchase even more Valentine-themed prizes and snacks. They went home smiling, carrying not only treats and prizes but also a strong sense of care, connection, and appreciation from their peers and coaches.
February truly reminded us that kindness goes a long way. We are so proud of our members for creating such a positive and loving environment and for making this celebration one to remember.
| | -Gary M. Thomas Clubhouse- | | |
The Kindness Fair, held on February 14, 2026, was a meaningful and successful event that promoted empathy, inclusion, and positive character among students. In addition to engaging, kindness-focused activities, the event provided an opportunity to introduce and empower our new youth leaders—members who have expressed interest in taking on leadership roles within the program.
These youth leaders supported staff by helping facilitate stations, guiding their peers, modeling positive behavior, and encouraging participation throughout the fair. Their involvement helped create a welcoming and organized environment while giving them valuable, hands-on leadership experience. Their presence also strengthened peer-to-peer connections and reinforced positive role modeling among participants.
The event was well attended and received enthusiastic participation from both students and staff. Youth remained actively engaged throughout the fair, demonstrating cooperation, patience, and excitement as they rotated through each station. Overall, the Kindness Fair successfully met its goals by fostering a culture of kindness, promoting leadership development, and strengthening social-emotional skills within the program.
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Our Cooking Club is designed to help students build independence while learning essential kitchen safety skills. Each week, approximately 20 students participate in hands-on lessons where they explore healthy foods and discover how different ingredients fuel and support their growing bodies.
During each session, students prepare their own snacks, try new foods, and take pride in what they create. The program will continue every Friday through the end of the school semester, providing consistent opportunities for skill-building and confidence growth.
One of the most meaningful outcomes has been the strong sense of independence and pride the students have developed. They are excited about their creations and often ask if they can make extra to share with their families. Students also enjoy reflecting on which ingredients are familiar and which ones are new favorites. It has been inspiring to watch them expand their tastes, strengthen their confidence, and develop valuable life skills along the way.
| | -Justice Street Elementary- | | Sweet Rewards for Our Junior Coaches! | | |
This month, we are proud to celebrate our amazing student helpers—our Junior Coaches. They have been incredible role models for our younger members, stepping up with confidence while practicing and strengthening their leadership skills in meaningful ways.
Our Junior Coaches are kind, respectful, and true team players. They collaborate with one another, support their peers, and always give their very best. Most importantly, they consistently demonstrate and uphold our ICARE values each and every day.
To celebrate them this month, we treated them to Crumbl Cookies, which they absolutely love. They were so happy and felt truly appreciated. We also made sure to recognize each of them through special announcements highlighting their hard work and leadership.
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The Club Buck Store is open every Friday during club hours, offering members a variety of prizes to “purchase,” including friendship bracelets, activity books, toys, and fruit snacks. Members earn club bucks throughout the week for their academic efforts and positive participation. They keep their bucks safe in “wallets” they create using construction paper and art supplies.
Here, our first-grade member Tyron is ready to spend his hard-earned bucks!
| | | Character & Leadership Youth Council | | |
The Club Council program is designed to cultivate leadership skills, foster a sense of responsibility, and encourage community involvement among elementary-aged youth. Through participation in leadership activities and the student council, members learn to collaborate, innovate, and make decisions that enhance their Club experience.
Fourth- and fifth-grade members of the Boys & Girls Club – Reseda are running for Club Council president, while the rest of the members will vote to select a youth representative. Winners will meet regularly to collaborate, practice decision-making, and amplify youth voices within the Club. Through student-led planning and leadership, members will coordinate Club-wide events and serve as positive role models, contributing to a supportive and engaged Club community.
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On February 13th, our Serrania Club came together for our annual Kindness Fair! The day was centered on kindness, inclusion, and friendship, with a simple but meaningful purpose: to create a space where our youth feel connected, valued, and part of something positive.
Members enjoyed fun, high-energy activities, including Duck Pond Fishing, Pin the Heart on Cupid, a Glow Stick Dance Party, a Mario Kart Tournament, and a photo booth. We shared pizza, juice, and snacks—but more importantly, we shared laughter and genuine moments of connection.
A highlight of the day was a performance by our Serrania Cheer Divas. Watching them perform with confidence and pride reminded us of the growth, teamwork, and spirit our youth carry.
The Kindness Fair was more than just a fun event—it reflected the positive culture we are intentionally building at Serrania.
| | -Woodland Hills Elementary- | | |
We started holding clubs every Tuesday, taking advantage of the early dismissal for our members. One of the clubs that has kicked off is the Builders/STEM Club, where members engage in a variety of STEM activities each week. This week, members had the opportunity to create their own circuit boards, resulting in a light-up toy! Everyone had a lot of fun with this project and is excited for the upcoming activities.
The club is led by two of our staff, Alessandra Martinez and Arianna Martinez, depending on the day. Up to 20 members in grades 1–5 can join. We’re thrilled to offer this club and give members the chance to explore their interest in STEM!
| | | Eternal Flowers for Valentine's Day | | |
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Our members were excited to celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day vibes. They wanted to give flowers to friends and family that wouldn’t wilt. With the guidance of our very own Coach Rosario, our teens created DIY eternal flower bouquets using ribbons, wooden sticks, glue, and a whole lot of creativity. Some members even made flowers for our elementary club friends and distributed them during their Kindness Fair.
Since participating in this program, several members have continued making eternal flowers as a hobby, extending their creativity beyond the Club and into their own time.
| | | The Robotics Team is on a roll! After winning two matches this past month, they’ve completed one robot and are already hard at work building another. The program has nearly doubled in size this school year, a true testament to the growing excitement and momentum behind the team. Their dedication and passion shine through in everything they do. With Coach Sam’s incredible mentorship and guidance, the members have the tools, confidence, and drive to continue reaching new heights. | | |
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Our Keystone members brought the energy this month by planning and running the Sweetheart Soirée on February 24, 2026. From dismissal until closing, the Club was alive with creativity, laughter, and colorful pink and red décor as members enjoyed different activity stations.
Guests decorated cookies, took photos at the Polaroid photo booth and customized their pictures, and made bracelets to share with friends. By the end of the afternoon, over 100 members had participated, making it one of our biggest events this month.
What made this event extra special was that it was completely youth-led. Our Keystone Club members managed the planning, setup, and facilitation of each station, creating a space where everyone felt welcome and had fun.
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On Saturday, February 7, I had the privilege of standing in a room filled with hope.
Our 2026 Youth of the Year Celebration was a powerful reminder of why Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley exists; that is to ensure every young person who walks through our Blue Door is seen, supported, and empowered to lead.
While you were missed, I want to share the joy of the day with you personally.
It is my honor to announce that Lucas S. from Chatsworth High School has been named our 2026 Youth of the Year.
Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier leadership recognition program. It celebrates teens who exemplify academic excellence, service, strong character, resilience, and a commitment to healthy lifestyles. It is not simply an award—it is a reflection of transformation.
Lucas’ journey is a testament to what is possible when mentorship, opportunity, and determination intersect. As a freshman, he struggled with math; his sister, who had attended the Club years earlier, encouraged him to go. He eventually came through our doors, and as they say, everything else is history. He found the support he needed in his math and became a leader in the robotics programs. Today, he mentors elementary kids in robotics because he developed skills and knowledge through his relationship with peers and mentors at the Club. He now begins a year of service representing youth across the West San Fernando Valley. He has earned a $1,000 scholarship and will advance to compete in the L.A. County Basin Regional Youth of the Year competition.
I invite you to hear from him directly. His words speak to the heart of why this work matters.
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I am equally proud of our outstanding finalists:
1st Runner-Up: Andrea R., Cleveland High School
2nd Runner-Up: Alexa G., Cleveland High School
Each young person demonstrated courage by sharing their story and vision for the future. Leadership is not built overnight; it is cultivated through consistent encouragement, accountability, and belief.
This year’s finalists across our 9 elementary sites and one teen center location also deserve recognition. From Blythe Elementary to our Canoga Park Teen Center, these students stepped forward as leaders within their Club sites. Their confidence is the direct result of daily investment from our staff and supporters like you.
We were honored to welcome Senator Caroline Menjivar as our keynote speaker. Her remarks reinforced the importance of civic engagement and amplifying youth voice—values deeply aligned with our mission.
I extend my sincere gratitude to our judges, sponsors, and community partners who make this program possible. Youth of the Year represents the culmination of year-round leadership development, character education, and college and career readiness programming. It happens because our community chooses to invest in young people.
As Lucas advances to the regional level next week, I am reminded that our responsibility does not end with one celebration. The next generation of leaders is already preparing for their moment. They are watching. They are learning. They are rising.
If you would like to support our leadership programs or learn how to become more involved, I welcome the conversation.
Thank you for believing in the potential of our youth and for standing with Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley as we seek to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible adults.
| | We have transitioned to MyClubHub for our member management system. Are you a parent, looking to enroll your child in one of our programs for the upcoming semester? Click below to register at one of our 13 sites across the West Valley. | | | | |
The Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) is looking to enroll new families in the San Fernando Valley area
The CCRC can help you pay for childcare for all hours of the days, nights, weekends, or even just a few hours a week. Visit ccrcca.org/apply to view the requirements and to get your application started.
| | 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. | | We would like to thank the Civic Organizations and Foundations who partner with us. Their support provides with manpower at special events and delivers unique programs to the members at no cost to BGCWV. | | Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley| www.bgcwv.org |(818) 610-1054 | | Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley is a 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. | | | | |
