By Karen F. Walker
There's a powerful saying that resonates deeply with the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa: "Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.” For 60 years, the Clubs have been doing exactly that—helping youth to reach their full potential.
With a mission to "enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens,” the Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa currently serve more than 110 youth every day. Their programs provide a safe, engaging and enriching environment where children can learn, grow and thrive.
What Do the Clubs Offer?
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa offers a variety of programs to help youth discover their passions, gain valuable life skills and find joy in learning. Here are just a few of the ways they make an impact:
· After School Programs: The Clubs offer a wide variety of after-school activities, including basketball, media arts, garden art, Chef’s Club, STEM programs, soccer, dance and specialized programs such as Passport to Manhood and Empowered Girls.
· Exciting Discoveries: In collaboration with New Leaf Collaborative, children at the Clubs learn the basics of rocket propulsion by creating "Stomp Rockets." Whether or not you know what a Stomp Rocket is, this opportunity sounds like a blast!
· Spread Joy This Holiday Season: The Clubs offer year-round fun, safe and enriching programs through their mini-clubs, where adult volunteers share their knowledge and experience with the children. Current offerings include a new Tumbling Program in the Sports Development mini-club, career exploration in the Career mini-club and hands-on art techniques through the Art mini-clubs, in partnership with New Leaf Collaborative.
Create Lasting Impact
"What I want people to remember most about our Clubs is that we provide experiences with a lasting impact on our members' lives,” says executive director Jose Marquez. “Through another collaboration with New Leaf Collaborative and our Contra Costa Community Science Workshop (CCSW), members can explore hands-on learning in science and technology. Additionally, our partnership with Martinez Refining Company offers a Career Club that features a speaker series and interactive activities focused on workforce development."
A Safe Space for Growth
Marquez also emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment. "We are a safe space where members can grow, explore and be themselves,” underscores Marquez. “Not only are we providing a nurturing environment, we are also equipping our youth with the skills and experiences they need to be future-ready; preparing them for success in whatever paths they choose."
Lorna’s Journey:
A Personal Story of Giving Back
Lorna Padia Markus, a long-time board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa, never imagined herself in that role when she first joined as a single mother years ago. At the time, she had enrolled her two young sons in sports programs at the Boys & Girls Club of El Sobrante. The safe, supportive environment allowed her boys to grow both athletically and also as young leaders with strong values.
“Both of my boys grew up within the Club, playing baseball, basketball and flag football,” Lorna says. “They later worked as staff, volunteered to coach and supported Club events.”
When Lorna was invited to join the board in 1996, she immediately accepted. Having seen her sons thrive and grow within the Club, she was eager to give back.
“Our mission is to help youth who need us the most,” Padia says. “Kids have the ambition and attributes to achieve anything they want. Our role is to provide them with the tools, expose them to possibilities and support them in their goals.”
Stories Across Generations
Lorna has witnessed countless success stories over her years with the Clubs. “One young woman, Frederica, was raised by her grandmother and went on to graduate from college. Today, she’s a leader in her profession,” Lorna shares proudly.
Another memory that stands out is a seed-to-table gardening program Lorna initiated. “We planted tower gardens and used the harvested produce to create healthy foods,” she recounts. “One young boy, Jerry, became so invested in the program that he would come in during his free time to tend to the plants, even when school was out!”
“I’ve seen tweener girls grow from being tough and full of attitude into young women holding jobs and looking forward to their future,” Lorna says. “The Club is a safe place where kids can learn, explore and grow into leaders. We provide life skills, technology training and workforce development.”
It’s ‘Fore’ the Kids!
Support for the Boys & Girls Clubs extends throughout the community. This October, Vern Glenn, sports anchor at KPIX-TV CBS Bay Area, helped promote the Club’s 20th Annual “Golf Fore Kids’ Sake” Tournament. One of the event’s proud participants was Oakland A’s legend and Club alumnus Dave “Smoke” Stewart.
Additionally, the 7-Eleven Cares Foundation recently donated $5,000 in honor of the rock band Green Day, which has roots in Pinole, to support the Club’s Pinole and Martinez locations. This generous contribution helps the Club continue its mission of empowering and engaging youth through fun, character-building activities.
Learn More
To discover how you can support or get involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa, visit their website at BGCContraCosta.org.
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