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CLUB NEWS |
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Highlighting The Club’s Off-Site Locations
Topeka Drive Elementary School
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 Topeka Drive Elementary School has been an off-site location of the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley for four years and there are more than 35 children who attend the after-school program daily. This site holds programs in Kids In Control, Ultimate Journey, College Bound, drama, movie club, art history, arts and crafts, science, Healthy Habits, and Triple Play.
Kids In Control is a safety awareness program that teaches Club members what to do in dangerous situations, how to defend and protect themselves and others, and what to do if a stranger approaches them.
Ultimate Journey is an adventure program where new and exciting objects are discovered through nature and animals. This year, members received the opportunity to pet aquatic turtles and were taught about turtle’s growth, development, and how to care and be responsible for these and other creatures. Club members also participate in daily nature walks to rediscover their surroundings and learn about the many different creatures living in those surroundings.
College Bound is dedicated to college readiness for 3rd through 5th graders. Members receive the opportunity to go on field trips to nearby colleges, such as California State University of Northridge (CSUN) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and take tours of the campuses. This program is meant to provide children with a sense of responsibility for their program and school site along with receiving learning experiences.
The drama program is a creative program that allows Club members to use their imagination. There are 15 students who participate in this program and each individual receives the opportunity to create their own skits to present to the class. Currently, the drama program is working on the Little Mermaid play, which will be held on Saturday, June 1 at Canoga Park High School’s auditorium.
Club members in the movie club watch a variety of movies from different genres and take notes on the characters and storylines. At the end of each movie, members are given a quiz. Watching different genres of movies provides Club members with knowledge and allows them to formulate ideas for an end-of-the-year movie project. Members create their own movie for the movie project and direct and perform their script for the rest of the Club members.
Art history is a program that teaches students about the different styles and genres of painting and drawing. At the beginning of the school year, members were working on their drawing abilities. Now, they are painting on canvas, using the knowledge they have acquired regarding drawing techniques. The arts and crafts program is a free program where members can express their creativity. Materials are provided and some instructions; the rest is left to the children.
The science program provides members with weekly experiments involving chemical reactions between solids and liquids. Club members get to see the transformation of solid to liquid and liquid to solid, which is an enjoyable and interesting journey. The Healthy Habits and Triple Play programs help members make balanced nutritional choices while they participate in fitness and social recreation activities.
Staff members at the Topeka Drive Elementary School site include: Karla Moreira, Site Coordinator; Jose Paolo Barrientos, Youth Development and Art Instructor; and Ani Hagopian, Youth Development and Triple Play Instructor.
Topeka Drive Elementary is a unique site because it is much smaller than the other elementary school sites. This provides staff the opportunity to have one-on-one relationships with the students and their parents.
“We have great support from our parents. They volunteer time and donate what they can to ensure the success of the students and site,” said Karla Moreira, Site Coordinator. “I feel that what is unique to us compared to the other sites is that we are a family. Staff members know each child’s specific needs and are able to provide assistance when needed."
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20th Anniversary Marketing Program Wins 2nd Place In National
Boys & Girls Club Competition
First National Award In Club’s History
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 The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley submitted their marketing plans, activities, and collateral materials supporting its year-long 20th Anniversary celebration to the National Boys & Girls Clubs of America Marketing and Communications (MAC) Awards competition, which was held at the BGCA National Conference in Orlando, Florida. The Club’s submission placed in the same category as the largest Boys & Girls Clubs in the nation. The Club received the prestigious National Marketing and Communication Awards’ Silver Award in the Comprehensive Marketing Strategy category from the national organization!
“This is a great honor for the Club,” said Gary Thomas, Chairman of the Board. “My congratulations go out to the Club’s marketing team, which under the leadership of Marty Cooper, has brought this distinguished award to the West Valley Club. I am not aware of any other Boys & Girls Club or nonprofit organization that has assembled such a talented group of marketing professionals.”
This is the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley’s first national award in its 20-year history.
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Highlighting The Club’s Off-Site Locations
Hale Charter Academy Middle School
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 Hale Charter Academy Middle School has been an off-site location of the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley for two years and there are more than 35 young people who attend the after-school program daily. This site holds programs in Healthy Habits, Triple Play, Power Hour, Passport to Manhood, art, Smart Girls, and Street Smarts programs.
The Healthy Habits and Triple Play programs help members make balanced nutritional choices while they participate in fitness and social recreation activities. Power Hour provides Club members with strategies, activities, resources, and information to create engaging homework help and tutoring.
The Passport to Manhood program is a service project for young boys to learn the importance of giving back to the community. Each Club participant receives a passport to emphasize his personal journey of maturation and growth. This program encourages members to participate in discussions and activities that reinforce character, leadership, and positive behavior. The Smart Girls program is designed to encourage a healthy attitude and lifestyle to enable early adolescent girls to develop to their full potential.
The art programs include drawing, painting, printmaking, collage making, mixed media, and sculpture. These programs provide Club members with the opportunity to develop their creative and cultural awareness through knowledge and appreciation of the variety of arts.
The Street Smarts program uses Club staff, peer leaders, parents, and community representatives to teach young people, ages 6 to 15, how to say “no” to substance abuse and adolescent sexual involvement. Club members participate in discussions and role-playing, practice resistance and refusal skills, develop assertiveness, strengthen their decision-making skills, and analyze media and peer influence. The ultimate goal of this program is to promote abstinences from substance abuse and adolescent sexual involvement through the practice of responsible behavior.
Staff members at the Charter Academy Middle School site include: Mike Eisavi, Site Coordinator and Nia Pressley and Fernando Alvarenga, Youth Development Professionals.
Hale Middle School is different than the other Club sites because it is the only middle school site served by the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley. Mike Eisavi, Hale’s Site Coordinator, believes this site is very special. “Nia and myself are the permanent staff members at this location and it provides us with the opportunity to get to know each individual Club member very well. In addition to being a role model to these kids, we are able to guide them down the right paths as they prepare for high school.”
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The Boys & Girls Club Of The West Valley’s Theatre Arts Program
The Little Mermaid Performance
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 The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley’s Theatre Arts program has been working on a production this semester titled The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson. This fairy tale is about a young mermaid who is willing to give up her life in the sea and her identity as a mermaid to gain a human soul and win the love of a human prince.
Club members will be performing this production on Saturday, June 1, 2013 in the auditorium at Canoga Park High School. It will be a wonderful performance you won’t want to miss!
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Highlighting The Club’s College Bound Program
College Prep Program For Middle- and High- School Students
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 The Club’s College Bound program is a college preparatory program that provides middle- and high- school students with academic case management (guidance, encouragement, and resources they need to obtain their educational goals), tutoring, test prep, resources and support to ensure graduation and a post-secondary education. The College Bound program is taught at Canoga Park, Cleveland, and Chatsworth High Schools, Hale Middle School, and the Club’s Main Clubhouse.
This program has been taught at Canoga Park since 2011. From Windsong Trust, the Club has been able to expand the program to Cleveland and Chatsworth High Schools late last year. Both Hale Middle School and the Club’s Main Site began offering this program during the last school year.
Staff members who work with this program include: Liliana Lozano, College Bound Director; Karina Medrano, College Bound Coordinator at Chatsworth and Cleveland High; Yvette Castillo, Middle School College Bound Coordinator/Head Case Manager; Norman Solorio, Math Tutor/Case Manager at Cleveland High; Tracy Cowen, English Tutor/Case Managers at Cleveland High; Claudia Prado, Case Manager at Canoga Park High; and Raquel Morales, Math Tutor/Case Manager at Cleveland and Chatsworth High.
The approximate daily average attendance at Hale Middle School is 30 members; 60 members at Canoga Park High School; and 30 members each at Cleveland and Chatsworth High Schools.
College Bound is unlike any other program that the Club provides because the staff includes college students and recent graduates who are dedicated to the academic success of Club members. The program provides all the resources and tools needed for them to achieve their goals, however large or small. In addition, the Club provides members campus exposure and the opportunity to meet professionals on a monthly basis in order broaden their horizons.
According to the College Bound Director Liliana Lozano, “Another great aspect of College Bound is that no student is turned away. College Bound is available to 9th-12th graders, students in magnet programs, honors, residential, and students who need credit recovery. The staff believes in all the students and are dedicated to help them achieve their full potential.”
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Shop At Whole Foods Market In Woodland Hills To Support The Club
Five Percent Community Support Day
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Please join the Club on Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at the Whole Foods Market in Woodland Hills. Whole Foods will donate five percent of the store’s net sales to the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley to help middle- and high- school students prepare for college through the Club’s College Bound Program.
Whole Foods Market stores, nationwide, hold Community Support Days twice a year and donate five percent of that day’s net sales to a local nonprofit or educational organization.
“As a company we are committed to affecting change – not only in how our shoppers look at food – but in the communities in which they live, work, and play,” said Nissa Sompels, Marketing Supervisor for Whole Foods Market Woodland Hills. “We are supporting the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley because they inspire and empower young people in our community, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.”
According to Jan Sobel, President/CEO of the Club, “We are indeed lucky to have a community-minded organization such as Whole Food Market in our community – and supporting our Club. We thank them for helping us help young people.”
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Educational Consultants Gives High Marks to Canoga Park High School's After-School Program
Club Members Achieve Higher Academic Success
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 The Educational Resource Consultants commissioned by LAUSD evaluated Canoga Park High School’s after-school program showing that students who participated in the Boys & Girls Club’s program are more likely than non-participants to achieve high academic success. For a minimum of 33 days during the 2011 and 2012 school year, Club members were 10.4% more likely to achieve a 96% regular school day attendance rate than non-participants. These students were 4.5% more likely to achieve proficiency on California Standardized Tests (CST) in English-language arts and 3.2% more likely to achieve proficiency on CST in math than non-participants.
Students who participated for at least six days during the 2011 and 2012 school year were 14.6% more likely to pass the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) in English-language arts in 10th grade and 9.1% more likely to pass the CAHSEE in math in 10th grade.
“We are delighted that this independent study shows how important our programs are to improving grades, attendance, and academic success,” says Gary Thomas, Chair of the Club’s Board.
English learners at Canoga Park High School who participated in the Boys & Girls Club’s after-school program for at least 33 days during the 2011 and 2012 school year were 20.6% more likely to score early advanced or advanced on the California English Language Development Test (CELDT). They were also 14.6% more likely to have been re-designed as Fluent English Proficient than those who did not participate.
Seniors who participated in the Club’s after-school program all four years of high school were 8.1% more likely to graduate than non-participants.
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Highlighting The Club’s Off-Site Locations
Canoga Park High School
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 Canoga Park High School has been an off-site location of the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley for six years and there are more than 120 young people who attend the after-school program daily. This site holds programs in life skills, leadership, college bound, arts, triple play, power hour, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).
The Life Skills and Leadership programs are for young people ages 14 to 18 and include activities that focuses on academic success, career preparation, and community service. Club members engage in positive behaviors that nurture their own well-being and set personal goals. The College Bound program helps middle- and high- school students prepare for college, encourage them to plan for their future, and develop the skills needed for their desired profession.
The arts programs include guitar, fine arts, theatre, film, and photography. These programs provide Club members with the opportunity to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through knowledge and appreciation of the variety of arts.
The Triple Play program helps members make balanced nutritional choices while they participate in fitness and social recreation activities. Power Hour provides Club members with strategies, activities, resources, and information to create engaging homework help and tutoring. This program encourages members at every age to become self-directed learners. The STEM program consists of science, technology, engineering, and math. Club members receive the opportunity to participate in activities and experiments to develop critical life skills to pursue a career in the STEM fields.
Staff members who work at this site include: Lupe Herrera, Site Director; Briana Juarez, Assistant Site Coordinator; Aaron Estrada, STEM Coordinator; Fatima Gutierrez, Life Skills Coordinator; Claudia Pardo, Language Coordinator; Brenda Brandel, Youth Development Professional; Brittany Blanscet, Theatre Arts Instructor; Robert Lam, Game Room Supervisor; Alex Bonilla, Math Tutor; Anthony Partida, Math and Guitar Tutor; Jorge Casas, Fitness Supervisor; Lili Lozano, Collage Bound Coordinator; Wilbert Flores, and Jose Lopez.
Canoga Park High School has the largest number of participants and staff members in the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley’s high school sites. There are about 25 Boys & Girls Club programs in which Club members can participate. What is unique about this site is they have an indoor soccer arena and fitness center that no other sites have.
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Whole Foods Market Woodland Hills to Support the Club
Five Percent Community Support Day
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 On Wednesday, March 20, 2013, Whole Foods Market in Woodland Hills will donate five percent of all sales to the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley to help middle- and high- school students prepare for college through the Club’s College Bound Program.
As part of its commitment to supporting local causes in the communities in which it works, Whole Foods Market stores nationwide hold Community Support Days twice a year and donate five percent of that day’s net sales to a local nonprofit or educational organization.
“Whole Foods Market in Woodland Hills has proudly served our community by selling high quality natural and organic products for over 10 years. As a company we are committed to affecting change – not only in how our shoppers look at food – but in the communities in which they live, work and play,” said Nissa Sompels, Marketing Supervisor for Whole Foods Market Woodland Hills. “We are very excited to support the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley through our Community Giving Day on March 20th.”
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Annual Art Exhibit And Drama Performances
Club Members Displayed Their Talent And Creativity
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 On December 21, 2012, Club members participated in the annual Art Exhibit by displaying their artwork and photography to all Club members and their friends and family who attended. The theme of the exhibit was Tim Burton, which was coordinated with the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas. The exhibit room was covered in Tim Burton decorations and refreshments were served. Three Board members judged and chose the top artwork in each category by age to move on to the National Competition.
The winners are the following:
Photography ages 5-9: Amanda Miranda; ages 10-12: Kayden Pourlack.
Acrylic ages 5-9: Vivian C.; ages 10-12: tie between Jesse Sandoval and Dulce Rivera.
Paper Sculpture ages 5-9: Catherine N.
Watercolor ages 5-9: Carolyn M.
Pencil ages 5-9: Kaitlyn P.; ages 10-12: Priscilla; ages 16-18: Jackie Trinh.
Clay/Plaster ages 5-9: tie between India Moore and Naya Ajaber.; ages 10-12: Rachel Kijima; ages 13-15: V Santi Tobey.
Best of Show: Jackie Trinh
Congratulations to all of our winners!
Drama students from all the sites participated in performances in the center of the room to provide entertainment to those viewing the artwork. Students performed monologs and one act plays, sung songs, danced, and read poems and song lyrics they had written. Everyone who participated in both the Art Exhibit and drama performances did a wonderful job and presented beautiful and creative artwork!
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2012 Holiday Celebration
Club Members Had A Wonderful Celebration
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 The 2012 Holiday Party on Dec. 14 was a very happy event for all the Club members. Kids at all ten sites enjoyed a delicious holiday meal as well as music and games. Thank you to our generous toy donors! Members who attend the Club daily were able to choose from hundreds of wrapped presents. Each child who participated was delighted to go home with a brand new toy to play with. The 2012 Holiday Party was a huge success!
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 We would like to thank Motor 4 Toys, Magic Mountain, Los Angeles Fire Department Spark of Love, California Highway Patrol CHiPs for Kids, Procter & Gamble Hair Care, Blue Shield of California, Keyes Motors, and Layfield Physical Therapy for donating more than 800 toys that were given to Club members. Some who get no or few presents got to feel the spirit of the season and were filled with joy and happiness. |
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College Bound Expands Its Program
Chatsworth And Cleveland High Schools Are Now Offering The Valuable And Popular Program
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The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley’s popular College Bound program is now being offered at all of the Club’s locations. Earlier this year, Windsong Trust provided the Club with a $125,000 grant to support this program, which allows the Club to expand to additional locations including Chatsworth and Cleveland High Schools.
The Boys and Girls Club of the West Valley’s College Bound program is designed to help middle and high school students to prepare for college. The program encourages Club kids to plan for their futures and to develop the necessary skills for their desired professions. Participants are introduced to the process of choosing and applying to universities, as well financial aid and scholarships.
In addition to college readiness, the program prepares students for the workforce, with career workshops, beginning with resume writing. College Bound students will gain valuable skills that will make them competitive candidates in the job market. As students face new challenges in an uncertain economy, this program will give its members as many tools as possible to succeed.
For more information, or to sponsor the College Bound program, contact Kelsy Maruyama at 818-610-1054.
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New Sculpture Program At The Club
Club Members Advance Their Crafting Skills
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 The Boys & Girls Club latest program for young people is its sculpture activity being offered at the Club’s elementary, middle, and high school sites. At the elementary school sites, the students work with clay by shaping, feeling, and carving a variety of simple shapes. Some of these shapes include bowls and animals that are then painted and decorated for a finishing touch. The middle school and high school students use wire and plaster to create human shapes and animals.
“My main objective is to introduce the little kids to a different medium and get them started with creating small objects,” said Laura Gonzalez, the sculpture instructor. “With the other students, I try to instill the idea or perfecting form and creating realistic shapes. The sculpture class provides the students with an opportunity to expand their knowledge and creativity in art.”
This program is different from schools typical art classes because students are encouraged to work with various materials.
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The Dance & Music Of West Africa
Topeka Drive Elementary Introduces A West African
Dance & Music Class
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 Topeka Drive Elementary is introducing a West African dance and music class, which includes 15 classes and a final presentation. Participants will have the opportunity to show off their newly acquired knowledge and skills to their families, friends, and the general public during a final performance. All activities will be offered free of charge with all materials, class preparation, musicians, and assistants provided for necessary class sessions and culmination.
The classes are designed to teach the students’ performance skills, traditions, and a collection of authentic African folk dances and music. Aside from dancing, students will have the opportunity to work on some hands-on projects, such as making simple versions of African musical instruments and drawing pictures of traditional African scenes.
This program will be taught by Beatrice Lawluvi, who is devoted to studying and sharing African dance and music through performing and teaching around the world.
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Club’s Annual Halloween Haunted House Was A Success
Children And Families Were Spooked
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 On October 29 and 30, the Boys & Girls Club was transformed into a haunted house for its annual Halloween event. Children and their families enjoyed food, games, face-painting, prizes and going through the scary haunted house! More than 150 children came to the event and had a spooktacular time!
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2nd Annual Keen Teens Driver Safety Program
Club Teens Learned About And Experienced The Dangers Of Distracted Driving
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 On November 15, the Club held the Keen Teens Driver Safety program at Canoga Park High School, sponsored by State Farm Insurance. The program was designed to raise awareness among teens about the dangers of distracted driving in real life scenarios.
Using goggle simulators, which imitate the effects on a driver’s vision when intoxicated, young drivers experienced the process of being tested for driving under the influence (DUI) of either alcohol or drugs.
Speakers from the West Valley LAPD, the CHP, State Farm Insurance, Canoga Park High School, and the Club spoke at the event. Through the Keen Teens Driver Safety program, youth learned about the devastation caused by teen-related automobile accidents and ways they can take proactive approaches to reduce accidents.
Visit www.impactteendrivers.org for more information about Teen Driver Safety.
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Macy’s Thanks For Sharing
Join Macy’s 10th Year Of Benefiting The Club
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 Join us as we take part in Macy’s Thanks For Sharing, the best give-back event for Macy’s cardholders. As a valued supporter, Macy’s cardholders will have the opportunity to benefit The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and get 10% rewards.
In the last four years, the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley has received more than $100,000 from the Thanks for Sharing program.
Now in its tenth year, Macy’s Thanks For Sharing has raised over $95 million for charitable causes. Your enrollment will help continue the success!
Beginning September 12, 2012, cardholders can enroll with a $25 fee charged to their Macy’s card. They’ll accumulate 10% rewards on most Macy’s card purchases from the day of enrollment through December 31, 2012.
Macy’s will donate $10 for each enrollment to a local Boys & Girls Club. The stores benefiting the West Valley Club include Macy’s at Topanga, Promenade and Northridge.
To enroll, visit macys.com/thanks, ask a sale’s associate at any Macy’s, or call 1.888.933.6229. Together we’ll celebrate the tenth year of making magic at Macy’s!
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Club Expands To Cantara Street Elementary School
Now Serving Children At Eight Locations
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 The Club is now offering its program to the students of Cantara Street Elementary School in Reseda. The new school is the fourth elementary school that offers after-school programs in addition to Reseda, Blythe and Topeka Drive Elementary Schools. Additionally, the Club has programs at Hale Middle School, Canoga Park High School, Tierra Del Sol, and the Club’s main site on Remmet. Saul Jimenez is the site coordinator for the Cantara Street program.
The Club is very excited about this new addition and can’t wait for a year filled with fun, learning, and growing!
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Club Members In The Girl Scouts Silver Award
Let’s Get Crafty!
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 Club members in the Girl Scouts have received the highest award a Girl Scout Cadet can earn, the Silver Award. The Silver Award gives Girl Scouts the opportunity to show leadership, organization, determination, and dedication to improve the community. In order for one to receive this award, they must be in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade and a registered Girl Scout Cadet.
There are several steps a Silver Award Girl Scout must accomplish. One is to create a project that must be done in the local community. Three Girl Scout Club members created a project called “Let’s Get CRAFTY!” In this project, they put together many different arts and crafts kits for other Club members to participate in. Some of the kits include materials to make friendship bracelets, paper dolls, masks, and many other enjoyable crafts programs.
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Franklin’s True Value Hardware Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary
Come Celebrate And Support The Boys & Girls Club
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 The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley is excited to join the celebration of Franklin’s True Value Hardware’s 60th Anniversary, which will raise money for the Club. Franklin’s Hardware has been part of the San Fernando Valley community since 1952 and is having a weekend celebration and sale, October 6 and 7 at 21936 Ventura Blvd., at the corner of Topanga Canyon and Ventura Blvd.
This weekend will consist of great prices throughout the store, a parking lot raffle, a grand prize drawing each day, and a Bar-B-Que serving 60-cent hot dogs and drinks. This celebration will have assistance from members of the Torch Club from the West Valley Boys & Girls Club.
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New Drama Program At The Club
Club Members Express Their Talent In Acting
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 The Boys & Girls Club would like to introduce the new drama program, which serves as a healthy outlet for self-expression and awareness of various topics and social issues in an attempt to assist change in the lives of those involved, as well as those watching. The drama program helps each student find his or her role in society and boost self-confidence by giving every student a chance to be involved and heard.
In the program students learn acting techniques, physical theatre techniques, how to write their own script, and performing to help gain comfort in front of others. Not only do students have the opportunity to act, they also have the options to write their own monologues, scenes, and poetry both individually and as a group.
Brittany Blanscet, the program’s director, enjoys teaching drama because “I believe it gives students an opportunity to share their voice and it provides them with a means of expression that enables them to be heard. This program allows the students to be creative and have enjoyment in the activities they participate in. I want to make sure that each child realizes what he or she are truly worth and accept who they are, and I consider drama to be a great expressive outlet for this.”
Creating and using masks and puppets is one of the many pleasurable ways the students can use their creativity to tell stories. Prop construction is also available to the students who are interested in art but do not wish to perform. Once the final performance gets closer, students have the options of being part of the stage crew, technical theatre, production marketing, and aiding in managing the plays.
For more information on the drama program or have any questions, feel free to contact Brittany Blanscet, Theatre Arts Coordinator at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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2012 Summer Camp Has Ended
See What The Club Kids Have Been Up To All Summer!
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The Boys & Girls Club summer camp has come to an end! The kids have participated in lots of exciting activities, such as a talent show at the Main Clubhouse, along with fun-filled field trips to the Dodger Game, the beach, the California Science Center Museum, LA Zoo, and more!
Schools will be back in session on August 14 for regular programs at the following locations: Blythe, Reseda, and Topeka Drive Elementary Schools; Hale Charter Academy; Canoga Park High School; and the affordable housing community of Tierra del Sol.
Visit www.facebook.com/wvbgc to view more Summer Camp photos!
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The Club’s 20th Anniversary Gala Was A Huge Success
Thank You To Everyone Who Came To Support
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 The Club’s 20th Anniversary Gala held Friday, July 27, 2012 at the Warner Center Marriott Hotel was a huge success. More than 300 people attended the event and many were recognized for their commitment and support of the Club’s programs and kids.
The Founders’ Award was presented to Bob Voit (Voit Real Estate Services). As an additional recognition of his years of support to the Club, Chairman Gary Thomas announced that from now on this award will be known as the Bob Voit Founders’ Award.
David Rainer (California United Bank) received the Champion of Youth Award for his personal and professional support of the Club. The Corporate Caring for Kids Award was presented to Wells Fargo Bank for its continuous commitment to the kids through its support of the Club’s successful Project Learn program. The Hearts and Hands Award went to Blue Shield of California for the ongoing commitment of its employees who volunteer at the Club.
In addition to the honorees, the evening included performances by the Club’s rock & roll band and soloist, Malika Steen. The Club’s 20th Anniversary video highlighted the evening, while Bob Voit announced a matching $50,000 challenge; more than $47,000 was donated from the floor.
Thank you to all of the following sponsors: Major sponsors: Voit Real Estate Services and California United Bank; Gold sponsors: Allen Lawrence & Associates, Blue Shield of California, The Kentor Family, Media Design Group, and Wells Fargo Bank; Silver sponsors: Gary M. Thomas-Aaron, Thomas & Assoc., GHC Housing Partners, Grandpoint Bank, Kaiser Permanente, Louise Palanker, Barry Sacks, Warner Center Marriott Hotel, and West Hills Hospital; Bronze sponsors: Cooper Communications, Pratt Whitney Rocketdyne, Rosenheim & Associates, State Farm Insurance, Time Warner Cable, Valley Economic Alliance, Vons, Ware Malcomb Architects/Valley Commercial Contractors, and Westfield Topanga & Promenade.
Special thanks to the following: California Wine & Spirits, Flower Factory, Photography as an Art (Harvey Branman), SWANK Audio Visuals (Alfredo Herrera), Townepark Valet (Bobby Kuhns), UltraGlas (Jane Skeeter), Warner Center Marriott Hotel (Clay Andrews), and West Valley News (Ed Crowe).
Also for the video production: Media Design Group (Patrick Romagnano), Robert Jolley, Ducktape Media (Jerry March), and Hector Elizondo.
Those providing gift bag donations were: 20th Anniversary bags: Gary M. Thomas; 20th Anniversary video: Patrick Romagnano/Media Design Group; Sebastian Products- P&G Salon Professionals; nail polish: OPI; lip balm and sunscreen: Kaiser Permanente, folded recycle bags: Blue Shield of California; stylus pen: Wells Fargo Bank; and appetizer coupon: Warner Center Marriott Hotel.
Visit www.facebook.com/wvbgc to view more pictures from the 20th Anniversary Gala and http://wvbgc.org/images/20th_video.mov to watch the 20th Anniversary video!
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West Valley Boys & Girls Club Results:
New Research Study Shows The Club's Effect On Our Youth
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Results from a research study conducted for the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley by teachers and parents at Canoga Park High School and Topeka Drive, Reseda and Blythe Elementary Schools show that the Club has a major positive impact on the Valley by improving Club members’ grades, attendance, physical education, and social skills; providing a safe environment; and delivering important benefits to local families.
The results from the surveys conclude that at Reseda Elementary, Topeka Elementary, and Blythe Elementary, parents are 100% very satisfied with the Boys & Girls Club’s after-school program. At these three schools, parents have noticed improvements in their children in multiple areas, such as work and study habits, attendance, homework completion, physical education, and cooperation. Many parents see the strengths that the Club provides through the helpful staff, the Club’s safety, and the supervision.
One parent commented, “The program is great at keeping the students safe and providing supplemental educational assistance that the students may not receive at home. In addition, providing students with elective activities, such as sports and art activities are meeting the needs of what students are missing in the classroom.”
The outcome of the parents’ survey shows that 90% of the Club members are motivated by the staff and the programs, enjoy coming to the Club after school, and believe that the Club is making a positive difference in their child’s education.
According to the Reseda and Blythe Elementary teacher statistics, 85% of the teachers are satisfied with the after-school program and at Canoga Park High School, teachers are 92% satisfied. These teachers believe the strengths of the after school programs at these schools are in tutoring, social recreation, and athletics.
One teacher commented, “The Boys & Girls Club works well on the tutoring program and social recreation. They provide our students with services needed in the community. The Club represents a positive and productive environment for the students. Having these types of services at our school gives a peace of mind to our hard-working families and the community.”
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2012 Summer Camp Is In Session
Club Members Enjoy A Safe Place To Learn, Grow, And Have Fun!
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 It's been a great start to summer camp! The kids have been participating in lots of exciting activities at the Main Clubhouse with more fun to come! Every Friday is theme day, and in the last several weeks the Club members have enjoyed Luau Day, Etiquette class, and field trips to Ultrazone, Corbin Bowl, and Santa Monica Pier!
Visit www.facebook.com/wvbgc to view Summer Camp photos and daily updates.
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Looking Back At How The Club Was Founded
Robert D. Voit Vision For The Kids In The Community
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 Robert Voit is the Founder and CEO of Voit Real Estate Services, a Founder of the Boys & Girls Club of West Valley, and has been a constant and significant financial donor from the day the Club began. Bob decided to become involved with the Boys & Girls Club organization when his company was developing Warner Center. Bob explained, “I wanted to do something beyond our large-scale development that would have a truly positive impact on the community.” After meeting with a group of the top executives in the area, they all discussed the importance of creating a place for the community’s children to get the best start on life’s path. When the Club first opened in 1995, Bob envisioned the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley to be a permanent facility that would continue for many years.
When the Club first began, there were many challenges to which Bob was able to find solutions. One solution to the biggest challenge in getting the Club started was getting significant assistance from multiple people. The national Boys & Girls Club itself, many local business professionals, volunteers, and Bob’s firm, Voit Real Estate Services, all played key roles during the formative process. Local community business professionals supported the concept of the Club with financial assistance and volunteerism and Voit Real Estate Services gave many hours as volunteers on various committees and were eventually on the Club’s Board.
The Club is now celebrating its 20th anniversary. Bob is most proud of the “many, many children who have come through the program, gained great motivation from it, and have gone on to strong educational careers, including college and beyond.” Over the years, Bob has connected with many of the children and has learned how big an impact the Club has been for them and how much the Club has meant to them.
Along with Bob Voit, there were many other key people involved in founding and helping the Club move from an idea to a reality. Several of the strongest supporters included Roger and Erika Greaves, Bob Gross, Beverly Fittipaldo, Laura Chick, Norm and Glenda Kravitz, Norm Emerson, and Brad Rosenheim. If it weren’t for these people, the Club would not be where it is now.
After many years of being involved with the Club, Bob has had many memories. His single most important memory is “working together to create the Club with the members of the Warner Center Association, homeowner representatives, business representatives, nonprofit leaders and religious leaders.” Bob believes that for more leaders in the West Valley to support the Club, people need to recognize the significance of the Club and how much influence it has on children and the community.
He said, “Ensuring that we have good citizens with a focus on education and goals for their lives is the most important thing to make certain the community thrives in the future. The West Valley Boys & Girls Club is one of the most effective ways to make sure we get there.” Leaders can help by volunteering and donating money, while encouraging their employees and colleagues to do the same. The Boys & Girls Club of West Valley is a great place for kids of all ages and for the community!! |
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A Grand Slam Day For Club Members
40 Club Members Visit Dodger Stadium Thanks To An Anonymous Donor
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 On May 13, forty deserving Club members visited the Dodger Stadium to watch the Los Angeles Dodgers play the Colorado Rockies thanks to an anonymous donation to all 27 Clubs of the LA Alliance. Participants were chosen based on good behavior and program participation at the Club.
Club members enjoyed food and drink vouchers, while wearing foam fingers and hats, cheering for their home team. After the game, the Club members were given the opportunity to run the bases on the field. For many of the Club members, this was their first time attending a Dodgers game. It was an exciting day for all!
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Looking Back Over The Club First 20 Years
Former Club Chairman Rose Goldwater Remembers The Struggle In Finding The Club A Home
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 The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley, founded in 1992, is celebrating its 20th anniversary of impacting lives of young people. Thousands of underprivileged children in the West Valley community have benefited from the after-school and summer programs offered by the Club at various sites over the course of those two decades, but, there was a time when the Club had no site at all.
Rose Goldwater was the Chairman of the Club’s Marketing Committee from 1996 to 1997 and Chairman of the Club from 2001 to 2003. She was inspired to become involved with the Boys & Girls Club because there was a great need for an after-school program for underprivileged children in the west San Fernando Valley, and her vision was to help set up a Club site at various schools in the community. “Challenges were great. The schools were not very receptive to the idea of providing us their facilities,” Rose explains.
The first site was Calvert Elementary, which provided the Club with one small room and use of the school playground, while neighbors allowed the Club to use their pool during the summer. Eventually, the school wanted the room back for another use, and the Club was left without a site.
Soon after, Columbus Middle School offered a two-story space to facilitate Club programs. After a much-needed renovation, the Club finally had a location to provide its programs again. A computer program was developed thanks to Former Mayor Richard Riordan who donated computers to the Club. Just as things starting stabilizing and going well, the school wanted the renovated space back, again leaving the Club with no place to provide kids with a positive and safe environment.
Rose graciously opened the doors of her business, Quality Instant Printing, for Club staff to run their office on the upstairs level, while a space was rented from Pacific Boys Lodge to provide programs for the kids. Other than raising funds, finding a facility was a constant struggle.
Then one day, Rose got word about a local mortuary that was for sale. She teamed up with Gary Thomas, who was a Board member, to speak to Rickey Gelb, a business leader in the community, to explain the dire need of a facility to house Club programs, and the rest was history...
Rose and Gary walked through the facility when it was still a mortuary, but they envisioned a potential layout and the future of the Club.
Rose explains, “You have no idea how wonderful, but challenging it all was. The mortuary’s chapel, embalming room, caretaker’s living space, all had to be transformed into a safe place for kids. Today, I’m proud of the fact that we have an active facility, a great Board, and a wonderful staff, who are like an extension of the Club members’ families and have stuck together through it all.”
With Rickey’s generous assistance, the property was purchased, and Club members finally had a location dedicated to their use. When a State grant became available to the Club, Rickey sold the facility to the Club for the same amount he had acquired it for on behalf of the Club.
“I am passionate about the Club’s mission,” concludes Rose, “and what everyone involved is working so hard towards. I will continue to help in any way that I can and get the word out to the community every chance I get. I hope to always be involved and continue to see the Club grow and expand and maybe one day have a facility with an outdoor field so the kids can have what they really need. We are so blessed to have the team that we have, especially Jan, Gary, Kelsey, Tennille, Ruben, and their back-up staff. They are the bones of the organization. I’m so proud of them.”
To celebrate the Club’s 20th Anniversary, a Gala will be held at the Warner Center Marriott Hotel on the evening of Friday, July 27, honoring the Club’s Founders and the many generous people who have supported it throughout its 20-year history.
Join the Club as it celebrates its growth, achievements, and dedication to provide the West Valley community with a safe and positive place for kids!
For more information about the year-long 20th Anniversary celebration, please contact President/CEO Jan Sobel at 818-610-1054 or
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Science Fair At The Main Clubhouse
Nothing Beats Having Fun While Learning
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 The Club held its first-ever Science Fair at the Main Clubhouse on March 21. Club members were very excited to present their science projects to Club members, parents, and staff after working diligently for two months, researching, experimenting, and collaborating.
Our third graders learned about how the acid in various fruits can cause a chemical reaction to create an electrical current. Coach Mario helped Club members connect electric wires from a lemon to a light bulb, and they were able to light it up, winning first place in the Science Fair!
Kindergarten and First Grade presented a Volcano Project, where they learned all about volcanoes, how they form, what causes them to erupt, how many active ones there are around the world, etc. They also created a model volcano from paper mache, vinegar, and baking soda. It was a hands-on learning experience and the kids had tons of fun, winning second place!
The fifth graders presented a project on charging an iPod using lemons and pennies. They worked hard to sand down pennies to zinc compound, which were then connected to lemons to create electricity to charge the device. Students learned a lot about natural substances during this experiment, and they won third place!
Our second graders presented a science project on parachutes. They learned about the importance of weight, wind, and air pressure when making their model parachute from trash bags attached to action figures. The trial and error process for this project was very exciting!
The fourth graders created an edible solar system after researching and learning facts about each planet. They baked cupcakes and decorated each one as a replica of a planet in the solar system. It was a delicious way for Club members to learn about the solar system.
This was a fun-filled and super educational day for all who participated. To see more photos from the Science Fair click here! -View Photos-
For program information, please contact Club Vice President Kelsy Maruyama at 818-610-1054 or
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A Blast From The Past
Vice President Kelsy Maruyama Shares Memories Of Her Seventeen-Year
History With The Club
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 The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley, founded in 1992, is celebrating its 20th anniversary of impacting lives of young people. Thousands of underprivileged children in the West Valley community have benefited from the after-school and summer programs offered by the Club at various sites over the course of twenty years.
To celebrate the Club’s 20th Anniversary, a Gala will be held at the Warner Center Marriott Hotel on the evening of Saturday, July 27, honoring the Club’s Founders and the many generous people who have supported it throughout its 20-year history.
Join the Club as it celebrates its growth, achievements, and dedication to provide the West Valley community with a safe and positive place for kids!
Vice President Kelsy Maruyama became the Club’s Education Coordinator in February of 1995, while she was studying Youth Development at California State University Northridge. This position gave her the perfect opportunity to nurture her passion for youth development and happily take on the challenge to create an entire educational program for the Club from the ground up. “I attended my first BGCA Conference and after that experience I fell in love with the organization and what the Club does. I knew that I was where I belonged,” she recalls.
At the time, the Club had been operating for just a month, and was located on an elementary school campus. Kelsy’s vision was for the Club to have its own facility and offer diverse programs for underprivileged youth in the community. “I loved developing new programs and had a vision to create several opportunities for kids to explore their hidden talents. I believe that every child has a talent and when given the opportunity, they will find it. At the Club, kids who don't normally have opportunities to explore their talents or interests are able to try anything.” With the support of the senior staff, Kelsy was able to implement and develop amazing enrichment programs for Club members.
Operating on a school campus posed obstacles and challenges for the Club, putting it in a vulnerable position. “When the school could not accommodate our program anymore, we were able to rent space on the campus of Pacific Lodge Boys Home for a short period of time until we could obtain a facility of our own. Our Board members never gave up and we purchased the building we are currently in through the help of one of our community supporter Rickey Gelb. We were able to pay for the building and renovations through a state grant we received,” explained Kelsy.
When asking Kelsy what she is most proud of throughout her seventeen-year history with the Club, she responded “I am most proud of my perseverance and determination to keep the Club open during our most challenging times. I am proud of the staff that was also dedicated to keeping the doors open to kids who really needed a place to be. I am proud of the kids who grew up in our program, who are now pursuing their dreams and ambitions. I am proud of what the Club has done and has meant to for so many young people over the past two decades.”
Thank you Kelsy, for your continuous hard work and dedication to make a positive difference in the lives of our kids!
For more information about the year-long 20th Anniversary celebration, please contact President/CEO Jan Sobel at 818-610-1054 or
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Cultural Awareness Month
Club Members Learn About Diversity
Take an international tour this month at the Club!
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 March is Cultural Awareness Month at all seven Club sites. The goal of the program is to raise awareness about cultural diversity among Club members so that they can learn about and gain a better understanding of cultures that may be different from their own. Each week, Club kids will learn about a different region in the world, including all aspects of its history and culture; holidays, food, clothing, music, etc. Each Friday, Club members are served food from a different culture through the Healthy Habits Program.
Club members will be assigned to design and decorate a specific area of the Main Clubhouse according to their “assigned culture.” At the end of the month an international banquet will be held for members and their families to take a tour, as well as share foods from their own cultural backgrounds.
The Club kids will create passports which will be “required” to enter the different regions.
The Learning Center will be transformed into Europe; the Arts & Crafts room, Asia; the Gameroom, South America; the Teen Center, African Diaspora; the Computer Lab, Central America; and the Patio, international games.
To schedule an “international tour” at the Club during Cultural Awareness Month, please contact President/CEO Jan Sobel at 818- 610-1054 or
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Celebrating The Club’s 20th Anniversary!
Co-Founder Brad Rosenheim Recalls the Club’s Beginning
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 The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley, founded in 1992, is celebrating its 20th anniversary of impacting lives of young people. Thousands of underprivileged children in the West Valley community have benefited from the after-school programs offered by the Club at various sites over the course of twenty years. We asked one of the Club’s founders, Brad Rosenheim, to share with us the journey of starting the Club.
Brad recalls… “As the numbers of gangs grew in the West San Fernando Valley, a small group of community members gathered to see what our combined efforts could do to help. We decided to focus on effective diversion programs to keep kids off the streets and in a positive and safe environment. We found that the Boys & Girls Club had a proven track record of success throughout the nation and could support these efforts.
The vision for the Club was to start small and grow judiciously. We realized that every child was potentially “at risk” no matter their economic, social, or racial background. With a great core group of supporters, we were able to take the first steps to start development of the Club, but funding was always a concern. In the meantime, community members offered their support. I remember when we were at our first site, Calvert Street Elementary, one of the nearby neighbors allowed the Club kids to use their swimming pool during Summer Camp. Of course we had the appropriate insurance but it was a wonderful thing for a neighbor to do.
The coming together of the community to make this happen has been truly phenomenal. It really goes to show how much good can be accomplished by the community. I am so proud that the Club is thriving and serving thousands of young people every year and that it is making such a positive difference in so many lives. I am also very proud of the Club’s leadership and its strength of commitment to serving the kids.”
To celebrate the Club’s 20th Anniversary, a gala will be held at the Warner Center Marriott Hotel on the evening of Saturday, July 27, honoring the Club’s Founders and the many generous people who have supported it throughout its 20-year history. The event’s Honorary Committee includes Chairs Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villairagosa and Councilmember Dennis P. Zine, and committee members Councilmember Mitch Englander, Congressman Brad Sherman, and Senator Fran Pavley, to name a few.
Join the Club as it celebrates its growth, achievements, and dedication to provide the West Valley community with a positive place for kids!
For more information about the year-long 20th Anniversary celebration, please contact President/CEO Jan Sobel at 818-610-1054 or
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2012 Youth Of The Year Selected
A Leader In The Making
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 The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley is proud to introduce the winner of its prestigious Youth of the Year Award to sixteen-year-old, Jorden Sneed.
Jorden is an honor-roll student at Sierra Canyon High School through the Club’s Rising Star Program, where she serves as an active member of the Black Student Union Club and the Gay-Straight Alliance Club, which organizes assemblies and invites guest speakers to raise awareness about African-American Culture and Gay Rights. She has also volunteered for School on Wheels, the Union Rescue Mission, the Greater West Hollywood Food Coalition (GWHFC), the Los Angeles Youth Network (LAYN), Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Meet Each Need with Dignity (MEND) organizations.
Jorden struggled at a young age with adjusting to her parents’ divorce. She developed emotional insecurities and would exclude herself from others, not allowing anyone to see her vibrant personality, which had been muted by her sadness. Thankfully, her single mother was able to turn to the Club, which resulted in turning Jorden’s life around.
When she became a Club member, Jorden was surrounded by encouraging and motivational staff, as well as Club members who were going through similar situations in their personal lives. Soon the Club became her second home, and the Staff and Club members like family. She began to break out of her shell, make new friends, and get involved with Club activities and sports. She is now an honor-roll student, captain of her basketball team, and has dreams of attending an Ivy-League school to become a successful anesthesiologist.
Jorden was one of four candidates from the High School Division to be considered for the title of Youth of the Year along with Canoga Park High School’s Ashley Youngquist, age 17, Ulisez Diaz, age 17, and Thalia Sanchez, age 17. All four nominees are outstanding representatives of the Club which made the final decision extremely difficult for the judges.
Jorden will now move onto the Los Angeles competition February 16, where she will compete against the Youth of the Year winners from 27 Boys & Girls Clubs in Los Angeles County.
Two members from that group will be selected to represent Los Angeles in the California State Competition. The California State winner will then move on to the Boys & Girls Club of America Regional Competition where winners of each region will compete for the National Youth of the Year title.
The following Club members have been named Youth of the Year at our other Club sites:
Main site – Melissa Guardado, age 13
Hale Charter Academy – Malike Steen, age 11
Blythe Elementary – Amanda Farrias, age 7
Reseda Elementary – Anny Lam, age 10
Topeka Elementary – Adam DeCesare, age 9
Tierra Del Sol – Anthony Madrigal, age 10.
The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley will be honoring all of its members who have been named Youth of the Year at each of our sites Saturday, April 14, at the Warner Center Marriott Hotel at the annual Youth of the Year Awards Luncheon.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Vice President Kelsy Maruyama at 818-610-1054.
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2012 Youth Of The Year Selected
A Leader In The Making
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 The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley, founded in 1992, is celebrating its 20th anniversary of impacting lives! Thousands of underprivileged children in the West Valley community have benefited from the after-school programs offered by the Club at various sites over the course of twenty years.
The culmination of the 20th Anniversary celebration will occur on Saturday, July 27, with a gala honoring the Club’s Founders and the many generous people who have supported it throughout its 20-year history. The event’s Honorary Committee includes Chairs Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villairagosa and Councilmember Dennis P. Zine, and committee members Councilmember Mitch Englander, Congressman Brad Sherman, and Senator Fran Pavley, to name a few.
Join the Club as it celebrates its growth, achievements, and dedication to provide the West Valley community with a positive place for kids!
For more information about the year-long 20th Anniversary celebration, please contact President/CEO Jan Sobel at 818-610-1054 or
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US Soccer Foundation Awards Grant To Build
Futsal Arena At Canoga Park High School
CPHS Club Members Get Their Futsal On!
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 The US Soccer Foundation provided a brand-new Futsal Arena for Canoga Park High School in conjunction with the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley. Thanks to Vice President Kelsy Maruyama and Soccer Coach Jake Gwin for reaching out to the US Soccer Foundation and helping make a dream come true for the Canoga Park community. The facility will allow the Club to serve more Club members after school and on weekends by providing a fun-filled and safe sports arena. Also, the Club is now able to begin a Club-wide Futsal League for children between the ages of six and seventeen. The Opening Ceremony on February 3 was a wonderful and exciting day for the Club members of Canoga Park High School as well as community members.
Thanks to Sport Court for providing all the materials and thanks to the Club members who gave up their Saturday to help build this amazing new arena for our teens!
For more information about Club sites and programs, please contact Vice President Kelsy Maruyama at 818-610-1054 or
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Winter Happenings!
Parties, Programs, And Proceeds!
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More than 100 Club members enjoyed a delicious feast at the Club in celebration of Thanksgiving. Thank you to all the Club parents who provided the hot meals and yummy desserts for our kids to enjoy! |
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On Sunday, Dec. 4, thousands of people in the West Valley community came together for the 8th Annual Motor4Toys Charitable Car Show where 5,000 exotic, classic, vintage, and collectible automobiles were on display. More than 20,000 toys were collected for less fortunate children; 4,500 of which were donated to 22 Boys & Girls Clubs in Los Angeles! |
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Creator of the National Anti-Bullying Campaign, Harmony-by-Karate, Sensei John Mirrione, visited the Club for an Anti-Bullying Assembly for our Club members. The renowned karate, fitness and spiritual expert taught Club members valuable lessons and demonstrated methods of inner strength and self-empowerment to put an end to bullying. |
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The Club’s Annual Holiday Party on Dec. 16 was a wonderful celebration! Club members started their holiday break right with delicious food, exciting games, and awesome gifts thanks to our generous donors! |
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Keen Teens Driver Safety Program
Club Teens Learned About And Experienced The Dangers Of Distracted Driving
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 On November 18, the Club held the Keen Teens Driver Safety Program at Canoga Park High School, sponsored by State Farm Insurance and Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy. The program was designed to raise awareness among teens about the dangers of distracted driving in real time scenarios.
Using a golf cart to demonstrate how young drivers can be easily distracted by cell phones, passengers, and on-road obstacles, Club members participated in the course and were convinced of the dangers of distracted driving. The demo was part of a series of events which featured speakers from the West Valley LAPD, the CHP, Mercedes Benz, State Farm, Canoga Park High School, and the Club. Through the Keen Teens Driver Safety Program, youth learned about the devastation caused by teen-related automobile accidents and ways they can take proactive approaches to reduce accidents.
Among others, Councilmember Dennis P. Zine participated in the event.
Visit www.impactteendrivers.org for more information about Teen Driver Safety.
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Annual Holiday Event & Toy Drive
The Gift Of Giving
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 This holiday season, you can bring warmth into a Club kid’s heart and a smile on his or her face. The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley is having its annual Holiday Party Event on Dec. 16 at all seven Club sites. Each Club member who attends daily will go home happy with a brand new toy in hand. If you would like to contribute to this wonderful holiday event, please bring one or more unwrapped toys, a gift card for a teen, or a cash donation to the main Clubhouse by Dec. 9.
Please contact President/CEO Jan Sobel at 818-610-1054 or
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Time Warner’s Connect A Million Minds Initiative
Preparing Today’s Youth To Solve Tomorrow’s Greatest Problems
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 In 2009, Time Warner Cable’s Connect a Million Minds Initiative pledged to donate $100 million in cash and income resources to inspire youth throughout the nation with education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) over the course of five years. Twenty-six Club members participated in Time Warner Cable’s In-House Curriculum Event on Oct. 25 to learn about wireless technology and the way in which it affects our lives each and every day. Events like these are the grassroots manner in which Time Warner Cable and Boys & Girls Clubs are inspiring youth to get involved and pursue these kinds of fields in the future, by demonstrating the importance of it in their lives.
To experience the curriculum, Club members met with Time Warner Cable employee volunteers and actively participated at the six different stations set up for them to learn about different aspects of how various wireless technologies work. Time Warner Cable Technicians and Engineers discussed the importance of studying science, technology, engineering, and math, (STEM) and the types of careers that directly apply to them.
Club members also enjoyed snacks, giveaways, and took home awesome goodie-bags!
Thank you to the 20 Time Warner Cable Employee Volunteers who put on this fun-filled and educational event to educate and inspire our youth.
For more information about Time Warner’s Connect a Million Minds visit www.connectamillionminds.com
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Club Education Programs Increase Participation & Academics
Our Diverse Programs Keep ‘em Coming Back!
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 Club members are continuing to show improvement in their grades, study habits, and social skills as they participate in Club programs. Surveys conducted among parents and students illustrate that Club education programs are rising to the top, as this year’s results in attendance, participation, and grades have already shown to be higher than last year. Parents are more aware of the diverse programming offered by the Club and Club members are more actively involved than ever. According to surveys, 85% of Club members attend the Club by choice. Results also show the Club’s Tutoring Program to be the highest-ranked by Club members at Canoga Park High School.
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Club Expands To Hale Charter Academy
Now Serving Children At Seven Locations!
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 The Club is now offering its program to the students of Hale Charter Academy (formerly Hale Middle School) in Woodland Hills. According to Neal Siegel, the school's principal, "Hale Charter Academy is proud to partner with the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley for the 2011-2012 school year. The Boys & Girls Club is a welcome addition to our after-school programs through affordable daily academic, athletic, and arts activities until 6 p.m. Children can enjoy instruction in team sports, dance, robotics, and tutoring. The program offers a diverse structured after-hours alternative for parents right on our campus. We feel the Club enriches the kid-centered environment at Hale Charter Academy; we encourage parents to participate in this exciting program!"
The Club is very excited about this new addition and look forward to a year filled with fun, learning, and growing! |
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2011 Summer Camp Is In Full Force
See What Club Kids Have Been Up To All Summer!
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 Only a couple weeks left of Summer Camp! The kids have been participating in lots of exciting activities with special visitors at the Main Clubhouse, along with fun-filled field trips to the Museum of Tolerance, Canoga Park Bowl, MB2 Raceway, Dodgers Stadium, Staples Center, Balboa Park, Malibu Beach, Nethercutt Antique Car Museum, X Games, Old Navy, and more!
Visit www.facebook.com/wvbgc to view more Summer Camp photos! |
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Pennies From Heaven At Your Local JCPenney Store
Give Change To Make A Change!
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Unti l August 27, round up your purchase to the nearest dollar at the local JCPenney store at the Northridge Fashion Center and every penny will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley and other afterschool programs in the community. You can also visit the Pennies From Heaven site to find other easy ways to help: http://pennies.crowdtwist.com/home
PASS THE PENNY TO HELP RAISE MONEY FOR THE CLUB!
Send a lucky penny to a friend on Facebook and earn virtual pennies that JCPenney will turn into a real donation for afterschool programs across America! http://www.facebook.com/jcp?sk=app_226839544003784
For more information about Pennies from Heaven, contact Development Director Diane Jones, at 818-610-1054. |
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First Ever Youth of the Year Luncheon
Recipients Receive High Honors
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 The first-ever Youth of the Year Luncheon was a memorable day. More than 90 guests gathered at the Warner Center Marriott on Saturday, April 1, to honor all of the outstanding Club members who were named Youth of the Year at each of our six sites. Guests included proud family members, school principals and assistant principals, Board members, and many other supporters.
”The best part of the event for me actually occurs when I see the students that the West Valley Boys and Girls Club recognized as "Youths of the Year" on campus. These students walk a little taller and smile a little brighter as a result of the recognition they received, "commented Dr. Margaret Kearns, Assistant Principal of Canoga Park High School. “The scholarship and internship opportunities that the West Valley Boys and Girls Club has provided to these students will allow them to achieve their goals and ultimately strengthens our Canoga Park community.”
In a heartfelt speech, 2011 Youth of the Year, Michael Almodovar, thanked the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley staff, who helped him get back on track with his studies, set high goals for himself, and strive for greatness in life.
Michael received a $500 College Sponsorship from the Club, as well as a $1000 for the Ronn Richlin scholarship from Barbara Shore. Youth of the year finalists, Crystal Alvarez and Victor Pineyra each received $250 college sponsorships from the Club, as well.
Club Vice Chair-Marketing Marty Cooper commented: “Honoring all these outstanding young people is just an early recognition of the success they will achieve in life. All of us associated with the Club are so impressed with their abilities, maturity and commitment to making themselves positive, productive people.”
The following members were also honored at the event: Main site: Malik Ali, age 13; Blythe Elementary: Brenda Zeferino (staff volunteer) age 13; Reseda Elementary: Nicole Guerrero, age 10; Topeka Elementary: Sam Katz, age 9; and Tierra Del Sol: Brian Fuentes, age 8.
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BGCA Triple Play - Star Jumps and Free Throws
Club Members Attempt to Beat a World Record! |
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 The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley participated in the Triple Play Guinness World Record Attempt on March 22. Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the US tried to make history for the most people simultaneously performing Star Jumps (Jumping Jacks) for two consecutive minutes. More than 224 members of the Boy & Girls Club of the West Valley and community participated in this fun-filled event.
Club teens also held a Basketball Free Throw-A-Thon during the event. Twelve Club members and five staff members competed to see who can make the most baskets out of twenty. Club and staff members had pledges for the amount of shots they made, resulting in raising $230 during the event. The proceeds will be used to support our annual Kampaign for Kids, supporting various Club programs. |
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A Special Day At The Club
Congressman Brad Sherman Visits The Club |
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 Congressman Brad Sherman visited the Club in January to meet with the Club kids and to see first-hand how the Club’s programs are improving the lives of its members.
“The West Valley Boys & Girls Club is an important organization in our community providing after-school programs and activities to hundreds of children from our local schools,” said Congressman Sherman. “It was a pleasure visiting the Club and seeing firsthand how the staff and volunteers are making a difference in the lives of our youth in the West San Fernando Valley.
To schedule a tour at the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley, contact CEO/President Jan Sobel at 818-610-1054
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Cultural Awareness Month
Club Members Learn About Diversity
Take An International Tour This Month At The Club!
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 March is Cultural Awareness Month at all six Club sites. The goal of the program is to raise awareness about cultural diversity among Club members so that they can learn about and gain a better understanding of cultures that may be different from their own. Each week, Club kids will learn about a different region in the world, including all aspects of its history and culture e.g., holidays, food, clothing, music, etc.
Club members will be assigned to design and decorate a specific area of the Main Clubhouse according to their “assigned culture.” At the end of the month we will hold an international banquet welcoming Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley supporters, including parents, friends, and local businesses, to take a tour, as well as share foods from their own cultural backgrounds.
The Club kids will create passports which will be “required” to enter the different regions. The Learning Center will be transformed into the Middle East; the Arts & Crafts room, Asia; the Gameroom, Latin America; the Teen Center, Europe; the Computer Lab, African Diaspora; and the Patio, international games.
To schedule a an “international tour” at the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley during Cultural Awareness Month, please contact President/CEO Jan Sobel at (818) 610-1054.
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2011 Youth Of The Year Selected
A Leader In The Making |
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 The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley is proud to introduce the winner of the prestigious Youth of the Year Award to eighteen-year-old, Michael Almodovar.
Michael is a senior at Canoga Park High School, where he is the captain of the Varsity Football team and a student in Environmental and Veterinary Science Magnet.
He grew up as an only child in a single-parent household in Arleta. While attending Pacoima Middle School he endured many challenging obstacles in his life, including negative peer influences, as he began falling behind in his academics. Michael realized the effect this would have on his mother and his future, so he made the conscious decision to remove himself from the negativity surrounding him by focusing on his academics. He was accepted into the magnet program at Canoga Park High School where he also joined the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley after-school program which really helped him with turning his life around. His participation in the tutoring program helped him improve his grades and remain eligible for football, while his relationships with the staff kept him motivated to continue moving in a positive direction.
Michael was one of three candidates to be considered for the title of Youth of the Year along with Crystal Alvarez, age 17, and Victor Pineyra, age 17. All three nominees are outstanding representatives of the Club which made the final decision extremely difficult for the judges.
Michael will now move onto the Los Angeles competition February 22, where he will compete against the Youth of the Year winners from 27 Boys & Girls Clubs in the Los Angeles County. Two members from that group will be selected to represent Los Angeles in the California State Competition. The California State winner will then move onto the Boys & Girls Club of America Regional Competition where winners of each Region will compete for the National Youth of the Year title.
The following are the members who have been named Youth of the Year at our other West Valley sites: Main site – Malik Ali, age 13; Blythe Elementary – Brenda Zeferino (staff volunteer) age 13; Reseda Elementary – Nicole Guerrero, age 10; Topeka Elementary – Sam Katz, age 9; Tierra Del Sol – Brian Fuentes, age 8.
The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley will be honoring all of the members who have been named Youth of the Year at each of our sites Saturday, April 2, at the Warner Center Marriott Hotel for a Youth of the Year Awards Luncheon.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Kelsy Maruyama at 818-610-1054.
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2010 HOLIDAY PARTY
Club Members Go Home Happy This Holiday Season
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The 2010 Holiday Party on Dec. 17 was a very joyous event. Club members at all six sites enjoyed a delicious holiday meal as well as music and games. Thanks to our generous toy donors, members who attend the Club daily were able to choose from hundreds of wrapped presents. Each child who participated was delighted to go home with a brand new toy to play with. The 2010 Holiday Party was a huge success!
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2011 Youth of the Year Program
A Foundation for great futures |
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 According to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, its Youth of the Year recognition is the highest honor a Club member can achieve. Since its inception in 1947, the Youth of the Year program celebrates youth who have overcome enormous odds and demonstrated exceptional character and accomplishments. These deserving young people are recognized for service to their Club and community, academic performance and contributions to their family.”
“As BGCA’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by encouraging them to do well in school, lead healthy lifestyles and contribute to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that GREAT futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.”
At the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley, staff members have nominated several Club members for Youth of the Year. These nominees are required to write an essay about what the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley means to them, as well as how it has impacted their lives. A panel of staff will read through the essays and narrow it down to four candidates, who will then fill out an application. The candidates will prepare speeches to present to the panel of judges comprised of Board members and community leaders. After looking through their applications and scoring their speeches, a winner will be chosen and presented at the Youth of the Year Event in March 2011. Club members will be asked questions about their membership, participation, background, obstacles they’ve had to overcome, the Club’s impact on their lives, accomplishments, and goals.
For more information please visit: http://www.bgca.org/whoweare/alumni/Pages/YouthOfTheWeek.aspx
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Low-Cost Summer Camp for Kids Need Sponsorship!
Through its low-cost Summer Camp, the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley gives more than 200 kids a chance to make new friends; explore the world through field trips and special events; express creativity through music, dance and arts; exercise and be energized by sports; and learn computer and technology skills.
Aside from being an enriching time for kids, Summer Camp's nine-week program offers a safe and positive place for kids, when school is out and many youngsters are left unsupervised. Our caring counselors and program assistants offer mentoring, support and fun to our community's children, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., when moms and dads are at work.
As Jan Sobel, the Club's President/CEO says, "Summer is often a time when kids are left unsupervised. The summer program keeps youngsters off the streets and out off trouble...good for youngsters and good for the community."
The Club's Summer Camp costs $60 a week or $540 for nine weeks and includes a nutritious lunch and snacks. While the Camp is affordable for most families, more than half of the participants cannot afford the cost. The Club offers scholarships to low-income families; no children are turned away for their inability to pay.
The Club is seeking corporate and individual sponsorships for its Summer Camp scholarship fund. Help keep our local kids supervised and safe this summer. Sponsor a kid for a week, a month or the whole summer!
Please contact Jan Sobel at 818-610-1054 for more information, or Click Here to Sponsor a Kid for Summer Camp.
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The Club's Family Tree Wall Mural Campaign
The Club has initiated a new fundraising campaign called the Family Tree. Designed by local artist Lisa Howard through a neighborhood beautification grant from the City of Los Angeles, the mural, located at the entrance wall of our main Clubhouse in Canoga Park, is being painted by Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley's members.
Revenues generated by the Family Tree campaign through tax-deductible donations will help fund our general operations budget and programs that benefit our members. We are seeking donations ranging from $100 Green Leaf sponsorships to $1,000 Bird of Paradise/leadership sponsorships.
 Club kids will be participating in the parents' campaign by helping to make sure flyers are distributed to all parents and visitors. Meanwhile, Club members are having a ball painting the mural and are very proud of their work. Says Keisha, an 11-year old member, "This is so cool! I'm having so much fun working on this with other kids. And I know we're doing something that'll help our Club!"
For information on how you can be a Family Tree sponsor, please contact Diane Jones, Director of Development:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 818-610-1054, x237.
Download Family Tree Sponsor Form
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Martin Cooper Donates Profits from His new Book to The Club
 Martin Cooper, The Club's own Vice Chair, Marketing and Communications, Chair of the Marketing Committee, civic leader, and recipient of UCLA Extension's 2010 Distinguished Instructor Award, is donating all profits from the sale of his recently published book, North of Mulholland, to the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley and New Horizons. The Club will receive 100 percent of the profit for book sales that come directly through to the Club!
The book is a compilation of his San Fernando Valley Business Journal musings on many aspects of life in this world-famous region. Says Los Angeles City Councilmember Dennis P. Zine, "North of Mulholland is clearly written by someone who truly understands the San Fernando Valley. This collection of essays by my friend and civic leader Marty Cooper is entertaining, informative, and insightful."
According to the publisher, Author House, "Mr. Cooper's fascination with Churchill, antique typewriters, books, and his critical eye for our surroundings, have spawned more than fifty fascinating essays. He takes on everything from strip malls to Countrywide Loans; from the Los Angeles Times to technology; and from LA's City Council to living up the street from Michael Jackson's family compound."
To have all profits on purchases go directly to the Club, contact Jan Sobel at J.Sobel@wvbgc or 818-610-1054. Through the Club, North of Mulholland is $24 for the hard cover and $14 for the soft cover editions.
The book is also available in hardcover, softcover and electronically from Amazon.com ($28.95 hard cover; $18.95 soft cover; $9.95 Kindle); BarnesandNobel.com; and from the publisher, Author House (Authorhouse.com).
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Thanks to our Friends, Infinite Communications and Polasys!
Our thanks to Infinite Communications (www.infinitecomm.net) and Polasys (www.polasys.com) for their joint contribution in designing and developing the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley website. We are grateful for their generosity of time and creative and technical talent! Check out their work at www.wvbgc.org.
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