AGOURA — Despite economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 Outbreak, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) continues to support youth and staff to cope and emerge from the COVID-19 crisis.
The BGCGCV continues to keep 4 out of 9 of its Clubs open to provide the critical childcare needed for essential working families. In addition to childcare, the BGCGCV is working hard to maintain a sense of routine for youth, help prevent learning loss, and focusing on the social, and emotional wellbeing of its members.
Some 27 learning programs have been created and streamed through social platforms to help youth stay engaged. The virtual programs are available for both members and non-members and have generated over 3,000 views to date.
Other services to help support families in need include Spanish language services, hot meals and snacks provided at all Clubs, and one-on-one assistance with virtual homework.
To support staff during the crisis, the BGCGCV maintains regular organizational updates and individualized social emotional coaching to ensure they remain well despite the stressful situation.
“We are keeping on top of the situation and advocating for youth, families and community-serving organizations through calls to our representatives and legislators so that they are aware of the needs on the ground and providing them with data to support their decision-making,” stated Dr. Crystal N?one, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley.
The BGCGCV is also being proactive with their $3 million fundraising campaign to support the immediate and future needs of the Clubs and youth.
Keeping the Clubs open have made a significant impact on families needing the service the BGCGCV provides. “Having the clubs remain open means that my husband and I can both continue working in the essential roles to our business,” stated Michelle McMahon, a BGCGCV parent.
“There are not enough words to express how grateful I am to the Morton Boys & Girls Clubs,” stated parent, Regina A. Smith. “Working as a police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department, knowing that my girls are safe and well taken care of gives me peace of mind,” she added.
The four BGCGCV Club sites serving youth age 5 to 13 with full-time care include Morton Club located at Sequoia Middle School, Johnston Club located at Colina Middle School, Anderson Club located at Los Cerritos Middle School, and Notter Club located at Redwood Middle School.
For more detailed information on health & safety standards, club maintenance, policies during the COVID-19 outbreak, Club hours and the fundraising campaign, visit the website at www.bgcconejo.org.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) are open before and after school, during lunch, on weekends, for summer camp, and all-day during school vacations. Tours of the Clubs are available upon request. The Boys & Girls Clubs also offer a variety of employment positions with excellent benefits and ongoing professional development. For more information about employment opportunities, supervised youth programs, to donate, volunteer, or register online, log onto www.bgcconejo.org or call 818-706-0905.