The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast (BGC of Central OC) and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress is announcing a strategic merger that will significantly enhance services for youth and their families in Anaheim and Cypress while maintaining its standard of excellence within its existing footprint. The addition of these Clubs, operating under the BGC of Central OC organization, will serve more than 12,000 Orange County children and teens through an expanded network of locations, school sites, and partnerships.
The official announcement will take place during an event at Angel Stadium featuring remarks from Robert Santana, CEO of BGC of Central OC; Chuck Emanuele, California Career School president and BGC of Greater Anaheim-Cypress chairman of the board; Marcelo Brutti, Hyundai Capital America president and CEO and president of the BGC of Central OC Board of Directors; and Dennis Kuhl, chairman of Angels Baseball. Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitkens and Cypress Mayor David Burke will also speak.
“This merger strengthens our ability to provide every child with mentors and champions to help them succeed,” said Robert Santana, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast. “With the combined resources of our philanthropic supporters, business leaders, dedicated teams, and staff, we’re positioned and equipped to create transformative opportunities for youth and families in Anaheim and Cypress.”
BGC of Central OC empowers youth and families through education, leadership, and wellness initiatives tailored to every stage of development – from kindergarten through high school and beyond. With this merger, the Club is poised to invest an initial $6 million over the next three years to focus on three core initiatives. These include: 1) Expanding Teen Services, comprising of its College Bound program and YES Workforce Development initiative, which provides resources, mentorship, and tools to empower young adults in shaping their future; 2) Enhance Family Strengthening and Mental Wellness resources, equipping those most vulnerable with expanded access to resources and tools to improve their overall well-being; and, 3) Innovative Programming through youth entrepreneurship initiatives, coding, internet safety, STEM activities, and robotics to ensure youth are prepared with 21st-century skills needed to succeed.
“This is another milestone for the Boys & Girls Club in Anaheim,” City of Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken said. “The Club has been part of our community for over 35 years, serving kids, teens and families with clubhouses, afterschool and summer programs and scholarships that make a difference in our neighborhoods. This expansion will bring even more to our city, including expanded mental health wellness programs, college and workforce readiness, and other family resources. We look forward to seeing all the great things to come in Anaheim and beyond.”
“The merger with Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast is a transformative step for our community, expanding opportunities for our youth to thrive and succeed,” said Cypress Council Member Bonnie Peat. “This partnership ensures that Cypress families have access to enhanced resources, mentorship, and programs that build a brighter future for the next generation.”
With the addition of the eight Anaheim and Cypress Clubhouses and school sites, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast now operates its programs in over 50 locations in seven cities. The Club’s marquee programs, like College Bound, have awarded over $1 million in scholarships and helped students secure over $17 million in financial aid over the last decade. Additionally, BGC of Central OC partners with local school districts and Orange County nonprofit organizations to further enhance offerings for the community it serves. Annually, the Club hosts resource drives and events that provide school supplies, clothes, meals, and unique experiences.
The Club aims to amplify its mission of ensuring every child has mentors and champions in life. By harnessing the support of Orange County’s 3.1 million residents, including entrepreneurs, businesses, and individual and family philanthropists, the Club seeks to empower youth, strengthen families, reduce risks, and increase the likelihood of positive outcomes. To learn more about the recent merger, its efforts to create lasting impact and expand resources, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, including its programs and opportunities to get involved through partnership, donation, or volunteering, visit boysandgirlsclub.com, and read the 2023-2024 Annual Report.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Central
Orange Coast
Since its founding, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast has been a cornerstone of the Costa Mesa, Irvine, Newport Beach, Orange, and Santa Ana communities. The Clubs have provided strategic programming, safe space, and quality mentoring to more than 100,000 youth since the first Club in Costa Mesa opened in 1941. The Club works to build a foundation for members to live meaningful, productive lives by equipping them with the skills they need to graduate high school, pursue higher education, and join the workforce. It has been recognized by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America as one of the most innovative in the nation, particularly with its IMPACT Model. While there are many youth-serving organizations in Orange County, none provide youth with the breadth of academic, fitness, and enrichment activities as Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast. The Clubs are very proactive in fostering relationships with similarly-minded nonprofits to serve youth and their families best. All its activities, whether at the Club, a school, or out in the community, are designed to empower youth and build up the protective family and community factors that reduce risks and increase the likelihood of positive outcomes. Its mission is to ensure every child has mentors and champions in life. For more information, visit www.boysandgirlsclub.com.