Causes: Boys & Girls Clubs, Children & Youth

Mission: The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible citizens.

Programs: Our clubthe boys & girls club of santa ana provides a positive, healthy learning environment for children in one of the most disadvantaged communities in the united states. Since 1954, the club has brought stability to neighborhoods that have seen drugs, teen pregnancy and gang-related violence rock their foundations. With each year that passes, our curriculum takes progressively longer strides toward strengthening the academic aptitude, the physical fitness, the health awareness and the career ambitions of santa ana's children, preparing them to graduate high school and become productive citizens. Our club operates out of our central site, a 25,000 square-foot building, and we also run satellite sites at area public schools. Engaged, passionate, well-trained adults at each site provide monitored academic support, organized physical activities and life-applicable enrichment courses for every child. We keep membership dues at $1 per month per member at the club, which includes every afternoon throughout the entire year, and attendance at all satellite sites is funded by the santa ana unified school district. Extended 12-hour days are available during the summer months, during which time lunch is served free-of-charge. The availability of scholarships ensures that no child is ever turned away. Our communitysanta ana has a rich history and is led by organizations and individuals striving to improve the lives of its citizens, but the city does face many obstacles. The combination of population density and financial hardship in santa ana neighborhoods has led to gang violence, teen pregnancy, drugs and academic failure, but our children must understand this reality can be changed. Through progressive programming and strategic partnerships, our club addresses the needs of this community and improves the lives of our future leaders. Impact areasevery club member takes part in a daily rotation that exposes him/her to every academic, physical fitness and life skills program we offer. These programs includeacademic, at-risk youth. Character & leadership, health & wellness, physical fitness & recreation, the arts, technology, and teen programsyouth served0-5 years - less than 1%6-11 years - 73%12-14 years - 21%15-18 year - 5%gendermale - 51%female - 49%ethnicityamerican indian / alaskan native - less than 1%asian / pacific islander - less than 1%african american - 1%latino - 90%white - 1%other - 6%household incomesless than $25k per year - 62%between $25k - $45k per year - 31%between $45k - $65k per year - 7%more than $65k per year - 0%