Courtesy Boys & Girls Club of SCV

Jan Marholin, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, has been honored with the inaugural 2024 Roxy Ostrem Community Spirit Award, presented by the Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU). This award, newly established by the VCCU Foundation, recognizes individuals whose dedication and service to the Ventura County community reflect the selfless spirit and commitment embodied by its namesake, Roxy Ostrem.

The award is inspired by the remarkable contributions of Ostrem, a long-time VCCU volunteer director and board chair. Known for her advocacy and efforts to ensure fair and ethical banking practices for Ventura County’s underserved populations, Ostrem’s legacy is deeply tied to her work in the agricultural sector. In 2010, Ostrem played a crucial role in protecting migrant farmworkers from fraudulent financial schemes, showcasing her dedication to empowering the immigrant community that supports one of the county’s most vital industries.

In receiving this award, Jan Marholin is recognized for her unwavering commitment to community building and youth development. Her leadership at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley has transformed the organization, fostering a safe and nurturing environment for children and teens all along the 126 corridor. Marholin’s passion for enriching the lives of young people aligns with the values that the Roxy Ostrem Community Spirit Award seeks to celebrate—compassion, integrity, and a deep-rooted dedication to service.

The VCCU Foundation noted that Marholin’s decades of community involvement, mentorship, and advocacy for underserved populations have made her the ideal recipient of this inaugural honor. In addition to the award, the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley was presented with a generous $10,000 donation at the Community Day event, further supporting their impactful work with local youth. “I am incredibly humbled to receive this award, especially one named after such a trailblazer like Roxy Ostrem,” Marholin said. “This recognition belongs to the entire team at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, and to the youth who inspire us every day to keep striving for a better future.”

The award was presented at the 2nd Annual Celebrating Our Community event hosted by the Ventura County Credit Union, marking the launch of an annual tradition to honor community leaders who embody the spirit of service. In celebrating Jan Marholin as the recipient of the 2024 Roxy Ostrem Community Spirit Award, Ventura County Credit Union not only honors her dedication to youth empowerment and community development but also sets the stage for future generations of leaders to follow. Her contributions to the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, marked by tireless efforts to uplift local youth, reflect the very essence of this prestigious award. As the tradition of recognizing outstanding community leaders continues, Jan’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire others to serve with the same compassion, integrity, and vision that have defined her career.