The Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clara Valley has been working on a reorganization and revitalization strategy the last 3 months that has brought needed change and enhanced communication and partnerships throughout both communities of Fillmore and Santa Paula. In order to strengthen service delivery and to ensure stability, the Board has decided to temporarily suspend services at 3 sites effective January 31, 2010 and will continue operations at 2 sites in Fillmore and Santa Paula.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clara Valley are encouraging parents to send their children to the Clubhouses that will remain open: FILLMORE - Fillmore Clubhouse, 565 First St., 524-0456. SANTA PAULA - Las Piedras Clubhouse, 431 13th St., 933-3676.

In order to cut expenses, the Santa Paula Clubhouse at 1400 Harvard Blvd. will be closed temporarily. This will also make room for a renovation project that has been funded through grants and collaboration with the City of Santa Paula. Construction includes a rebuild of the public restrooms on the outside of the building, a remodel and enlargement of the entry to the Clubhouse, updated wiring, and installation of heating and air conditioning.

The 2 other closures at Rancho Sespe, 2950 E. Telegraph Rd, Fillmore and 642 Lemon Way Neil C. Schmidt Clubhouse in North Fillmore are a result of the organization’s reduction in grant funding in the recent fiscal year.
The Board of Directors of Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clara Valley is hopeful that these closures are a temporary situation and they are actively working to seek additional support.

Fillmore Councilmember Laurie Hernandez is confident the Club will “turn this around”.

“They’ve added three new members to their Board. They are planning several fundraising events set for the next couple of months and cutting costs were needed,” stated Hernandez.

“Although disappointed they have to close three sites, I know they are working diligently to have some reopened as soon as possible.”

Hernandez praised the citizens who have offered their time and businesses to help. “This is what is so unique about our great city, in time of crisis we come together.”

Upcoming fundraisers for the Clubs are Dinner at El Pescador in Fillmore on February 24th, the Breakfast of Champions featuring actor Martin Sheen as the keynote speaker on Friday, February 26th, a ride on the Fillmore and Western Railroad scheduled for March 21st, and Taste of the Valley on May 2nd. Tickets for any of these events may be purchased and/or reserved by calling the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clara Valley at 805-525-7910.

The Club is very excited to host Boys & Girls Club alumnus Martin Sheen as the Keynote speaker for its annual Breakfast of Champions event, sponsorship opportunities are available and encouraged. Interested sponsors are encouraged to call Carole Power at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clara Valley at 805-525-7910. Individuals that would like to attend the Breakfast are also encouraged to call the same number to place their reservations. The breakfast will be conducted from 7:30 am to 9:00 am. The location of the event is currently under review and will be announced as soon as the information is available.

Please contact Sheila Tate, Interim Chief Executive Officer at 805-525-7910 with any questions or concerns.

Carole Power is the Director of Special Events for the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley.