Author: Kelly White O'Neill

Team Member of the Month–Angela Ramirez

Angela has shown tremendous professional and leadership growth in her role as Assistant Director at the Shandon Club over the past few months. She has consistently taken initiative and played a key role in keeping the Club running smoothly during the Director’s absences. Angela inspires both her peers and Club members with her positive, motivating… Read more »

A Visit From Santa’s Favorite Elf

The Ron Estabillo Club in Guadalupe had a visit from the Buddy the Elf this month.  He was a huge hit with the kids and spread his energy all throughout the Club interacting and playing with all the kids.  The teens even enjoyed hanging out with him in the Teen Zone.

Holiday Cheer From Ear to Ear

Club Members in the Mary Buren Club in Guadalupe, ranging from kindergarten through third grade, filled the school with holiday cheer as part of the music program in partnership with the Guadalupe Union School District. The young performers proudly traveled to all seven classrooms, singing Christmas carols and spreading joy, smiles, and festive spirit to… Read more »

Scientists Emerge in Guadalupe

The Boys & Girls Club, in partnership with Guadalupe Union School District and the Dunes Center, recently transformed our members into scientists! Through an exciting hands-on experiment, our members rolled up their sleeves and extracted DNA from strawberries while using nothing more than everyday household items. This interactive activity wasn’t just a fun and squishy… Read more »

Shop With A Cop Brings Smiles for the Holidays

The Santa Maria Police Department partnered with Santa Barbara County Probation and Walmart and Target of Santa Maria and  to bring another warm and joyful Shop with a Cop experience to the children of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Guadalupe and Santa Maria.   Thanks to the generous support from their  COPSnCARS fundraiser held in… Read more »

Athlete of the Week

Our Winter Basketball season has been both successful and enjoyable for athletes, families, and staff. During the season, we introduced a new initiative called Athlete of the Week to recognize athletes who consistently demonstrate positive behavior both on and off the court. Athletes are nominated by volunteer coaches and staff based on qualities such as… Read more »

Club Teens Spread Holiday Cheer To Isolated Seniors

Just in time for the Christmas holidays, local teens–all members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast’s teen leadership program, the Keystone Club–delivered holiday gifts requested by seniors who live at Marian Extended Care Long Term Care Facility in Santa Maria.  For the second year in a row, these teens wanted to… Read more »

Next Gen CEO Program Continues in Guadalupe

The very popular Next Gen CEO program, made possible through a partnership with the Santa Maria Valley Chamber and the support of the Guadalupe Union School District, had a succesful launch at our Kermit McKenzie Club in Guadalupe.  This program submerses would-be CEO’s into a 6-week program where they learn to build, fund, market and… Read more »

Creativity and Talent Showcased With National Fine Arts Exhibits

Amazing artwork created by our Club kids from all over the Central Coast were on display in December.  Artwork made by our Club Members from our Atascadero, Creston, Paso Robles and Shandon Clubs are being displayed as a large exhibition at the Paso Robles Public Library through early January.  Additionally, all of our Guadalupe Clubs… Read more »

Clubs Really Shine At Holiday Parades

Most of our Clubs and Club Members got to shine in December by showcasing their holiday spirit at local parades.  Our Evans Park and Railroad Clubs won 2nd place in the Holiday Parade of Lights in Santa Maria while the Tom Maas, Atascadero, Creston, and Shandon Clubs enjoyed the Paso Robles Community Parade the same… Read more »

Alumni Group Adopts a Current Family

Proving that the impact of a Boys & Girls Club experience can last a lifetime, members of our local Boys & Girls Club Alumni group adopted one of our current families for the holidays.  Club Members from our Railroad Clubhouse, and their families, were treated to a surprise visit and showered with gifts and caring…. Read more »

Thankful in Santa Maria

In our Learning Center at the Railroad Clubhouse, Members explored the meaning of Thanksgiving. Together, we discussed what it means to be thankful and shared ideas as a group. Members then had the chance to express their own gratitude by writing or drawing the things they are thankful for, adding color and creativity to make… Read more »

When it Pours…Make Boats!

It was a rainy week in November so when the rain let up we encouraged our members to create some make shift boats and they set sail right in front of Evans park! Also some fun with bubbles when the rain allowed for it! Our younger members absolutely love when we have the opportunity for… Read more »

Can You Help Our Teens Serve Isolated Seniors?

To spread holiday cheer, members of our Keystone Club will be hosting another Christmas gift drive in partnership with Marian Extended Care in Santa Maria. For many of these long term residents , the holidays can be really rough not being with any family or loved ones. Last year, our teens were very touched by… Read more »

Winter Basketball Gets Underway With New Jerseys!

It’s official!  Winter Basketball is underway now that team jerseys are being handed out.  With our new sports sponsor, Toyota of Santa Maria, we were able to have a jersey pick up day that was so much fun! Our first day of jersey pick ups was an incredible success. We had so many proud coaches… Read more »

Team Member of the Month–Gabby Perez

Since Gabby joined us a year ago, she has been a vital part of our sports program Instagram page growing to over 1k followers.  This is very important since it promotes not only our leagues but also our participants and their accomplishments by producing photos and videos for us to post. She has been working… Read more »

Our Newest Club is VERY Busy

November at our newest Club at Guadalupe Jr. High has been up to a lot of activity.   Our most popular programs include Trumpet, Violin, LEGO Robotics, Science Explorers, and our Nutrition/Cooking class. In trumpet and violin, they’re practicing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Silent Night to perform later on in the school year. LEGO Robotics… Read more »

STEAM Fun This Fall

As the weather gets colder, Atascadero has been doing a lot more inside activities. A notable activity was when members practiced spelling out their names by making fall-themed turkeys and when members learned about the anatomy of a hand while they drew it out. This combined STEM and art in one activity which makes it… Read more »

Eat Local, Help Local

Etto Pasta Bar in Paso Robles has chosen our Clubs to benefit from their December Community Night.  On Monday, December 1st, we will recieve 10% of all sales–both dine in and take out–to help or local kids. Visit this family favorite restaurant, enjoy a great, local meal and know you are helping local kids!

Barnes & Noble Launches 2025 Holiday Book Drive to Benefit Boys & Girls Club

Barnes & Noble in San Luis Obispo invites customers to give the gift of reading to kids at Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast during the bookseller’s  annual Holiday Book Drive, taking place through December 15.  The Barnes & Noble Holiday Book Drive provides customers the opportunity to donate books to non-profit organizations… Read more »

Board Member Dan Lillard Honored at AFP National Philanthropy Day Event

It was the honor of a lifetime for Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast Board Member Dan Lillard as he was recognized as the Santa Barbara County Volunteer of the Year at the Annual National Philanthropy Day event, hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties Chapter. The celebratory… Read more »

6th Annual Paso Golf Tournament Crushes It!

Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast completely ‘Crush’-ed it at the 6th Annual Crush It Golf Tournament at Hunter Ranch Golf Course in Paso Robles on October 27.T he organization hosted 84 golfers at this year’s tournament, one of the biggest turnouts in the event’s history. Golfers enjoyed an early Monday morning out… Read more »

Glow In the Dark Party for Teens

Our Railroad Club in Santa Maria hosted its first Teen Night of the school year with a Glow in the dark themed party for our middle and high Schoolers. The event drew in about 30 teens from Santa Maria and Guadalupe. Teens had a chance to play sports, get their faces painted, play hide and… Read more »

Annual Halloween Carnival Hosted By Devoted Alumni

Boys & Girls Club alumni continued their tradition of putting on a wonderful Halloween Carnival for the entire community!  This devoted group of adults transform the gym at the Railroad Clubhouse into an old fashioned carnival full of games and activities for our Club Members AND for kids from all over the community.  Attendees dressed… Read more »

Creative Masks In Time for Spooky Season

In our Arts and Crafts Room at the Railroad Clubhouse, Members had a fun and creative time making masks out of newspaper and plaster! They worked together to help one another shape their masks, showing great teamwork and patience. Once the masks were complete, they carefully set them aside to dry and harden. Afterward, Members… Read more »

BGCMCC Staff and Board Support International Day of the Girl

Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley recently hosted its Annual International Day of the Girl event for hundreds of local girls, and a few members of our team joined in on the festivities! Board President Debbie Perrault, Events Manager Kelly Brickey and Director of Teen Services Mina Donkor all attended the celebratory event as… Read more »

Devoted Volunteer Receives SESLOC Cares Award

Dan Chernow, the driving force behind the Learning Loft and Homework Help Volunteer Program at the Ron Estabillo Club in Guadalupe, was recently honored with the SESLOC Cares volunteer award.  As part of this community honor, SESLOC creates a lovely video about the volunteer and broadcasts it on local television.  This, both, highlights the outstanding… Read more »

Building Up: A Tasty STEM Challenge

In a fun and engaging STEM activity, our teens teamed up to take on the challenge of building the tallest tower using only marshmallows and pretzel sticks. Before construction began, each group developed a strategic plan to out-build their peers, focusing on stability, structure, and creativity. As the towers began to take shape, students quickly… Read more »

Arts Are Alive in Atascadero

We have been having lots of fun crafts and informative art activities at the Atascadero Club. Crafts such as building paper airplanes using other supplies beyond just paper, allowed for members to use their critical thinking skills as well as creativity to make their airplanes use wind to their advantage in order to make their… Read more »

2nd Phase of Strategic Plan Held in Santa Maria

As a part of our Strategic Planning Process, we launched a Community Listening Tour across the regions we serve. This initiative is deeply rooted in community voice, data, and partnership and is designed to guide thoughtful, mission-aligned growth.  The 2nd phase of the plan took place recently in Santa Maria, after a successful listening session… Read more »

Team Member of the Month–Brandi Garcia

Our Team Member of the Month is Finance and Business Operations Manager, Brandi Garcia.  Brandi has demonstrated tremendous patience and a consistently positive attitude throughout a yearl-long transition in finance and accounting.  Despite numerous challenges, changes, and setbacks along the way, she has risen fully to the occasion.  Brandi’s ability to adapt, persevere, and keep… Read more »

35th Annual Back A Youth Night A GREAT Time in Santa Maria

Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast was excited for another year of the annual Back A Youth Night at the Railroad Club in Santa Maria held on September 25th.   For 35 years, this annual event has brought together Club Members and local community leaders and business professionals for a night of fun,… Read more »

Three Staff Honored For Their Decades of Service to Local Youth

In 2025, Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast is proud to honor and recognize three incredible employees for 85 years of combined service to Central Coast kids.  Anna Libbon, Chief Program Officer, has been working with the organization for 35 years in a variety of roles.  She has a depth and breadth of… Read more »

Winter Basketball League Has Room In Some Divisions

With registrations closed for our winter basketball league, we are assembling teams at this time.  But we have certain divisions that still have space and also some divisions that need a coach.  If anyone is interested in coaching, you can reach out to us via email or phone to Ernie Cuevas 805-354-7429 or Vanessa Buchan… Read more »

Ag West Farm Credit Continues Tradition of Giving

Thanks in part to a generous donation from Ag West Farm Credit through their Rural Communities program, we were able to acquire a much  needed new truck to help with our daily operations.  In addition to being awarded this grant funding, we were surprised to ALSO receive a check from their Team Giving program! Team… Read more »

Fall Fun Is In the Air

Fall is here at Creston! Along with the crazy weather, Members have enjoyed playing the new board games that were donated, as well as spending time getting to know our newest members. During Programs, they have learned valuable lessons about respect, kindness, and the value of each human being. Library time has been a calm, safe… Read more »

Cameras Capture the Beauty of Local Nature

Members of the Ron Estabillo Club were the latest Club kids to take part in our always-popular National Photography Program.  This multi-session program, developed by Boys & Girls Clubs of America enables youth to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through the appreciation of photography. The National Photography Program is designed to help youth ages… Read more »

Partnership With Paso School District Serves Local Youth

Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast (BGCMCC) and Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) have formalized a three-year partnership to expand after-school programming at the Tom Maas Clubhouse. This partnership ensures hundreds of local children and families continue to have access to safe, enriching, and affordable programs after the school day ends…. Read more »

Team Member of the Month—Erica Lopez

Erica is such a joy to work with and you can tell she brings a lot of passion to work. She has done such an AMAZING job with the Torch Club in Guadalupe and is always doing creative and innovative things with the members. She really cares about her general community and making sure that… Read more »

Listening Sessions Provide Insight Into Opportunities for Kids and Clubs

With three goals of learning, sharing and acting, Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central convened a Listening Session between our Club leadership and an amazing network of Community Leaders from North SLO Communities.  Goal one was to learn: Gain new perspectives and insights.  Goal two was to share:  Provide helpful practices, ideas, or lessons… Read more »

STEM Lab Update: Tower Challenge

In our recent STEM Lab session at our Railroad Clubhouse in Santa Maria, we explored the fascinating world of towers! We began by learning about different types of towers online—how they are built, what makes each one unique, and how their size and design can be both functional and beautiful. Afterward, our members worked in… Read more »

New Beginnings and Changes

August has kicked off with lots of excitement and changes at the Boys and Girls Club in Creston. We are excited to start off the school year with brand new members and new staff. For a getting to know you activity, Members talked about who they are and got to share two truths, and one… Read more »

A Full Afternoon of Programs in Guadalupe Now Running

Now that school is back in session in Guadalupe, the Ron Estabillo Clubhouse is excited to be offering all of the school year programming our Club Members enjoy.  This season the Club is running the photograpy program, Cheer Club, cooking classes, the All Stars sports program, Be A Star (an anti-bullying program) and the leadership… Read more »

Santa Maria Retailer Supports Youth Learning

Through October 18th, shoppers at the Carter’s childrens clothing store in Santa Maria can make a donation at the register which will stay in Santa Maria to help our Club kids.  Carter’s invests in brighter futures by supporting programs that unlock the full potential of the next generation, and partners with local nonprofits that build… Read more »

Meet A Professional Program Was Purrrfect for Teens

Our teens in Santa Maria had an opportunity to “Meet A Professional” veterinarian. Dr. Brown, co-owner of PETS Hospital in Orcutt spoke to members about what it’s like to be a vet, the training/schooling required, and some of the challenges. Veterinarians are not just at the clinic but also work in the fields of education,… Read more »

New Club Opens at Brand New Jr. High

Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast is excited to announce the launch of a new, high-impact after school program at the new Guadalupe Junior High School beginning with the 2025/26 academic year. This new site marks a significant expansion of the Club’s presence in Northern Santa Barbara County and underscores its deepening partnership… Read more »

Trucking Along Thanks to Our Friends

Thanks to our generous friends at AgWest Farm Credit, Santa Maria Tire, and Vince Lopez Jr & Sons, we have an amazing new heavy duty truck!  This truck will help us haul materials and supplies between our 10 Clubs, be a feature at Community Outreach events and will even tow our floats for the many… Read more »

A Day of Bonding and Celebration

Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast hosted its Summer Picnic for all employees to enjoy at Sinsheimer Park in San Luis Obispo on August 9.The sunny day was filled with food, friends and fun as our staff gathered together for friendly competition and yummy treats. Yabba Dabba Dogs catered lunch with its delicious… Read more »

Going Back to School in Style

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Old Navy and the Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria for their incredible generosity in helping our members get ready for back to school!  Thanks to their support, 50 youth from our Guadalupe and Santa Maria Clubs—including members from the Ron Estabillo, Evans Park, and Railroad Clubhouses—were… Read more »

One of Our Own Earns Panda Cares Scholarship

Each year, the Panda Cares Scholars Program, part of the BGCA and Panda Cares Foundation national partnership, provides scholarship opportunities for junior and senior Club members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and academic rigor in pursuing a great future.  The Panda Cares Foundation is the giving arm of the Panda Express restaurant chain.  One of the scholarship opportunities was offered… Read more »

Teens Spend Week at National Keystone Conference

Our Keystone members had the privilege of attending the 58th Annual Keystone Conference, held in Chicago, Illinois. Keystone, Boys & Girls Club of America’s premiere teen character and leadership program, is designed to help develop good character and positive leadership for teens with a purpose to create and maintain high standards of character, citizenship, health and… Read more »

Annual Color Run Brings Smiles in Guadalupe

The Ron Estabillo Clubhouse in Guadalupe enjoyed their annual Summer Color Run this month.  With 112 kids running this was the most participation to date!  All of the staff and the Club Members participated and collaborated in the 1.5 mile run and it was all smiles when kids were covered in color.  Each participant was… Read more »

Wet and Wild Week!

The Railroad Clubhouse in Santa Maria made a big splash with our exciting Water Week — and what a blast it was! Our Members had an amazing time staying cool while having tons of fun through water-themed games and adventures. Here are some of the highlights: Water Balloon Toss – A classic favorite where teamwork and a steady… Read more »

Partnership With Paso School District Serves Local Youth

Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast (BGCMCC) and Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) have formalized a three-year partnership to expand after-school programming at the Tom Maas Clubhouse. This partnership ensures hundreds of local children and families continue to have access to safe, enriching, and affordable programs after the school day ends…. Read more »

Summer Time is Field Trip Time

Kids who enjoy our all day Summer program get to have fun filled days and special field trips.  Club Members at our Evans Park Clubhouse in Santa Maria are having the best summer with field trips to some great kid-friendly hot spots!  Thanks to the hardworking staff who put these trips together, Club kids got… Read more »

Winter Basketball Signs Ups Open Soon

Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast is excited to announce that registration for its popular Winter Youth Basketball League will open on August 4th and run through August 29th. The league welcomes girls and boys in Kindergarten through 8th grade and offers a fun, inclusive environment for players of all skill levels. Game… Read more »

The Tom Maas Club Is a Zoo?

The Boys & Girls Club welcomed a special visit from the Central Coast Zoo (formerly the Charles Paddock Zoo) to the Tom Maas Clubhouse. Staff from the zoo brought along a group of incredible ambassador animals—including a tortoise, snake, lizard, and even a giant cockroach—for an exciting and educational live animal presentation.Our members were wide-eyed… Read more »

A Day in the Garden

Kids from our Flamson Clubhouse had a  recent field trip to the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden and it was a fun-filled day full of exploration, learning, and connection with nature! The kids had an amazing time walking along the Human Sundial Trail, where they learned how to use their own shadow to tell time—such a cool and… Read more »

A Summer of Sports

This Summer, our sports staff has brought a fun and engaging clinic to the Estabillo and Railroad sites, exclusively for our Summer Program club kids. We kicked things off with two weeks of basketball, followed by two weeks of volleyball. Now, we’re heading into our final stretch focused on flag football. Each week begins with… Read more »

Team Member of the Month–Christin McGee

It is with great pleasure, we award Christin McGee, People and Operations Manager, the Team Member of the month title.  Christin brings so much joy to our team with her kindness and beautiful smile. She’s always ready to lend a helping hand whenever needed. Thank you, Christin, for everything you do, we appreciate you!

Celebration of Life For Kathryn Bernard

It is our great honor to host a Celebration of Life for longtime supporter and friend, Kathryn Bernard, on Sunday August 24th at the Railroad Clubhouse in Santa Maria. All are welcome to honor her life and legacy.  Please RSVP to Linda Cordero or Mara Lillard by August 20th.

Summer Cooking Fun in Paso Robles

The Tom Maas Clubhouse Cooking Club was a delicious success as members made pancake tacos while learning about the importance of breakfast. Each child had the opportunity to safely prepare their own meal with staff supervision, building confidence and basic cooking skills. In the gardening and nature activity, youth created vases and cardboard trees, filling… Read more »

A Champion For Youth

We honor the life and legacy of Kathryn Bernard, a longtime friend and unwavering supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast.  Kathryn was more than a donor—she was an advocate, an ambassador, and a passionate believer in the potential of young people. Her kindness, grace, and empathy shone through in everything… Read more »

Team Members of the Month–Olivia Vasquez and Jordann Aragon

This month, we’re thrilled to recognize Olivia and Jordann as our Team Members of the Month! Their creativity, dedication, and leadership shone brightly as they led the design and construction of an incredible float for the annual Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Parade.  The farm-themed float left everyone in awe!  From handcrafting cornstalks out of PVC… Read more »

Teens Focus On Building Healthy Relationships

In partnership with Lumina Alliance, teens at our Flamson Club participated in a three-day workshop onhealthy relationships. Day 1 focused on friendships and values.Teens worked in small groups to create an “Advertisement for a Friend,” identifying the traits they value in healthy friendships. Day 2 covered the differences between healthy and unhealthy behaviors in relationships…. Read more »

Special Thanks to Torchlight Marketing

Self described “marketing nerds” the team at Torchlight Marketing have been donating their excellent digital marketing talents and expertise to our Clubs for years.  They contribute hours of time each month ensuring our Google Ad Grant performs as well as possible, we show up in Google searches and on online mapping services, and help us… Read more »

Parents and Club Members Enjoy Guadalupe Open House

The Ron Estabillo Clubhouse in Guadalupe hosted an Open House to celebrate the end of regular school year programming and launch the beginning of Summer programming.  Parents and family of Club Members got to see projects and activities kids worked on during the year with a mini art gallery showcasing youth art and craft as… Read more »

Music Program Showcases Youth Talent in Guadalupe

This month at the McKenzie Club in Guadalupe was a truecelebration of music and talent. In partnership with Infinite Music, our violin students kicked things off with a stunning performance that showcased their dedication and musical progress. Later in the month, ourrock band and guitar students took the stagefor the entire school, delivering a show… Read more »

Local Professionals Teach Engineering In Santa Maria

The Society of Women Engineers visited our Railroad Clubhouse and led an engaging STEM Lab session focused on engineering. They taught our Members how to design wind-powered cars, encouraging them to explore different sail shapes and materials. Members were excited and fully immersed in the creative process, using trial and error to design unique and… Read more »

Hikes Through Nature A Highlight In Guadalupe

In partnership with the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, Club Members and staff of the Mary Buren Club in Guadalupe get to hike some of the most beautiful areas in our region.  The weekly hiking program continues every Wednesday, led in partnership with the Dunes Center in Guadalupe as well as the Guadalupe School District who provides… Read more »

Summer Is Here So It Must Be Time for the Elks Parade

Club Members and staff in Santa Maria have been using their creativity and artistic talents to design and build our float for the annual Elks Rodeo Parade.  We look forward to this annual tradition every summer and hope the judges think our float is the best in the Youth category. If you’re in Santa Maria… Read more »

Next Gen CEO Program Helps Budding Entrepreneurs Make Business Ideas a Reality

The NextGen CEO cohort of Spring 2025 kicked off March 27, 2025, featuring over 20 student participants learning how to start and run their own business. NextGen CEO is a nine-week digital business education course that teaches kids the basics of starting their own business, courtesy of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. The program is… Read more »

Future Entrepreneur Launches Her Business

One of the Evans Park Club Members was apart of our NextGen CEO program. Gaby attended every session including our launch day event in which she made and sold bracelets! Over the six week course, she learned about bracelet making from her mom and by watching YouTube videos. She was very excited to formulate her… Read more »

Guadalupe Back A Youth Night Always a Good Time With the Community

Our annual Back a Youth Night at the Ron Estabillo Clubhouse in Guadalupe was a huge success, with 50 Club Kids and more than 30 mentors partnering up for an evening of fun activities!  Kiwanis Club of Guadalupe treated everyone to a grilled hotdog dinner, completed with chips and sodas that participants got to enjoy… Read more »

A Night With James Taylor at the Santa Barbara Bowl

Thanks to a partnership with Infinite Music, the Guadalupe Union School District and our Clubs at Mary Buren school and McKenzie Junioh High in Guadalupe, a number of our members exploring music programming were able to attend a James Taylor concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl!  Club kids that were taking violin, ukulele and guitar… Read more »

Picnic Day A Huge Hit In Guadalupe

The Ron Estabillo Club in Guadalupe tried something new with a “Picnic Day” and everyone had a ball!  Kids brought their blankets and got to enjoy roasted hot dogs, a dance party, and even a photo booth.  This was a unique event that even included parents.  Even though the weather was such that the picnic… Read more »

Team Attends 119th Boys & Girls Clubs National Conference

Fourteen Team Members and our Board Chair were fortunate to attend the 119th National Boys & Girls Club Conference in San Diego in early May.  It was a 3-day event packed with inspiring keynote speeches, motivational and informative break out sessions, rejuvenating meetings with Club staff from around the country and a wonderful opportunity for… Read more »

Team Person of the Month–Shane Griffith

Nominated by Maria Avelar, Club Director at the Tom Maas Clubhouse in Paso Robles, this is what she has to say about the great work Shane does for our Clubs in North SLO: “Shane is one of the hardest-working individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Whether he’s bringing in his own tools to… Read more »

Kids Helping Kids Is A Reality at Our Clubs

We’re thrilled to share that the must! Charities Youth Board—an inspiring group of high school students dedicated to giving back—has raised an incredible $9,340 to support local youth-focused nonprofits, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast! This year, the Youth Board selected three nonprofits to support, and we’re honored to be one of… Read more »

Don’t Be a Bully–Take the Pledge

Anti Bullying Pledge I pledge to speak up when I see bullying, reach out to others who are bullied, and be a friend whenever I see bullying.

Teens Own Friday Night!

The Keystone Teen Leadership program sponsored a “We OWN Fridays” teen night this month and it was a huge success! Our Keystone members organized a glow in the dark themed night where middle and high schoolers were invited to play games, get to know each other, and enjoy some delicious food. Some of the teens… Read more »

Staff Member of the Month–Itzel Casillas

Itzel Casillas is a team member at the Shandon Club and exemplifies leadership skills such as taking initiative and constantly asking what she can help with, showing integrity by being fair and honest- aligning her words with her actions, being self-aware and responsible.  She is an active listener in which she listens more than speaks… Read more »

Spring Has Sprung In Guadalupe

Spring Break was full of cool spring and Earth Day themed activities for the Members at the Ron Estabillo Club.  Between making faux flower vases, cooking, volleyball, basketball, and STEM projects the week was full of enriching and fun activities for local kids.  Kids and staff enjoyed their full days together and are already excited… Read more »

Kids and Cops Spend Time Together in Santa Maria

With the help of board member, Daniel Rios, our teens had an opportunity to visit the Santa Maria Police Station and check out the crime lab. We were greeted and shown around by Sgt Diaz, who previously worked for the Boys & Girls Clubs in Guadalupe many years ago. Sgt Diaz showed us different departments… Read more »

Current and Former Club Kids Had A Great Afternoon

Club Alumni treated current Club Members to an afternoon on the lanes enjoying bowling, pizza and lots of fun.  Thanks to the Santa Maria Alumni group, current Club kids got a fun outing and got to spend time with Alumni who remember how important their Boys & Girls Clubs experience shaped their childhood.  Everybody had… Read more »

Days of Advocacy in Sacramento

We had the opportunity to take some of our teens to the California capital to do some advocacy work. We advocated to our congresspeople to fund and increase out of school time programs such as ELOP and ASES. On the first day of the event, all the teens learned about the different levels of advocacy… Read more »

GREAT GATSBY GALA WAS A ROARING SUCCESS FOR LOCAL KIDS

This year’s Annual Spring Auction and Gala was the cat’s pajamas as the Great Gatsby-inspired event raised over $170,000 to support after school and out of school programs for kids. The Great Gatsby Gala was held on Saturday, March 29, at the Santa Maria Country Club, where a crowd of gorgeous guests slipped on their… Read more »

Flag Football Has Kicked Off

It has been an exciting time for our sports program as we kicked off the flag football season! With 18 co-ed teams spanning 1st to 8th grade, the energy and enthusiasm have been contagious. Games are underway, showcasing incredible teamwork and sportsmanship from all age groups. Matches are held at two field locations: Acquistapace Park… Read more »

The Butterfly Lifecycle

Just in time for Spring, our 6-7 year old Members are learning about the butterfly lifecycle in our DIY STEM program.  Over a few weeks, they are watching the caterpillars grow and change and are starting to understand the process of cocooning and, eventually, how a butterfly will develop.  They are documenting what they see… Read more »

Staff Person of the Month–Patty Lopez

We are proud to recognize Patty Lopez as our February Staff Person of the Month.  This honor is bestowed on one staff person from all of our service area after being nominated by their supervisor and selected by the Executive Team.  Patty is a longtime staff member, serving at the Railroad Clubhouse in Santa Maria… Read more »

Ultimate Frisbee Flies Into Guadalupe

Thanks to an Ultimate Frisbee kit from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the sport of Ultimate Frisbee has come to Guadalupe and the Ron Estabillo Club.  The Ultimate Frisbee Club has 23 kids signed up and they have started learning the rules and tricks to be experts in the sport.

Next Gen CEO Program Launches

The NextGen CEO cohort of Spring 2025 kicked off March 27, 2025, featuring over 20 student participants learning how to start and run their own business. NextGen CEO is a nine-week digital business education course that teaches kids the basics of starting their own business, courtesy of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. The program is… Read more »

2025 Youth of the Year Competition Underway

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!! This is the time when all Boys & Girls Clubs pick and showcase their Youth Of The Year (club Members ages 14 – 18) and Jr. Youth of the Year (Club Members ages 10 – 13)and we couldn’t be prouder of our Club Members representing us for… Read more »

Tom Maas Clubhouse Honored by Paso Robles Templeton Chamber of Commerce

At the elegant A Night in Paris awards dinner hosted by the Paso Robles Templeton Chamber of Commerce, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast received the prestigious Beautification Award for the Tom Maas Clubhouse. This honor recognizes the outstanding efforts put into creating a vibrant, welcoming space that not only serves local… Read more »

Our CEO Advocates for Us On Capitol Hill

Along with over 300 Club staff and youth Members, our CEO, Maria Fabula, worked hard during the National Days of Advocacy in Washington, D.C.  Together, they championed academic success, workforce readiness, and youth well-being—issues at the heart of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s mission to ensure all kids have Great Futures.  Our Clubs are… Read more »

Director of Teen Services Represents Our Clubs at Women’s Symposium

To kick off Women’s History Month, the Women of Color Symposium was held at the beginning of March in San Luis Obispo.  Leaders from a number of regional non profit agencies came together to discuss programs and share resources for all people in our community.  Mina Donkor, Director of Teen Services for our Clubs made… Read more »

Teens Contine to Meet With Local Professionals

Our second session of Meet A Professional was with Police Lieutenant and BGCMCC Board Member, Danny Rios. Danny discussed his journey through working in different positions he’s held in the police force and skills he has learned along the way. He shared funny stories as well as some of the hard realities that come with… Read more »

A Fun Filled February at the Tom Maas Club

February at the Tom Maas Boys & Girls Club was filled with hands-on learning, creativity, and skill-building activities that supported members’ overall development. Members engaged in various arts and crafts projects, such as creating flower hand bouquets, painting vases, and making love bug crafts, friendship bracelets, and molding clay creations. These activities strengthened fine motor… Read more »

Thanks to our Sponsors of the Great Gatsby Gala!

Our annual Spring fundraiser–The Great Gatsby Gala–is coming to Santa Maria on March 29th and we couldn’t be more grateful for the local businesses who are supporting our fundraising efforts with their sponsorships!  Special thanks to Dignity Health for being our major sponsor and sponoring the bar.   Bar Sponsor Dignity Health Table Sponsor Pacific Premier… Read more »

Soccer for Success Was a Success in Santa Maria

The Evans Park Clubhouse in Santa Maria has been running the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s program Soccer for Success and it has been a huge hit!  In this program, youth got to learn and practice soccer fundamentals and spent a lot of time outdoors playing this sport.  They even got their own jerseys!