In a year of seemingly unending bad news, we finally have something to smile about. We are excited to announce that Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside (BGCO) has been selected as Nonprofit of the Year by 76th District Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath. We were selected for our innovation and dedication to providing programs and services to youth during the pandemic.
“During these unprecedented times, BGCO staff have worked around the clock to ensure that at-risk youth have the support they need while school closures continue. We are incredibly grateful and deeply humbled to be recognized by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath as a Nonprofit of the Year,” said Jodi Diamond, CEO.
When the pandemic began, the Club adapted and began virtual programming in March, using Google Hangouts, Zoom and YouTube. We reached out to our more than 4,000 members to connect with them and see if they needed additional community resources. What we heard was heartbreaking. Youth were hungry. So BGCO staff mobilized and on May 4th began an Emergency Food Program for all youth under 18. We have served over 25,000 meals so far! Most importantly, no child is going hungry.
As restrictions eased, we welcomed our youth back for in-person summer camp on June 15th – the only North County provider to do so. As always, safety was our number one priority and when we reopened, we did so in strict adherence to the regulations from the CDC, State and County. Even though they had to wear masks, continuously wash their hands and stay six feet apart, our youth were so happy to be back with their friends and Club staff.
When school returned in a virtual format, we opened a Back2School program so that parents could return to work and youth would have a safe, supervised environment in which to attend school. Despite the many challenges, we are so thankful that we are able to continue to serve our families, many of whom are facing monumental challenges during this crazy and stressful time.
We are humbled and grateful for this incredible honor and thank our amazing supporters, friends, Board of Directors and Club youth for allowing us to do this incredibly important work.
