Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County Extends Reach to Gonzales

SALINAS, Calif. - Jan. 27, 2015 - PRLog -- The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) was granted a Community Development Block Grant for the 2014-2015 school year to serve 100 Fairview Middle School youth. The Fairview Middle School extension site mirrors the mission of BGCMC, aiming to “inspire and empower the youth of Monterey County to realize their full potential and become responsible, healthy, productive and successful citizens.”  Goals of the program include improving academic performance by increasing grades, attendance and curbing behavioral referrals.

The Fairview Middle School extension site focuses on behavioral risk factors for area youth such as gang involvement, drug and alcohol abuse, and negative peer pressure by utilizing the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s innovative Street SMART program.  Street SMART counteracts the negative lures of gangs, violence, and street influences on youth ages 11-13.  The program builds awareness and resistance skills among youth and helps participants build confidence and knowledge to make smart choices.  By informing youth about the dangers of gangs, teaching them conflict resolution skills and empowering them to become positive peer helpers, the program has proven its capacity for success.  A pretest provided insight into the most common misconceptions amongst the target age group in Gonzales, which included the misconception that being in a gang is a not a choice and being a gang member makes you feel good about yourself.

In addition to utilizing the Street SMART program, the Fairview Middle School site also focuses on reinforcing the concept of the “student athlete” by striving for a 3.0 overall GPA among all participants and by adopting a flag football program to encourage sportsmanship and healthy lifestyles.  BGCMC is collaborating with the Gonzales Unified School District to assess data on participants’ academic attendance and performance. “The partnership between Gonzales School District’s After School Education and Safety (ASES) program and BGCMC has resulted in increased educational enrichment and recreational athletic opportunities that are much needed by the youth of Gonzales.  Students, staff and parents are pleased with the positive outcomes that are resulting from this partnership,” explains Tauvia Harrigan, Vice Principal, Fairview Middle School.  The site also hosts Family Fun Nights and field trips to further engage the community.

"Gonzales Unified is fortunate to have this partnership with BGCMC offering programs to our Fairview Middle School students after school.  BGCMC staff is committed to providing our students opportunities to become young leaders in our community. Through their efforts our students are offered opportunities to grow and thrive. This has made an amazing impact on each individual student" says Liz Modena, Superintendent, Gonzales Unified School District.

For more information on BGCMC’s Extension Site at Fairview Middle School, contact Mary Dawson at mdawson@bgcmc.org

Contact:
Mary Dawson
Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County
(831) 394-5171
mdawson@bgcmc.org

# # #
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) has played an integral role in the community for over 46 years.  BGCMC provides a safe haven for over 800 children and teens a day, offering programs that focus on Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, Good Character & Leadership. BGCMC operates Clubhouses in Seaside and Salinas, extension sites at El Sausal and La Paz Middle Schools in Salinas, Fairview Middle School in Gonzales, and a site at the CHISPA Sea Garden Community in Castroville.  Club members are offered mentoring and guidance to maintain on-grade school progression, graduation from high school, and prepare for college and careers.  Nearly 90% of the total budget comes from generous individuals, corporations and foundations. The Clubs are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer and school breaks, and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. when school is in session.  Additional information is available at www.bgcmc.org or via phone at 831-394-5171.