Board of Directors
Board Officers
MacKenzie Boone - President Ascend Real Estate
Marivic Louey - Vice President Kern Energy
Alan Avery - Secretary Kern Family Health Care
Amir Zabrani - Treasurer Bank of the Sierra
Rob Duchow - Past President Southern California Gas Company
Board Members
Alex Balfour - Cushman and Wakefield/Pacific Commercial Realty Advisors
Lindsay Barnes - KGET-TV
Greg Broida - BroidaCo Auto Sales & Brokerage
Juan Campos - California Resource Corporation
Alex Dominguez - Klein DeNatale Goldner
Justin Garant - Clifford & Bradford Insurance Agency
Jimmy Gill - Gold Leaf Farming
Michael George - Safe 1 Credit Union
Cherif Guirguis - LINQride Inc.
Larry Koman - Koman Homes
Ben LeBeau - LeBeau Thelen, LLP
Matthew Lemon - Citizens Business Bank
Dr. Jacqueline M. Mimms - CSU Fresno Foundation
Roberta Nilsson - Banc of California
Jon Sampson - Wells Fargo Advisors
Timothy J. Simmons - MOC Incorporated
Bryce Sterling - StructureCast
Zane Smith - Executive Director Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County
Barry Hill - Associate Executive Director Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County
Legacy Board
Ken Carter - Watson Realty
Jason Cohen - UBS Financial Services, Inc.
David Couch - Kern County Supervisor
James & Barbara Kurfess - In Memorium
Janice Meek - Retired
Michael Olague - Bank of the Sierra
Ben Stinson - Stinson’s Office Supplies
Gloria Williams - Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County
From the Desk of... Director of
Community Outreach and Volunteerism
Dear Friends and Community Partners,
As we present this latest edition of our BGC Brief magazine, I’m honored to reflect on the many ways our organization continues to grow—not only in our commitment to youth development, but in our dedication to meeting the broader needs of the community we serve.
While our mission centers on supporting and empowering young people, we know that youth do best when their families and neighborhoods are thriving. That’s why our work has organically grown beyond traditional programming. Through community resource fairs, we connect individuals and families to essential services—from healthcare and housing support to workforce training and legal aid—creating access points that reduce barriers and build resilience.
Our club pantries have become a vital service for so many families of our youth each month. Stocked with non-perishable goods, hygiene items and household items, these pantries provide more than nourishment and selfcare—they offer stability and relief in uncertain times. And they’re made possible thanks to the incredible support of our community partners.
Volunteers are the heart of so much of what we do. From serving meals to assisting at large-scale events, our community and corporate volunteers bring compassion, energy, and invaluable manpower to our mission. We’re especially proud of our growing partnerships with local businesses, nonprofit groups, and civic organizations, whose employees and members regularly roll up their sleeves to make a difference. Their time, expertise, and generosity amplify our community impact far beyond what we could do alone.
Whether we’re assisting or even co-hosting events with nonprofit partners or organizing back-to-school drives with local businesses, these collaborations reflect our belief that building strong communities requires shared effort and collective care.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your ongoing support and engagement fuel everything we do. We hope the stories in this issue shine a light on what’s possible when community comes together—for our youth, and for all of us.
In community and partnership,
Natalie Martinez
Natalie Martinez Director of Community Outreach and Volunteerism
EMPOWERING TOMORROW’S LEADERS
Inside the Keystone Club at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County
At the heart of many Boys & Girls Clubs lies a powerful leadership development program shaping the future of young people across the country—the Keystone Club. Designed for teens aged 14 to 18, the Keystone Club offers a unique platform where youth build leadership skills, participate in service projects, and prepare for college and careers—all within a supportive, youth-led structure.
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County (BGCKC), the impact of our Keystone Club continues to grow. The organization operates two Keystone Clubs—one at the Lamont Club and another at the Armstrong Youth Center (AYC) in East Bakersfield. Between these two sites, there are more than 30 active members, each contributing to a vibrant culture of leadership, service, and personal growth.
Keystone Club members take charge of their development and their community. Teens plan and lead projects across three core focus areas: academic success, career preparation, and community service. While membership is open to teens 14 and older, 13-year-olds are also welcome to participate in pre-Keystone leadership activities based on their availability and interest.
“The Keystone Club gave me a voice when I didn’t think I had one,” says Emma, a high school junior and current Keystone President at Lamont. “I’ve learned how to lead meetings, organize events, and speak with confidence. I used to be shy—now I’m helping younger teens believe in themselves.”
Teens who meet the age requirement are introduced to Keystone through staff or peer outreach. Those interested can apply and join after learning more about the program’s mission and opportunities.
Once they become members, teens can explore leadership roles such as President, Social Media Director, Activities Director, Recorder, and Treasurer—positions that help them develop real-world skills in teamwork, communication, and organization.
What sets Keystone apart is its year-round commitment to teen development. Over the summer, members participated in a variety of enriching experiences, including a tour of the USC campus, weekly cooking lessons, and leadership workshops. Several members also attended the National Keystone Conference in Chicago this past July, where they connected with fellow youth leaders from across the country, engaged in hands-on learning, and celebrated their accomplishments.
To wrap up the summer, BGCKC hosted its own Teen Summit in Lamont. The event brought teens together from both Keystone sites for a day of reflection, goal-setting, and community building—a powerful way to close the season and prepare for the school year ahead. The summit also gave members a platform to refocus and renew their commitment to leadership and service.
Throughout the year, Keystone members engage in a wide range of meaningful activities, including community service projects, peer mentorship, college and career readiness workshops, teen outreach, job shadowing, and youth-driven philanthropy and advocacy. While the Club follows BGCA’s nationally recognized curriculum to ensure consistency and quality, BGCKC customizes the experience to reflect the unique goals and interests of its teens.
“Our Keystone program is active year-round, giving teens meaningful opportunities to grow, connect, and lead,” says Ramiro Martinez, a Keystone Club advisor and BGCKC’s Sr. Director of Teen Programs. “We’re here to guide them, but we let the teens lead. They learn best when they’re the ones making decisions, solving problems, and seeing the impact of their work.”
Keystone teens attended the 2025 Kindness is Free Summit held at the Panda Express Headquarters in Rosemead, CA.
Keystone Club members travel to Chicago for the 2025 Keystone Conference
Teens are expected to show up, stay engaged, and contribute meaningfully. Progress is tracked through participation in projects, leadership development, and how teens engage with their peers and community. Regular meetings provide space for collaboration, planning, and personal growth.
The hard work of BGCKC’s Keystone Clubs has not gone unnoticed. The program has earned Gold Status from Boys & Girls Clubs of America—a prestigious honor awarded only to Clubs that have surpassed national standards in program quality, youth engagement, and leadership outcomes. Achieving Gold Status reflects the dedication and excellence of both the teens and their advisors.
In a world where youth voices are often overlooked, the Keystone Club proves that with the right structure and support, teens are not just preparing for the future—they are actively shaping it.
“Keystone has helped me in so many ways. Before I joined Keystone, I was a follower. I didn’t have my own identity,” commented, Julien, Keystone Vice President at AYC. “With Keystone, I found my true self. Now I’m a leader. Now I help other members grow and learn.”
To get involved, visit www.bgckc.org for more information.
Leo, a Keystone Member had the opportunity to go blazer shopping with the National Military Youth of the School
Keystone Club members toured the University of Southern California.
As I stand in the hallway between our bustling game room and the rows of classrooms echoing with laughter, curiosity, and excitement, I pause for a moment and smile. “This is as good as it gets,” I think to myself. It’s a fleeting thought—one of deep gratitude and quiet pride—but quickly replaced by reflection on how far we’ve come, and all the incredible work that has led us to this moment.
Our Boys & Girls Club has never been static. We’ve grown, adapted, and reinvented ourselves time and time again to meet the evolving needs of the children and families we serve. The Club you see today is not the same as it was ten years ago. While our mission—to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive—has remained constant, our approach has transformed dramatically thanks to a dedicated team of professionals who go above and beyond what’s traditionally expected of youth service providers.
This team, diverse in background but united in purpose, brings expertise that spans well beyond youth development. From business administration and logistics to community relations and program innovation, each member plays a critical role in ensuring our Club not only meets its obligations but also identifies and seizes opportunities to expand our impact. We are not just a Boys & Girls Club—we are a hub for community growth, collaboration, and resilience.
One such opportunity came when we recognized the sheer generosity of Kern County and the tremendous volume of in-kind donations flowing into our organization. To manage this influx efficiently and responsibly, we created a new position: Director of Community Outreach. One of our most seasoned and compassionate professionals, Natalie Martinez,
stepped into this role, overseeing the intake, storage, and distribution of essential goods to families, community partners, and stakeholders across the county.
Imagine walking into a gymnasium filled wall-to-wall with pallets of household supplies—everything from hygiene products to cleaning items and basic daily necessities. That’s not an occasional sight for us— it’s a regular occurrence. Once items are received and inventoried, managers from our 73 Club locations come together to collect and distribute them within their respective communities. It’s a finely tuned operation, and a labor of love that helps countless families bridge gaps in times of need.
To ensure that our Club is deeply embedded in the communities we serve, we’ve implemented a comprehensive engagement plan that encourages all site managers to become active members of their local chambers of commerce, service clubs, and collaborative agencies. Our presence extends well beyond our four walls. We participate in and support local initiatives, sponsor community-wide events, and even open our doors to host town halls, resource fairs, and leadership forums.
Our “Beyond the Club” activities reflect our commitment to holistic community support. We regularly distribute grocery store gift cards to families experiencing food insecurity. Our Back-2School Shopping Sprees—made possible through partnerships with Rotary Clubs, school districts, and private donors—ensure that every child heads into the school year with confidence and the supplies they need. And our Clubhouses serve as multipurpose community spaces, welcoming events that bring neighbors together and offer support where it’s most needed.
Community volunteers packaging items for our recent community resource distribution.
Household items waiting to be packaged by volunteers for a recent community resource distribution.
Collaboration has been the cornerstone of our success. Our “Beyond the Club” strategy has sparked powerful partnerships that extend our reach and amplify our impact. We’ve joined forces with three local theaters to expand performing arts opportunities for young people while also creating meaningful employment for adults. Through our Workforce Readiness Program, we’ve partnered with Dress for Success to provide teens and young adults access to professional attire—whether it’s for a job interview or simply a normal day when they want to feel their best.
We’ve also strengthened our relationships with local schools, allowing us to offer programming during intersessions and on Saturdays. These extended hours provide safe, enriching environments for youth outside of the traditional school day and give working families greater flexibility and peace of mind.
Prepackaged household and hygiene items ready for our recent community resource distribution.
At the heart of all of this is our unwavering focus on the health, well-being, and future of the children we serve. But what we’ve come to understand—and embrace—is that supporting children means supporting their families, their neighborhoods, and the larger community. When a child feels safe, seen, and supported, they flourish. And when families have access to resources, opportunities, and a strong support network, they thrive.
So yes, while the moment I stood in that hallway was filled with joy, it was just that—a moment. What truly fills me with pride is knowing that we’re part of something much bigger. We’re not just building better Clubs; we’re helping to build stronger communities across Bakersfield and Kern County. And that, I believe, is the best it can get—for now.
For over six years, one staff member has quietly been transforming the lives of young people at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County. From driving delivery trucks to directing teen programming, his journey is one of perseverance, personal growth, and deep passion for youth development.
Now, as the Senior Director of Teen and Young Adult Programs, Ramiro Martinez is leading an ambitious expansion of workforce readiness initiatives aimed at creating life-changing opportunities for young people in our community.
Born and raised in Bakersfield, this dedicated team member’s story starts close to home. “I grew up in a single-parent household,” Ramiro shares. “My mother worked two jobs to provide for me and my older brother. She showed me what it means to work hard and make sacrifices. I didn’t understand it all then, but now I do—and it motivates me every day.”
He also credits his older brother for stepping into a guiding role when his father was rarely present, and he fondly remembers his first job at Baker’s Square, where he learned early lessons in independence and responsibility. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his career and his deep empathy for the youth he now serves.
Though he wasn’t a “Club kid” himself, he found his way to the Boys & Girls Club in 2019 while looking for additional work. Initially a substitute activity leader working part-time a few days a week, his path soon changed. In 2020, he took a job in the Nutrition Department as a driver. That temporary role turned into a long-term commitment.
Over the next four and a half years, he rose through the ranks to Kitchen Manager and then Nutrition Operations Manager. Today, he leads teen and young adult programming with a clear mission: to inspire, equip, and empower.
He’s not only passionate…he’s qualified. In 2021, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies from CSUB, followed by a Master of Science in Educational Counseling and Student Affairs in 2025. His educational background and life experiences create a powerful combination for leading teen and young adult development.
“What I enjoy most about working at the Club is connecting with youth and building healthy, meaningful relationships,” he says. “I look forward to seeing them grow into young adults who are confident, capable, and compassionate.”
The launch of the Club’s expanded Life & Workforce Readiness Program and the development of a new facility marks an exciting new chapter. His goal? To build upon an already strong foundation and open doors to new career pathways. “I want to introduce teens and young adults to professionals in healthcare, the trades, and tech,” he says. “Let’s spark something inside them. Let’s create real-world opportunities that matter.”
He envisions a future where club members are not only learning but laughing, leading, and teaching each other. “It’s not about checking boxes,” he says. “It’s about shaping lives— creating a program that produces long-term change.”
Throughout his journey, Ramiro has been supported by mentors at the Club who helped shape his own development. He points to colleagues like Chelsea Dow, Nutrition Coordinator, Ruth Miranda, Senior Area Program
Ramiro celebrates his monumental achievement at the Cal State Bakersfield graduation, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.”
Mentoring teen members as they prepare for their futures is a key role in Ramiro’s new role as Senior Director of Teen and Young Adult Programs.
Director and Zane Smith, CEO & Executive Director, as sources of inspiration and guidance. “They’ve each taught me something valuable—whether it was leadership, grace through correction, or the importance of collaboration.”
When asked what advice he would give to teens and young people just walking through the doors, his message is heartfelt: “Bring your whole self. Be open to new experiences and remember that your voice matters.” For those considering a role at the Club, he adds: “This isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to shape futures.”
Outside of work, he’s an adventurer at heart. He’s traveled to Italy, France, and England, with dreams of exploring Brazil, Japan, Spain, and Colombia to experience their rich cultures and histories. But no matter where he travels, his purpose remains the same—empowering others through mentorship, positivity, and growth.
As he leads the Teen and Young Adults Program into its next chapter, he remains grounded in what inspires him most: “Positive results. Seeing people become more self-sufficient, hearing the excitement in their voices after a career workshop—it reminds me why I do this.”
In his own words, “The sky’s the limit.” And with his passion and leadership, the future for our teens and young adults looks brighter than ever.
Ramiro helping a Keystone member with resumes.
Active 20-30 Club of Bakersfield
Vince Aguilar
Justin & April Ahart
Paul Andre
Timothy & Caitlin Ashlock
Ariel & Abby Auffant
Alan Avery
Alex M. Balfour
Larry & Kay Bardin
Adam Belter
Cathy Bennett
Aimee Blaine
MacKenzie Boone
Greg & Rose Broida
John & Jean Browning
Tina Cantelmi
Chris Caratan
Juan & Sabrina Cazares
Elsie Collins
Gary & Donna Cross
Mickey & Alex Cushine
Mike & Maggie Cushine
Matt Damian
Chelsea Dow
Ken & Marjorie Dow
Rob Duchow
Mark & Becky Evans
Alexandria Fabbro
Melissa Fortune & Bruce Beretta
Christine Frazier
Fanny Gama
Justin & Megan Garant
Monica Gonzales
Renee Goodwin
Diana Gordon
Robert & Jerry Haner
Matthew & Shelly Hewett
Barry Hill
Cynthia Huggins
Edgar Jacobs
Larry Koman
Allan Krauter & Anna Agenjo
Bernie & Lynn LeBeau
Michael Lewis & Barbara Rycerski
Quon & Marivic Louey
Chris Lowe
Zachary Martindale
Erlinda Martinez
Natalie Martinez
Renee Massey
Janice Meek
Peggy Miller
Ruth Miranda
Chris & Jovan Molina
Alex & Kristin Monsibais
Jonathan & Mary Anne Mueller
Roberta Nilsson & Oscar Navarro
Dale Oprandy
Randy & Mary Richardson
Bruce Saathoff & Tony Cervantes
Saber Insurance Agency
Darin Schwicker
Tim & Christy Simmons
John & Christina Sistrunk
Paul Skarphol
Zane & Amy Smith
Steve Sorton
Mark Steele
Bryce & Ashlyn Sterling
Keith Stonebraker
Carol Sugimori
Linda Sullenger
Robert Tafoya & Sandra Serrano
Josh & Susan Wall
Gloria Williams
Deborah Wood
Thanks to support from the Stars of Hope fundraiser, Regal Bakersfield 14 is partnering with the Club to provide youth with enriching, hands-on experiences that combine learning and fun.
The Bank of America Foundation addresses the critical need for life and workforce readiness training programs for high school teens through its support of the Summer Jobs Program. Investing in today’s youth means investing in tomorrow.
Kern Family Healthcare will implement a mobile garden program (Growing Healthy Futures) to educate and engage children in gardening while promoting healthy eating habits. These portable garden beds will provide hands-on learning opportunities that promote nutrition, sustainability, and food production, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of our Club members.
The Kern Community Foundation supports the unique needs of local farmworker families—both those employed and those seeking work—by providing their children with a safe and enriching environment at the Lamont Boys & Girls Club.
The Boys & Girls Clubs’ Stage Door Academy Productions (Broadway Junior Shows) are proudly supported by the Kiwanis Club of the Golden Empire. This program equips Club members with the tools, guidance, and supportive environment they need to build confidence, express creativity, and deliver memorable performances.
The Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation is opening doors of opportunity for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the ENABLE Program, enabling children to thrive and build Great Futures at the Boys & Girls Club.
The Taco Bell Foundation is helping prepare teens for the workforce by supporting paid summer jobs, career exploration, and skill-building opportunities. These experiences empower young people to learn, grow, and lay the groundwork for future success.
Southern California Edison/Edison International is helping Frazier Park Club members succeed academically by supporting Project Learn, which provides homework help and high-yield learning activities that reinforce lessons from the school day.
The U.S. Bank Foundation is empowering high school Club teens by providing workforce development opportunities and first-time job experiences through the Career Launch/Summer Jobs Program. This initiative helps young people gain valuable skills, build confidence, and explore career pathways that set them up for long-term success.
PG&E supports the critical need for life and workforce readiness training for high school teens through its investment in the Summer Jobs Program. Empowering today’s youth means building a stronger, more prepared workforce for tomorrow.
Good Sports helps build self-esteem and confidence in Club members by supporting physical activity during out-of-school time.
KERN COUNTY
Bakersfield, CA 93385 Return Service Requested
