BEYOND THE CLUB

BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES, ONE FAMILY AT A TIME by Zane Smith

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,

Community volunteers packaging items for our recent community resource distribution.

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.

Prepackaged household and hygiene items ready for our 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.

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.