2 minute read
Boys & Girls Club Grows Roots in McFarland
In the tranquil landscape of the San Joaquin Valley, a small rural community finds itself on the brink of a transformative journey with the expansion of an impactful youth development program. McFarland, known as the “Heartbeat of Agriculture,” and the home of the popular Sno-White drive-in and Maria’s Pizza, is a tight-knit community that has long cherished its traditional values, strong sense of family, and commitment to its children. It has thrived on the principles of hard work, resilience, and unity, yet they recognized the need to invest in the future—their youth.
Our introduction to the McFarland School District administration in February of 2021 to discuss after-school programs left our team inspired and motivated. By April of that year, we had a collaboration established and began hiring qualified local residents and training them to be youth development professionals directly at Horizon Elementary School. The school embraced our team and we hit the ground running with activities such as cooking, robotics, crafts, and organized sports five days a week after-school. Later “Fun Saturdays” were added to expand services and engage students in fun and engaging enrichment and social bonding activities.
Since the fall of 2021, we have duplicated our model based on hiring and training talented residents in and near McFarland to work with the district team to expand and deliver programs at Kern Avenue Elementary School and Browning Road STEAM Academy. This partnership continues to thrive to serve more youth than ever and now includes expanded healthy sports options such as cross country, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and more.
Our Area Program Director, Fanny Gama, gives credit to the tremendous hearts and unwavering commitment that the McFarland community has for its children. Boys & Girls Club has always been about creating an atmosphere of safety, belonging, positive guidance, and nurturing mentorships. We are eternally grateful to the McFarland School District, families and especially the children in our care for welcoming us so enthusiastically and making the Boys & Girls Club part of the community.
Amidst the small-town charm and postcard scenery a wave of hope and enthusiasm sweeps through this endearing community. Community leaders, educators and parents alike envision brighter futures for their children guided by the promise of a safe, engaging, and inclusive out-of-school program.
