Message from our Safety Committee Chair 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
Lindsay Barnes - KGET-TV
Alex Balfour - Cushman and Wakefield/Pacific
Commercial Realty Advisors
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 - Tri Counties 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
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we share this latest issue of our quarterly magazine, I want to take a moment to highlight a cornerstone of our mission that underpins every program, partnership, and moment of connection we offer: safety.
At its core, safety is not just a checklist—it is a shared promise. It’s a commitment to creating spaces where young people feel not only physically secure, but emotionally supported and genuinely cared for. In a world that can often feel unpredictable, our youth deserve consistent environments where they can grow with confidence and courage.
As Chair of the Safety Committee, I am proud to work alongside a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, partners, and community members who understand that strong safety practices are essential to meaningful youth development. Whether it’s ensuring safe transportation, maintaining well-monitored facilities, or training our team in trauma-informed approaches, every safety measure we implement is rooted in our deep respect for the youth we serve.
Quality safety practices are not static—they evolve with new challenges and growing needs. That’s why we continually review and strengthen our protocols, seek input from youth and families, and embrace innovation where it enhances protection and care. Our approach is proactive, collaborative, and always guided by our unwavering belief that every young person deserves a safe place to learn, lead, and belong.
To our supporters—thank you. Your investment in our mission makes this work possible. Your belief in our vision helps us build safer spaces, train more leaders, and reach more youth with confidence and care. When you support this organization, you’re not just funding programs—you’re helping to shape a culture where safety is foundational and young people are empowered to thrive.
As you explore this issue, I encourage you to see safety not just as a protocol, but as a value that lives in everything we do. Together, we are creating environments where youth are seen, supported, and secure—and that makes all the difference.
With gratitude and commitment,
Tim Simmons
Tim Simmons BGCKC Safety Committee Chair & Board Member
Welcome Our Newest Members of the Board of Directors
Lindsay Barnes serves as General Sales Manager and Director of Sales for KGET-TV, Telemundo, and CW Bakersfield. A proud Bakersfield native and North High graduate, her work is rooted in a personal mission to uplift the community that raised her.
Having overcome a disadvantaged upbringing, Lindsay was shaped by local mentors—an influence that now drives her commitment to giving back, especially to youth facing similar challenges.
After founding her own digital agency, she joined KGET in 2019, rising quickly to her current leadership role. Her vision delivers results while supporting causes that matter deeply.
Lindsay also serves on the boards of Wounded Heroes, the American Petroleum Institute, and the American Heart Association. A dedicated mentor and changemaker, Lindsay is a hometown builder leading with heart and purpose.
Lindsay Barnes is not just a media leader, she is a champion for kids who need a hand up, and a living example of how community can change a life.
Justin Garant has lived in Bakersfield for over 30 years and has spent over 27 years working in the insurance industry, specializing in commercial coverage for businesses of all sizes. With a strong belief in providing honest guidance and practical solutions, he has built a career rooted in trust and long-standing client relationships.
Outside of work, Justin values time with family most. Married for 25 years, he is a proud parent to a 22-year-old daughter and a 20-year-old son. Giving back to the community has always been important, which is reflected in his past volunteer work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and time spent serving on the boards of the Salvation Army ARC, the Bakersfield Police Activities League, and Lucky’s Crew Animal Rescue.
When not working or volunteering, Justin enjoys spending time at the beach, unwinding on the golf course, or exploring new trails offroad - always ready for a bit of sunshine and fresh air.
Dr. Jacqueline M. Mimms is a distinguished leader in higher education with over 40 years of experience advancing educational access, equity, and student success. She is currently the Director of the CSU Project Rebound Outreach Program and previously served as Associate Vice-President for the Division of Enrollment Management at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB). Additionally, Dr. Mimms served as co-chair of the CSU African American Initiative; Assistant Vice-President for Community/University Partnerships at the University of California and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Campus Relations at UC Riverside.
Throughout her career, Dr. Mimms has been a tireless advocate for educational equity, particularly for underserved communities, and her outreach efforts have included work with schools, churches, and community-based organizations. She has held numerous board and commission appointments and received multiple honors in recognition of her contributions.
Dr. Mimms holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from UC, as well as an M.A. in Educational Administration, an M.S. in Hospital Administration, and a B.S. in Business Education and Management. Dr. Mimms was married to the late Larry M. Mimms and is the proud mother of two daughters. She is also a devoted “soccer, softball and theater” grandmother. She enjoys traveling and attending live theater and musical performances.
When working with over 8,000 youth daily in 71 club sites throughout Kern County, safety is paramount, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County is proud of its culture of safety. As part of BGCKC’s commitment to safety, it wanted to go beyond procedures and protocols to engage its youth members as it does team members in identifying and finding solutions to safety challenges.
Over the past few years, each of the Club sites have established a Youth Safety Task Force. These are dynamic groups of young leaders who actively participate in shaping a safer environment for all members. They have become a powerful part of the Club’s culture, demonstrating that when youth are empowered and heard, meaningful change follows. Each task force meets regularly with the Staff Site Coordinator and has the freedom to create their own team names and wear custom name badges to promote visibility and pride. Members are elected by their peers, emphasizing leadership and responsibility.
BGCKC’s Safety Team organizes engaging, youth-led activities such as poster contests, safety skits, safety challenges, and other fun and inclusive activities to raise awareness. A key example includes open-ended safety incidents where kids explore scenarios and decide the best course of action. They also conduct supervised site walkthroughs using checklists to identify and help resolve safety issues, encouraging ownership of their environment.
Creative expression is encouraged through tech projects like safety videos, and celebrations like Safety Success Parties that recognize everyone’s contributions.
At the Casa Loma Elementary Club, the student leadership really shines. The efforts of its outstanding Youth Safety Task Force are redefining what it means to look out for one another. This year, the team has gone above and beyond to ensure that school safety is not just a rule, but a shared responsibility embraced by the student body.
One of their most impactful initiatives has been the creation of the Red Zone, an area near the dismissal location.
This initiative is designed to remind students not to cross a designated area that could lead them off campus. By marking the Red Zone clearly, the task force has worked to prevent students from unintentionally stepping outside the school grounds, ensuring that everyone stays within the safe boundaries of the campus.
Another initiative, Cafeteria Hazard Checks, was created to quickly identify and respond to spills or potential hazards. These checks are marked and monitored to prevent slips and accidents during high-traffic snack and supper periods. Thanks to their sharp eyes and swift responses, the cafeteria has become a significantly safer space for students and team members alike.
The group has also stepped up as Hall Monitors, offering guidance, promoting positive behavior, and ensuring smooth transitions during class changes. Their involvement extends to restroom safety support, where they assist in maintaining respectful and clean environments, discourage misuse of facilities, and provide a sense of calm and supervision without intrusion. The team makes safety their top priority and has taken the initiative to assist in emergency drills to help prepare the students and team for emergency situations.
The Youth Safety Task Force is not just about creating and enforcing rules, it’s about culture. These students are fostering a sense of accountability and community among their peers, showing that leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about service. With professionalism, compassion, and initiative, they have helped build a more positive and secure environment for everyone at Casa Loma.
We are incredibly proud of all the Youth Safety Task Forces—not only for what they’ve accomplished, but for the standard they continue to set for student leadership and engagement. Their efforts are a reminder that when students lead, schools thrive.
Youth Safety Task Force members Brandon and Alissa doing their rounds.
Youth Safety Task Force members Isabela, Kimberly, Youbeth, and Joseph.
Isabela and Yanilette stocking the first aid kits.
Several years ago, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County made a strategic commitment—to create and sustain a culture of safety encompassing youth, team members, and community stakeholders. This initiative was designed not only to reinforce compliance but to embed safety into the very fabric of the organization’s daily operations and long-term planning.
In typical nonprofit fashion, this endeavor began with the formation of a Board-led Safety Committee. Spearheaded by a board member with professional expertise in corporate safety, the committee included additional board members, staff, volunteers, and external safety experts. Their mission was to integrate comprehensive safety practices into every level of the Club’s work.
The committee identified three core areas of focus:
· Youth & Staff Safety – Ensuring all children and employees are protected while participating in programs, accessing facilities, and interacting with Clubmates, Staff or visitors.
· Facility Safety – Maintaining safe environments at Clubhouses, partner locations, off-site events and during public outings.
· Community Safety – Providing secure experiences for all guests, parents, and partners during visits or events.
Achieving these goals required an organizationwide effort, including securing professional training, engaging team members, and involving youth in safety planning and implementation. The ultimate objective was for safety to become second nature—while remaining adaptable to emerging risks, technological change, and evolving leadership.
As part of the process, the organization conducted an internal review to identify any gaps. This honest appraisal
revealed instances of outdated practices and lapses in policy adherence, often due to staff turnover and loss of institutional knowledge. Additionally, there were areas where existing strategies had not kept pace with the rapid evolution of technology and youth access to digital platforms.
This introspective period proved crucial. It unearthed inefficiencies but also highlighted that many improvements required only modest changes to achieve higher standards of excellence. The leadership team embraced the challenge, adopting a forward-thinking mindset and committing to continuous improvement.
A pivotal development in this safety transformation was the introduction of a third-party safety assessment, conducted across all 71 Club locations. The assessment, which now occurs annually, validated the organization’s progress and helped further standardize safety procedures. The findings revealed a stronger organizational alignment around safety protocols, with staff better equipped to recognize, activate, and refine safety strategies.
Organizational structure also evolved to support this cultural shift. A Safety Compliance Officer role was added to the management team, filled by a Club alumnus with both program development experience and a deep passion for youth protection. This role has since expanded to a team of three trained professionals, reflecting the Club’s scale and the critical importance of sustained safety leadership.
First grader, Mateo, implementing proper PPE procedure as he works on an engineering project during after school program.
Safety binder, first aid kit, and other materials provided to all 71 locations.
Another pioneering step was the formation of Youth Safety Leadership Teams at each of the 71 sites. These teams, composed of Club members, are trained to lead peer-driven safety initiatives, conduct assessments, report concerns, and engage with safety professionals. This model of youth-led safety is believed to be the first of its kind nationally and exemplifies the Club’s commitment to youth empowerment and innovation.
Data analysis now plays a central role in shaping safety strategies. For instance, a pattern was identified where injuries among eightyear-old boys spiked around 3:30 PM—often coinciding with active play sessions. This insight led to new approaches in supervision, risk evaluation, and activity planning. Understanding behavioral trends and common injury points has enabled the Club to proactively tailor its programming for improved outcomes.
While certain behaviors—like the boundless energy and daring nature of eight-year-old boys—can never be completely eliminated, the Club has implemented coaching and guidance strategies to reduce unnecessary risks. Safety is no longer seen as a static checklist but as a dynamic, evolving priority that requires constant vigilance, reflection, and innovation.
Today, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County serve over 8,000 children county-wide, supported by dedicated youth development professionals. The organization’s culture of safety is deeply embedded—not just in its policies and procedures, but in the attitudes and actions of its entire community.
The journey is ongoing, but the foundation is strong. The Boys & Girls Club continues to model what it means to put safety first—because every child deserves a secure space to grow, learn, and thrive.
Be safe out there…the Club definitely is!
Youth Safety Task Force member Miah adding safe guards to the chalk board marker tray.
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 Gordan
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
Keith & Noel Shotts
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
Community Grants
February 1, 2025 - April 30, 2025
Jim Burke Ford, through the Ford Junior Youth of the Month/Year Program, allows the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County to honor their middle school and junior high school Club members, who attend a Boys & Girls Club after-school program, for their demonstrated leadership and service at school, home or with family and scholastic achievement.
The Panda Cares Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Panda Express, will establish a Panda Cares Center of Hope at the Stockdale Boys & Girls Club in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to support academic success during out-of-school times.
The Boys & Girls Clubs’ Stage Door Academy 2025 Summer Productions (daily workshops and performances) are being supported by an Arts in the Community Grant from the Arts Council of Kern. This program provides the Club members with the right tools, environment, instruction, and encouragement to create unforgettable performances.
Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation Programs (Badges for Baseball and I’m GREAT) foster self-esteem and confidence among Club members through mentoring and physical activities during out-of-school time.
JCPenney is empowering youth with the tools they need to lead active, balanced, and healthy lives—both now and in the future. A wide range of programs at the Boys & Girls Club help kids develop healthy habits for life, from promoting physical activity and nutritious eating to encouraging positive self-esteem and emotional wellness.
Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation creates safe, supportive opportunities for youth and teens to develop essential life skills, build character, connect with positive mentors, and make productive choices for their future, including through initiatives like the Summer Jobs Program.
Southern California Gas Company is supporting Club members by helping them participate in the Summer Learning Recovery Camp. During the school break, children and youth access enriching educational experiences designed to inspire curiosity, strengthen academic skills, and foster personal growth.
Arby’s prepares teens for the workforce by providing valuable skills and experiences. Summer jobs coupled with training and career exploration can significantly impact young people’s lives by providing them opportunities to learn, grow, and build a foundation for their future careers.
Bechtel is igniting a passion for STEM learning through the FIRST LEGO League Challenge for children attending the Boys & Girls Club – E.L. Jack and Monica Armstrong Youth Center in East Bakersfield.
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is crucial to our mission. Small group mentoring provides social-emotional support for at-risk children and teens. This is a critical component of our out-ofschool learning program in Bakersfield and Lamont, ensuring their holistic development.
State Farm actively engages Club members at three local Boys & Girls Clubs by providing structured, handson, and multimedia STEM experiences. These programs spark curiosity and creativity while helping Club members build critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills and prepare the next generation for future success in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Walmart (Facility # 2557 and Facility # 1624) is helping children and adolescents with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities to develop friendships through integrated and inclusive social and recreational programs at two Boys & Girls Clubs: E.L. Jack and Monica Armstrong Youth Center in East Bakersfield and Stockdale Club in Southwest Bakersfield.
Chevron helps create a fun and safe after-school environment where Club members can be themselves, explore new interests, and build confidence. Through engaging programs and caring mentors, youth are empowered to discover their strengths, develop their potential, and grow into the people they’re meant to be.
At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County, the mission is clear: empower every young person to reach their full potential. But behind every inspiring workshop, activity, mentoring session, and leadership opportunity, there’s a steadfast commitment to one non-negotiable value— safety.
Ensuring the emotional, physical, and procedural safety of thousands of children and teens each year is no small task. It takes a dedicated, skilled, and compassionate team. In this issue, we spotlight three remarkable individuals whose work keeps our youth not just protected—but empowered: Sabrina Cazares, Teresa Logan, and Vince Aguilar.
“Being part of the safety team is more than just a role; it’s a responsibility I take to heart. It means being someone others can trust, creating an environment where every child and team member feels secure, seen, and supported. It’s about staying alert, leading by example, and stepping up when it matters most.”
Sabrina Cazares, a Bakersfield native, former foster youth, and former Club Kid brings over a decade of experience at the Boys & Girls Club. She’s had various roles during her tenure working both directly and indirectly with the Club’s youth. Sabrina now serves as Safety Compliance Officer and sits on the Club’s Safety Committee that includes staff, board members, and volunteers. She has also represented the Club in national settings on the topic of safety and leads the team during periodic safety audits conducted by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Sabrina joined the original Safety Committee early on and officially started the Safety Department and is considered a cornerstone of staff training at BGCKC. She has completed trauma-informed training, adding to her credentials the Trauma-Informed Specialist designation.
“To me, safety isn’t just about rules; it’s about care. It’s about making sure everyone can show up, be themselves, and thrive without fear. I’m proud to be part of a team that puts people first and works every day to protect what matters most: our community.”
Her warm presence is felt throughout the Club, where youth and staff often approach her for a quiet chat or a moment of support. “We’re not just building systems—we’re building trust.”
Teresa Logan
“Safety is not just about physical well-being, it’s about making sure people feel secure, respected, and free from harm, whether it’s emotional, mental, or social. I believe everyone should feel like they are in a place where their safety comes first.”
But for Teresa Logan, safety is not just procedural—it’s deeply personal. “It’s inspiring to work for an organization that puts purpose at the center of everything it does. My favorite part of working at the Club is building real connections with the kids and being someone, they can trust and look up to. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them grow and know I play a small part in their journey.”
With an educational background in justice, Teresa earned degrees in Criminal Justice and Administration of Justice and brings a unique blend of vigilance and approachability to her role. Teresa has been with the Club for nearly a decade working directly with youth before transitioning to the Safety Department as Safety Compliance Officer.
Having grown up in South-Central Los Angeles raised by a single mother, Teresa learned early that life isn’t always easy, but with the right role models, a child can learn valuable lessons that shape them. Watching her mother struggle taught her the true meaning of resilience, sacrifice, and strength and she carries those lessons with her and applies them to her role on the Safety Team.
“Being on the Safety Team is important to me because it gives me the chance to help create a safe and supportive space for everyone. Being part of this team means I get to work with others to ensure both youth and team members can come to work or join in without worrying, knowing their wellbeing is always a priority.”
Teresa’s commitment to being both protector and mentor makes her a trusted figure among the youth and staff alike.
Sabrina Cazares
Vince Aguilar
“I appreciate the trust that team members put on our team and the fact that they can depend on us to give them the answer needed, support or provide them with a solution.”
A Unified Front
Vince Aguilar, a certified chef and born in Japan to a career Marine father and pastry chef mother basically zig-zagged his way to the Club’s Safety Team. He was a Club Kid in Clairemont, California before going on to college to study child development and later switching to the culinary arts. After college, Vince found his way to a Club in San Diego working as an Athletic Director. He later moved to Bakersfield and joined BGCKC about four years ago. During his time at the Club, Vince served as Activity Leader, Site Coordinator and Area Program Director before joining the Safety Team as Program Safety Specialist. Vince is also active with the various athletic programs at the Club.
“I am proud to be a part of the Safety team. I like the fact that we get the opportunity to support everyone throughout the organization, in a variety of ways. Knowing that I am a role model for our youths and for our team members is my inspiration,” Vince notes.
Sabrina, Teresa, and Vince form a dynamic triad—each with a unique specialty, but united in purpose. They meet regularly to refine protocols, evaluate incidents, and ensure that every corner of the organization reflects their shared values of vigilance, empathy, and respect.
Executive Director Zane Smith reflects on their impact:
“They are the reason our kids can focus on learning and growing. Because they know someone is always looking out for them.”
As the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County expands its reach, this trio continues to lead by example—turning safety into a proactive, people-centered mission.
Because when safety is strong, young people can truly shine.
Bakersfield, CA 93385 Return Service Requested
