Boys & Girls Club of McAllen’s Center for Wellness and Opportunity
Dear Friends,
Imagine Karina, a 10-year-old in south McAllen. She comes to our club hungry every afternoon, struggling with math homework, and no one at home to help but full of so much potential! Her mother works hard at her two jobs, speaks limited English, and, like all parents, wants what’s best for her daughter but cannot afford to give her the opportunities Karina needs to reach her full potential. Karina dreams of becoming a nurse, but that path seems impossible. Now imagine Karina walking into a safe space where she receives a healthy meal, homework help from a caring mentor, wellness checks at an on-site health clinic, workforce opportunities that landed her a junior internship at a local hospital and even plays on a basketball team—all while her mother attends a GED class down the hall, something her mom has always wanted to complete but never did because she didn’t have quality and affordable childcare after school
This is the vision behind the Boys & Girls Club of McAllen's Center for Wellness and Opportunity!
The Challenge We Face
In South McAllen, more than 1 in 4 families lives in poverty—nearly double the national average- and almost all families are struggling to make ends meet. Children face hunger, limited access to preventative healthcare and supplemental academic support and opportunities research shows will set children and teens up for a future of success! Children and teens continue to struggle from the negative impact associated with poverty setting them up for a lifetime of chronic illnesses, including diabetes and obesity, compromising their ability to reach their full potential in college and in the workplace Parents want better for their families but they simply cannot do it alone. The cycle continues, generation after generation.
Our Solution
In 2022, we studied successful models nationwide and we learned that breaking the cycle of poverty requires addressing health, education, and opportunity simultaneously—for children AND their parents. We know that prescribing lifestyle medicine, including nutrition, physical fitness, social connection and stress management sets children up for a happier and healthier life, positioning them for success in the classroom, in the workforce and as contributing members of society.
That's why we acquired a 13-acre property with a 37,000 sq ft. building. The Center for Wellness and Opportunity will provide:
On-site health clinic for preventative care
Academic support, healthy meals, and athletics for children
Mental health care for children and teens
An 8-court sports complex serving the entire region
Job training and adult education for parents
Food pantry and community resources for families
The Investment
We're raising $26.8 million to build this transformational facility, with Phase 1 opening June 2026 Your investment will serve 25,000+ children and families annually, providing 250,000+ meals and 200,000+ hours of academic support each year
Why This Matters Now
McAllen is home to the 2023 AND 2025 National Youth of the Year the only Boys & Girls Club in America with this distinction.
Your gift today will ensure that children like Karina —and thousands more—can break free from poverty and build the futures they deserve
With your support, by 2030 we will serve 25,000+ youth and families annually—a 37% increase from today.
Breaking the Cycle: The Challenge and Our Response
“I know it’s important to have my kids involved but everything is too expensive. The club, though, provides my kids opportunities I couldn’t afford. I know they are safe, learning a lot, playing, and having fun with friends!”
-Dina C, parent
“The club was a constant beacon of support for me and pushed me to follow my dreams. There are no words to describe the impact it has had on my life. From elementary, middle school, helping me apply to college and even speaking on Capitol Hill, the Boys & Girls Club has always been there for me”
-Jose A, former member and University of Chicago student
27.2% of our neighbors live below the poverty line nearly double the national average.
But poverty isn't just about lacking money. It's about what happens to children and families when basic needs go unmet:
Children arrive at school hungry, unable to concentrate or learn
Families often choose between meeting basic needs or paying utilities
Parents work multiple jobs yet still can't afford afterschool programs, tutoring, or extracurricular activities
Young people lack supplemental opportunities, seeing no path to college or career success
Entire families experience the negative impact, physical and emotional, from chronic stress and trauma
These aren't abstract statistics. They're our neighbors. They're children like Karina, teens like Jose and families like Dina's.
The Center for Wellness and Opportunity directly addresses these challenges by providing what families need most: healthy food, quality education, healthcare access, safe spaces, and pathways to economic opportunity all under one roof, for two generations.
When children and families thrive, so do the communities that they live in!
DISRUPTING POVERTY BY DESIGN
With poverty persisting in McAllen, the Center for Wellness and Opportunity is intentionally designed to address root causes—not just symptoms.
The Challenge
Our Solution
18% of children are obese (vs. 11% nationally); limited access to safe spaces for physical activity
Food insecurity affects 1 in 4 families
Only 71% of adults have high school diplomas (vs. 89% nationwide)
Limited workforce opportunities Per capita income: $22,546 vs. $45,000 nationally
27.2% live in poverty
Limited access to healthcare and support services
8-Court Athletic Complex and Outdoor Program Space
Safe space for daily physical activity, sports teams, and tournaments
Commercial Kitchen & Food Pantry
Hot, nutritious meals daily plus take-home food access
Teen job training, internships, college/career readiness
Community Wellness Center
After-hours health clinic, social workers, partner agencies
The Impact
Youth attending get 45+ minutes more physical activity than peers who don't attend; Space for outdoor programs
250,000+ meals served annually; nutrition education for all youth
Students receive 1+ hour of academic support daily in social setting; arts programs boost math and reading scores
Youth gain real-world skills and pathways to careers; connection to local employers
Preventative care on-site; wraparound services for whole family; one-stop access to resources
Building a Sustainable Future
Total Campaign Goal: $26.8 Million
The Center for Wellness and Opportunity requires significant upfront investment —but the return on investment for our community is immeasurable. Here's how your dollars will be invested:
CONSTRUCTION: $25,000,000
Phase 1: Traditional Clubhouse Renovation
Renovation of existing 37,000 sq. ft.
building
Academic, arts, physical fitness and other enrichment program spaces
Administrative offices and infrastructure
Technology and equipment
Opening: June 2026
Phase 2-4: Community Wellness Center and Athletic Complex
18,750 sq. ft. community partner hub
After-hours health clinic
Food pantry
Wellness and Resiliency service areas
Teen workforce development spaces
Technology labs
Adult education classrooms
Site improvements and outdoor spaces
8-court indoor athletic complex
Phase 5: Central Commercial Kitchen
Full commercial kitchen for meal preparation
Storage and food safety systems
Equipment and infrastructure
ENDOWMENT: $1,800,000
A strong endowment ensures the Center's long-term sustainability. Annual distributions from this fund will:
Offset operating costs for facility maintenance
Provide scholarship assistance for families in need
Fund program enhancements and innovations
Create financial stability during economic downturns
Target endowment generates approximately $72,000-90,000 annually (4-5% distribution rate).
ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET: $360K
Staffing (educators, coaches, social service specialists, administrators)
Revenue sources: Program fees, grants, annual fundraising, earned income from facility rentals, endowment distributions, individual and corporate giving
Your Investment is Our Community’s Future
A Transformational Campus in the Heart of South McAllen
Our 13-acre property will feature a traditional Boys & Girls Club, a community wellness center for partner organizations, an 8-court athletic complex, walking trail, community garden, playground, pavilion, and an after-hours health clinic all conveniently located off the highway in the neighborhood that needs it most.
The full 13-acre campus integrates athletics, academics, health services, and family support all in one accessible location.
The renovated cafeteria becomes a vibrant community gathering space for meals, performances, and family events.
The 8-court athletic complex will serve 1,200+ youth weekly and host regional tournaments, generating economic impact for McAllen.
Boys & Girls Club of McAllen is home to the 2023 & 2025 NATIONAL Youth of the Year!
Alejandra Llanos, 2023
Ximena Villarreal, 2025
You read that right-McAllen is home to TWO National Youth of the Year! With over 5,400 clubs across the country- our children deserve the optimal club experience and we’re delivering! Your investment in our future will support our legacy of excellence!
Tony Aguirre Capital Campaign Chair
Boys & Girls Club Alumni Past President Capital Campaign Committee
Cynthia Gutierrez 2025 BGCM Board President
Julian Alvarez III
Lorenzo Cardona
Board of Directors
Liza de los Santos
Jessica Delgado
Rey Elizondo
Henry Falcon
Cynthia Gutierrez
Dr Henry Herrera
Lizzie Kittleman
Dru LaMantia Past President Heriberto “Beto” Manrique Past President
Trey Murray Past President
Julie Wilkins
Past President
Paulina Mohamed 2025 Board Member
Olivia Lemus Lucio Community Champion
Ron Kilby Lifetime Board Member Past President
Mark Magnon Boys & Girls Club Alumni Past President
