The Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest NEWSLETTER
MARLBOROUGH CLUB MEMBERS
ENJOY A NIGHT OF HOCKEY
Thanks to the office of Mayor Dumas of Marlborough and the Worcester Railers over 40 Club members, families and staff from the Marlborough Club attended a game on January 18. This was a unique chance for a mix of youth and adults from the Marlborough Club to come together for a social event and cheer on the Railers. Every year, the Worcester Railers host a Marlborough Night at their home rink, the DCU Center. BGCMW family and friends were happy to be included in this special night.
YAWKEY FOUNDATION INVESTS IN NEW TECH CENTER FOR FRAMINGHAM CLUB
We are thrilled to announce that the Yawkey Foundation generously invested $50,000 to support the refresh of the Technology Center at our Framingham Club! This incredible contribution helped us upgrade our technology resources and overhaul the space with new furniture, ensuring that local youth have access to the tools they need to succeed in school, explore STEM learning, and develop essential digital skills
This investment will provide our members with updated computers, new software, and enhanced digital learning tools to support academic success, STEM programs, and workforce development initiatives. With technology playing a vital role in today’s education and career pathways, this upgrade will ensure our youth have access to the resources they need to build a brighter future.
Thank you Yawkey Foundation for your belief in our mission and dedication to the success of our Club members.
CELEBRATING CONGRESSWOMAN TRAHAN'S SUPPORT
A special thank you to Congresswoman Lori Trahan for securing $400,000 in federal funding, to enhance our workforce development programs from March 2024 through August 2025.
This investment is part of a broader $2 2 million allocation benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs across the Third District, aiming to provide teens with exploration opportunities, job skill training, and work-based learning experiences.
Since March 2024, this funding has enabled us to expand our existing workforce development programs including CareerLaunch and Money Matters Additionally, we have been able to offer more comprehensive on-the-job experience to our members through counselor and staff training programs as they prepare for their future careers. By participating in these initiatives, our youth will gain valuable skills and experiences, setting them on a path toward successful and fulfilling careers.
Thank you to Congresswoman Trahan for her unwavering support and commitment to empowering the youth in our community Her dedication ensures that our members have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive
Stay tuned for more updates on our workforce development programs and the positive impact they will have on our members!
Make an Impact as an Emerging Leader with BGCMW!
EMERGING
Join a dynamic group of young professionals committed to making a positive impact in the community, raising funds, and volunteering to empower the next generation of leaders. Click HERE to learn more and get involved today!
MEET FRAMINGHAM CLUB MEMBER:
LARISSA
What Clubhouse are you from?
I am a member of the Framingham Clubhouse.
How many years have you been at the Club?
I have been at the Club for 6 years!
What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Boys & Girls Club?
I enjoy art and STEM activities the most at the Club.
How has the Club helped you in school or in your personal life?
The Club has helped me because I have a spot to do my homework When I get picked up and go I just get to chill!
What are your goals for the future, and how do you think the Club can help you achieve them?
I want to do something in science. There are a few science books I find interesting at the Club.
What advice would you give to a new member?
An advice I would give a new member is be nice, try new things and you’ll be fine!
What is your favorite Club activity or program?
My all-time favorite activity at the Club is making slime and obleck and crocheting
What is an interesting fact about you? I play the clarinet.
Can you share a favorite memory or experience at the Club?
My favorite memory was last summer when we got to pie a staff!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: SAIGE ROACH
Marlborough Club staff member Saige Roach has consistently demonstrated part-time leadership. As the lead part-time staff in the art room, managing 20+ kids daily, and Head Counselor for the 5-7 group last summer, she's a go-to for full-time staff and even stepped up last-minute to coordinate the basketball league
INTERVIEW WITH SAIGE
What inspired you to work at the Boys & Girls Club?
From a young age, I’ve always had a passion for caregiving. It started with taking care of my baby dolls, then grew into playing/caring for the younger children at recess and in my neighborhood, and eventually into babysitting. When I first heard about the Boys & Girls Club, I was told the positive impact it had on some of my friends who attended. I knew I wanted to be part of an organization that makes a difference in the lives of children.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Getting to see and interact with the members everyday Being able to help them express themselves, learn, and have fun
Can you share a story about a time when you made a positive impact on a member’s life?
I have worked with and was able to make a connection with a member who struggled with emotional outbursts. We have been making progress on managing emotions and making safer choices. This member has been able to find comfort and put their energy into their artwork as well as other activities throughout the club, it has been very rewarding to see them grow and succeed here
What do you think is the most important quality for a Boys & Girls Club staff member to have?
I believe creativity and flexibility is the most important quality for a staff to have. There are many unexpected challenges that come our way that you must quickly come up with a solution or activity to keep the members engaged and having fun.
What do you hope to achieve in your role at the Club?
I work each day to achieve a safe, welcoming, and enriching environment in the art room and the club in general, for the members to make memories and express themselves.
How has working at the Club impacted your own life?
I have learned many things about children and youth that I will carry with me throughout my career and life like safety procedures, development, activities, behavior management, and professionalism
It REALLY takes a village.
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?
If you are an individual who is looking to volunteer, we encourage you to apply. Please visit our website: www.bgcmetrowest.org/volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while also gaining valuable experience. By volunteering at one of our Clubhouses, you can help make a positive impact on the lives of young people in MetroWest. Whether you are interested in mentoring, coaching, or simply lending a helping hand, there are many opportunities available. If you are part of a group or organization that is interested in volunteering, you can contact Marisa Lutz to discuss potential options and opportunities.
Groups who are interested in volunteering can reach out to Marisa Lutz at 508-485-4912 or email marisa.lutz@bgcmetrowest.org.
YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR CLUBS BY VISITING THE LINK BELOW OR SCANNING THE QR CODE!
YourDonation MakesaReal Difference.
The generous support of our donors is what truly fuels our programs and allows us to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people No matter the size, your donation makesadifference.
Herearesomewaysyoucancontribute:
MakeaSecureOnlineDonation:Visitour websiteatwww.bgcmetrowest.orgto donatequicklyandeasily
BecomeaMonthlyDonor:Yourongoing supportprovidesadependable foundationforourprograms
OrganizeaFundraisingEvent:Get creativeandrallyyourcommunityto supportBGCMW.
In-KindDonations
Ifyou'dprefertodonatespecificitems,please contact our individual Clubs directly to inquireaboutcurrentneeds.
AtBGCMW,weareincrediblygratefulforthe unwavering support of our donors. Your generosity allows us to create a safe and enriching space where kids can learn, grow, andthrive.
Together, we can make a difference in the livesofcountlesschildren.Donatetodayand helpshapeabrighterfuturefortheyouthof MetroWest!
CORPORATE VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
VOLUNTEERS MAKE A DIEFFERENCE
A group of 8 employees from Helen of Troy spent the morning with kids at the Hudson Club during the February break The energetic volunteers split into two groups to lead separate activities One of the groups went to the Art Room where they helped kids make air-dry clay snowmen while the other half of the group assisted youth in a STEM activity to build balloon-powered cars out of a water bottle and other recycled materials At the end of the morning, everyone came together again for a fast-paced game of dodgeball.
Both the kids and the volunteers learned something new through the course of the morning that they spent together Thank you Helen of Troy employees!
JOIN BGCMW’S GIVING NETWORK THE GREAT
FUTURES CLUB
Make your gift a lasting investment by setting up a recurring gift. By setting up a gift on a recurring schedule, charitable giving works on your time and within your budget! Most importantly, it allows you to continually support the needs of our local youth. For more info: www.bgcmetrowest.org/donate
NEW REIMAGINED HALL OF FAME EVENT!
Thursday, June 5, 2025 Courtyard by Marriott Marlborough, MA
NEW TIME! 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Join us on June 5th as we reimagine the Hall of Fame Breakfast to be an inspirational evening that celebrates our youth members and community leaders! Great Futures Night will offer guests the opportunity to network with our youth members to hear their stories; learn more about our impactful programs; and celebrate the presentation of our highest honors, including: the Ron Young Lifetime Achievement Award, Hall of Fame Inductions, Staff of the Year, and Youth of the Year. These awards highlight the extraordinary achievements and bright futures made possible by the support of our Club and its’ community. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of connection, inspiration, and celebration!
Annual GALA & AUCTION
Thursday, October 30, 2025
The Verve Hotel Natick, MA
Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 30, 2025, as we cordially invite you to our Annual Auction & Gala, the grandest event supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest! Gathering MetroWest’s influential professionals, the Gala is a celebration of our Club members. This event includes an extensive silent auction, three-course dinner, as well as a Fund-A-Need portion. We also will present the Michael C. Sullivan Memorial Award and the Community Partner for Youth Award We hope you can join us!
HELP A KID ATTEND SUMMER CAMP
Summer camp is the perfect time for youth to try new activities and explore personal development. However, for many children from underserved communities, access to enriching summer programs is limited. The summer camp program at BGCMW is designed to give more youth access to a robust program at a reasonable price For only $180 a week, youth can register for one of our summer camp programs where they learn, have fun and make new friends.
To help as many youth as possible attend summer camp at BGCMW, we offer financial assistance to families to cover the fees. Last year, $91,000 of financial aid was available to assist families. If you would like to help send a kid to camp, you can donate to the summer camp scholarship fund at www.bgcmetrowest.org/donate.
YOUR SUPPORT WILL DIRECTLY IMPACT THE YOUTH IN FRAMINGHAM, MARLBOROUGH AND HUDSON WHO MIGHT OTHERWISE NOT HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND CAMP.
...for many children from underserved communities, access to enriching summer programs is limited.
