Fall Impact Magazine '23

Impact

OUR KIDS, OUR STORIES, OUR COMMUNITY

Digital Version

FALL 2023

!

To inspire and enable

all young people, especially those

who need us most, to reach their full

potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Like an old and comfortable blanket, the Napa Valley is shaded in it’s full Autumn glow of oranges and yellows and today, my thoughts have shifted to the coming holiday. As I reflect on what I am thankful for, my heart tugs toward my journey through the Boys & Girls Club. I remember as a Club kid that the Friday before Thanksgiving break, the games room was off-limits. We’d all wait, excitedly and try to peak out as staff, parents and community members rolled out pies, and heaping bowls of mashed potatoes, and ham and turkey. Memories like this are an old blanket for my heart, which swells with gratitude for the transformative power of this remarkable organization. I’ve seen the Club from all sides and I’ll be the first to admit that for all I’ve given to the Club I’ve gotten way more out of it. That, I guess, is the true essence of the Club's mission. Not so much a singular focus on kids but sowing the seeds of positive change within our community, and cultivating the kind of community our children will inherit.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of thankfulness for the opportunities the Boys & Girls Club has provided me and countless others. But it also renews my call to serve through a place where the act of giving back is woven into the fabric of everyday life; teaching the invaluable lesson that kindness and generosity are the cornerstones of a thriving community of care.

The transition from staff member to Executive Director was a profound moment in my journey. It was an opportunity to not only continue the legacy of positive impact but also to shape the direction of an organization that had played a pivotal role in my life.

As the Executive Director, I've had the privilege of witnessing the ripple effect of our work as we bridge generations, creating a community that is bound together by shared experiences, shared dreams, and a shared commitment to each other's success.

At its core, the Boys & Girls Club is more than just a youth organization, it is a community builder. Through acts of kindness, mentorship, and a commitment to the well-being of every member, the Club has become a catalyst for positive change within our community. It is a testament to the belief that, in the tapestry of life, every thread, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in weaving a stronger, more resilient society.

As I sit down with my Club family to celebrate Thanksgiving, I’ll be telling this story to the members who break bread with me. I’ll be telling the story of the Club through my eyes. As a kid and as a staff, my journey is a testament to the transformative power of this organization, but that journey was also never really about me. Its an expression of the commitment, authenticity and joy of every relationship I enjoyed within these walls or ones like them.

I hope you are surrounded by loved ones and blessings this Thanksgiving. But more, I hope you recognize how rare and precious that gift can be and act in ways that might create this bounty for others. Through these acts, you will define the kind of community our children will inherit. Happy Thanksgiving to you from the community you’ve helped to create.

Greg Bouil erce Greg Bouillerce Executive Director

Middle School members at UNIDOS and Redwood began their first six-week dance lessons with Danse Academy instructor Alex, learning Jazz and Hip-Hop routines. They enjoyed warming up with silly dance moves and expressing themselves through music, eagerly anticipating next week's lesson.

Our members had a blast during the Outdoor Connection event hosted by the American Canyon Community & Parks Foundation, enjoying activities like painting, a nature scavenger hunt, games, and more!

In an effort to inspire our youth to reach their full potential, several associate board members, led by Carlos Aguilar and Will Phelps, hosted a basketball skill development clinic. Over 30 members had the opportunity to attend the clinic to learn the fundamentals to take their basketball dreams to the next level. If you look closely, we think you can see the next Steph Curry and Klay Thompson in there!

Club 1515 Keystone members enthusiastically supported Napa Valley's Walk to End ALS, cheering on riders at the finish line and sharing their experiences in interviews.

Great job, Keystone!

Who we Serve: If we were to consider all of the youth attending the Club, their age, household, economic status, and time spent in our programs and condense it into ONE story here is how that would read: The typical member at the Boys & Girls Club lives and attends school in Napa. They live in a family of four with a sibling who likely also attends the Club and parents who work full-time.

Collectively their household earns less than $80,000/year. They live in a home that is rented jointly by family or friends. Despite shared resources, money is tight and this often disrupts basic needs like nutrition & housing. As a result, their parents often work multiple jobs and rely on the Club for care when school isn’t in session.

American Canyon Clubhouse

126

AC Middle School

154

Browns Valley Elementary

208

Canyon Oaks Elementary

174

McPherson Elementary

130

Napa Clubhouse

150

Napa Junction

302

NVLA

228

Pueblo Vista Elementary

121

Redwood Middle School

110

UNIDOS Middle School

168

Willow Elementary

190

Club 1515 Teen Center

102

The average household income of members attending the Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley is less than 80k/year!

If you were to summarize the average Club member’s entire year (after school, Spring, Summer, and Winter breaks into one 24 hour period here is how that time would be allotted.

Club School Home Sleep

If you were to take all the children attending afterschool programs in the county of Napa and combine them into a village of 100…

67 of them attend the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley.

18 of them attend programs run by Napa County.

15 of them attend other programs.

With representation from every major ethnic group the Club is more diverse than the whole of Napa County, 52% of which is populated by individuals of Caucasian descent and 38% by individuals of Hispanic descent. –US Census

If we apply the median Household income in Napa to the typical family we serve, of their $7,000 monthly income, $6,500 goes to basic needs like Housing, Transportation, Utilities, Groceries; leaving just $500 to spend on other essentials like child care. 70% of the households we serve live below this income threshold and receive full scholarships to attend the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley.

Embark on a journey through the Summer season with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley! In this montage video, you'll witness children engaging in activities like returning to school, exploring new programs, making new friends, and much more. Our dedicated staff has been working tirelessly to create a safe and supportive environment for all of our children. So sit back, relax, and enjoy as we showcase the incredible autumn season at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing more amazing moments with you in the future.

Want to learn more about the 12 locations operated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley?

Dive into our “our locations” section of our website to get site specific information and a map of all the sites we operate! Just follow the QR Code to the right or click: !

Visit our Crab Feed website and reserve your table today! Just follow the QR Code to the Right or click: !

On August 24, the Crush Challenge, a cycling event in the heart of Napa Valley, took over 300 cyclists on up to 37 miles of winding Napa Valley roads in support of an incredible cause. Hosted by the deLeuze Family Charitable Foundation and ZD Wines, the event brought together people from across the country to rally behind two essential causes: the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Teen Center at Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley. For those with a passion for culinary and wine experiences, the allinclusive Food & Wine Garden in Yountville was the place to be. It was hard not to over indulge with wines and beers from some of Napa Valley’s favorite wineries including Baldacci, Chateau Montelena, Clif, Ghost Block, Mad Fritz, Robert Craig, Silver Oak, St. Supéry, Truchard, Twomey and ZD. The restaurant line-up was even more substantial with bites produced by Angele, Carneros Resort, Celadon, Coles, Cook, Il Posto, Kitchen Door, Kollar, Chocolates Mother’s Tacos, and Ristorante Allegria!

Visit our team website and check out pictures and video. Or better, join our team at next year’s event! Just follow the QR Code to the right or click:

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"I love the Club because it's a place where I can make new friends, have so much fun, and learn cool stuff every day!"

- McPherson Member

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley celebrated a significant milestone in August, marking a transformative moment for the American Canyon community. With a generous allocation of $1.1 million from the State of California, championed by Senator Bill Dodd, the remaining construction loan for the American Canyon Clubhouse was successfully paid off.

This substantial investment bolstered the Club's mission of providing an engaging and nurturing environment for the community's youth, helping them grow into responsible and productive citizens. The achievement was celebrated with a public check presentation ceremony at the American Canyon Clubhouse on August 12.

The completion of the new American Canyon Clubhouse on Benton Way in 2018 had presented unforeseen construction cost overruns, resulting in a daunting financial challenge for the Boys & Girls Club. Despite facing an additional $1.4 million in debt, the organization remained unwavering in its commitment to enriching the lives of countless youth at the American Canyon Clubhouse, offering vital programs at little to no cost to families who depend on them. A grateful parent from American Canyon expressed, "The Club is a huge blessing for my family. I can work, and I don't have to worry about my child. I know he is safe and cared for."

Investments of this magnitude carry significant implications for the well-being and development of the community. By supporting organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, the state and Napa Valley community made a profound investment in the future of American Canyon and its children. The impact of such investments was substantial: Empowering Youth: The Clubhouse serves as a haven for youth to flourish academically, emotionally, and socially. This substantial allocation allowed the enhancement of programs and expansion of facilities, reaching a broader demographic of youth.

Strengthening Communities: The Boys & Girls Club fosters lasting friendships, mentorship opportunities, and a sense of belonging, thus creating a stronger, more cohesive community.

Curbing Juvenile Delinquency: Constructive after-school activities significantly reduce the likelihood of delinquent behaviors. With improved resources and expanded activities, the Clubhouse played a pivotal role in guiding children towards a positive and promising future.

Supporting Working Families: The Club addresses the crucial need for affordable and reliable child care, allowing parents to pursue their careers with confidence.

This tremendous gift and the work it supports stands as a testament to what can be achieved when government agencies, communities, and nonprofit organizations come together with a shared commitment to improving the lives of our youth and our community as a whole. It exemplifies the power of collaboration in making a lasting impact. We are so thankful for Senator Dodds support and for the meaningful impact that support will mean for the American Canyon Community for years to come!

Our recent Back2School Block Party at the American Canyon Clubhouse, on Saturday, August 12th, was an immense success, and we are excited to share the highlights! The event itself was a vibrant and inclusive gathering, featuring a ton of exciting opportunities including inflatable obstacle course, slides, orb suits, balloon animals, carnival games, food vendors, and more. With over 500 enthusiastic attendees, events like this showcase the strength of community support and collaboration. It was an unforgettable experience for our kids and families, and we are grateful to have shared it with our community as we celebrate the start of the fall season!

Are you ready to learn about or support events like the this one? Check out “Our Events” at BeGreatNV.org to see all of our Public, Private, and Fundraising

events. Just use the QR code or click:

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Support our Community Campaign and help us continue connecting kids and families to Napa Valley. Your support ensures that our free events can thrive. This year, we face a challenge: The Santa Train, Youth of the Year, Fine Arts Show, and Great Futures Road Trip have NO sponsors. If you're interested in a title sponsorship opportunity, check out events like Merry Meritage, the Santa Train, and Youth of the Year below. We can't do it without you!

Are you ready to learn about or support events like the this one? Check out “Our Events” at BeGreatNV.org to see all of our Public, Private, and Fundraising

events. Just use the QR code or click:

!

"I love going to school because it means I get to go to the club right after!"

- Napa Junction Member

Adidas employees from various Bay Area locations came together to support our basketball tournament, showcasing remarkable teamwork and community spirit. Their dedication and hard work were truly exceptional. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Adidas for their unwavering support, as it has made a significant impact on our event. To witness their extraordinary contributions, please watch the enclosed video and join us in celebrating their partnership. Adidas, where passion meets purpose, has played a pivotal role in our journey. Thank you for being a part of our success. Watch the video to appreciate their outstanding commitment.

Want to learn more about the community campaign? Visit “our community sponsors” on our website to learn more! Just follow the QR Code or click:

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The Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley (the Club) and the Napa Valley Unified School District (NVUSD) have forged a groundbreaking partnership for this Fall. On Thursday, June 22, The NVUSD’s Board of Trustees authorized the creation of a major partnership with The Club to expand programmatic and enrichment services to Napa area teens. This collaboration aims to extend crucial support and enrichment opportunities to high school students attending all Napa area high schools. The alliance underscores the commitment to empower youth and provide them with a platform for growth, development, and success. With many under the impression that the Clubs only serve little kids, some readers may be surprised by this news. In actuality, the Club, which has been operating since the 1950s, has been serving Teens since its inception.

The Club has long been recognized for their invaluable contributions to the youth of the Napa Valley community. From academic support, workforce development, wellness initiatives to leadership development, the Clubs offer a comprehensive range of activities that cater exclusively to teenagers. Through programs like “Ready. Set. Work.” a workforce development initiative sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, the Club hosts monthly panel discussions through which industry leaders have been able to talk directly with teens about their own professional journeys. “We’ve hosted local professionals like wine makers, plumbers, marketing professionals, auto mechanics, and business owners who have offered employment opportunities and even internships to our teens,” said Joshua Sergeson, the Club’s Director of Teen Services. “but we’ve also had executives and administrators from tech companies, hedge funds, and national brands like Pottery Barn, Kaiser, and Accel.” Through Programs like “Keystone,” the Club creates opportunities for teens to volunteer in, or work on, service projects that elevate the Napa Valley community. Keystone has done everything from helping to collect coats for the unhoused, creek clean ups, and planting trees for earth day.

In fact, the Club’s Keystone program received national recognition from Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 2021 for its outreach work. When it comes to teens, though, the Club is best known, for its Youth of the Year program. The program involves weeks of essay writing, interviewing, and public speaking which culminates in an opportunity for teens to tell their stories in a public format. This year’s event, which was sponsored by JAM Cellars, teens spoke in front of an audience of 300 people in a TED talk inspired format at the Uptown Theater. “Each year at the Club's Youth of the Year event, I have been inspired by the stories shared by high school students about the impact of the Club's teen programs. The student stories illuminate the lifechanging work happening at the Boys and Girls Club. Our teenage students from across the district could benefit from participation,” said Pat Andry Jennings, NVUSD Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services. That sentiment clearly resonates with the Club which now, in partnership with NVUSD, will offer expanded enrollment and enrichment opportunities to teens from all NVUSD middle school and high school locations at the Napa Clubhouse.

This new partnership with NVUSD will expand the Club’s focus on teen services by creating a formal funding agreement in the form of $178,000 and establishing a structured and measurable partnership between the two agencies. What does this mean for local teens?

More services and more opportunities in a dedicated facility but accessible at no cost to teens or their families.

It is worth noting that this agreement is only part of a growing collaboration between the Club and NVUSD and that the Club’s expansions in the wake of the pandemic are largely the result of this partnership. In 2019, the last normal year on record prior to the pandemic, 2,000 children were served by the Club in the cities of Napa and American Canyon. In 2022, the most recent reportable year, that number had jumped to well over 5,000 youth between the ages of 5 and 18. “We’re doing a lot,” said the Club’s Executive Director Greg Bouillerce, “but our expansion and services would not be possible without strong partners like NVUSD.” In May of 2023, the NVUSD School Board of Trustees authorized the continuation of an agreement that will allow the Club to access more than $3,700,000 in state Expanded Learning Opportunities Program funding to offer K-6 services to qualifying students.

The impact of these programs has been immediate and resoundingly positive. A recent parent survey conducted in the winter of 2022 indicated that an overwhelming majority of parents (more than 98%) felt that the Club was safe, important to their family's stability & success, and a vital resource for their children. With one parent saying “It’s important for me and my child. It’s important to my child for his socialization with others, homework help, and fun activities. For me it's important because I have a secure place for my child after school which allows me to work knowing he’s ok in a place he loves.”

These services are a critical part of the Club’s strategy, but they are buttressed by a philosophy of equity. Despite the massive expansions both in scope and depth, the Club works to keep its fees low with the maximum after school fee of $200/month- roughly half that of similar programs. Even so, these programs directly target those who need them most with over 70% of children attending at no charge because of this continued access to state funding. The impact of this collaboration is also being reflected in classrooms “You can definitely see a difference between the kids who do and don't attend Club programs,” said one of the many surveyed teachers who partnered with Clubs to provide wrap around support for students.

“We’re excited to see what the future holds,” the Club’s Executive Director Greg Bouillerce said. “We’re eager to introduce new and innovative approaches that will help promote a more equitable but elevated member experience for every child and teen in our care. We believe firmly that if youth are placed in engaging environments and those places are staffed with incredible mentors, that great futures are the result and we’re blessed to have NVUSD as an avid partner in this pursuit.”

We're thrilled to celebrate two fantastic events hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley, with key support from our title sponsor, "Napa Valley Charity Bros." The Napa Halloween Carnival and the American Canyon Halloween Open House were truly exceptional, captivating our community with creatively themed decorations and miniature haunted houses crafted by each of our Club sites. These events offered a safe and fun experience, with over 80,000 pieces of candy distributed and an array of carnival activities. We extend our heartfelt thanks to "Napa Valley Charity Bros" and all who joined us, making these Halloween celebrations truly memorable. We look forward to creating more exciting moments in the future and appreciate your vital role in our Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley family.

Are you ready to learn about or support events like the this one? Check out “Our Events” at BeGreatNV.org to see all of our Public, Private, and Fundraising

events. Just use the QR code or click:

!

"The Club has been so important for our family. We couldn't be more thankful for their work and the kids are having so much fun!"

- Browns Valley Site Parent

Experience the beauty of autumn with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley in our fall montage. This captivating video takes you on a journey where you'll see children embracing the season by going back to school, discovering new activities, forging new friendships, and much more. Our committed staff has put in endless effort to ensure a secure and nurturing space for our kids. So, take a moment to unwind and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of fall at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley. We appreciate your ongoing support and eagerly anticipate sharing more unforgettable moments with you in the days ahead.

Want to learn more about the 12 locations operated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley?

Dive into our “our locations” section of our website to get site specific information and a map of all the sites we operate! Just follow the QR Code to the right or click:

!

Introducing "Club Shorts" - where we interview Boys & Girls Club members, exploring their dreams and unique perspectives. Watch these insightful videos, be inspired by their resilience, and get to know our remarkable youth. Join the conversation and experience their inspiring stories. Watch now to be part of their journey!

Do you love data? Do you want to know more about the kids who attend our clubs or how they feel about their experience here? Check out the “Our Impact” section of our website to learn more! Just follow the QR Code to the right or click: !

This Summer a group of teens representing the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley (BGCNV) as part of its leadership program, Keystone attended the nation’s largest teen led event. Known as the Keystone Conference, this three day event was held in Dallas Texas with representation from more than 500 Boys & Girls Clubs bringing together thousands of Boys and Girls Clubs teen leaders and mentors from across the nation and overseas for a weekend of empowerment, inspiration, and leadership development. The conference features a variety of workshops, community service projects, inspirational speakers, and immersive experiences specific to teens and how they can advocate on behalf of their peers and serve their individual communities.

Leaders, Professionals, Innovators… These are not words we typically attach to the teenage experience and yet for this group of Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley Teens, it is. This opportunity allowed them to meet with peers and leaders from across the country to discuss issues like emotional wellness, personal and gender identity, cultural awareness and healthy relationships. They also had the opportunity to meet with career professionals from corporations like the NBA, Vans, Toyota, MTV, and Charles Schwab to advocate on behalf of their communities and share priorities and topics that are important to them.

This year’s theme, “Thrive! Be Heard! And Be You!” was echoed by the recordbreaking 1,500 attendees who continued to chant “thrive, thrive, thrive” over the course of the conference. This was amplified by keynote speakers, Katelyn Ohashi who became a viral sensation with her gymnastic dance routines and Ben Nemtin a TV and Film Producer responsible for hits like Letterkenny, The Buried Life, and the Greatest Party Story Ever. They opened the conference with stories that demonstrated the importance of mindset and using it to will your personal narrative from strive to thrive. These messages resonated deeply with our teens who often feel that their work is undervalued or unseen. But change through service is measured in hundreds of “little” actions. When we consider them individually, they are drop in the bucket, but collectively, they are a rising tide.

The final night of the conference was reserved for an awards presentation with a total of six Clubs receiving awards including Keystone of the Year, Advisor of the Year, Outstanding Service to Club, Leadership Development Award, and Character and Leadership. Our Napa Valley teens took the stage representing The Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley which was awarded the 2023 National Keystone Program of the Year award for its work in Career preparation. As our teens and Club staff stood on stage accepting an award with a standing ovation and cheers from a crowd of peers, they saw their dedication and commitment actualized in a moment they had not sought but were honored to accept.

Keystone President and 12-year Club member Dareydy Rojas shared her feelings after accepting the award, “Winning this award meant the world to us as leaders and hearing Club 1515’s name called reminded me of all The Club alumni who came before us, it felt like they were up there with us.”

Club Alumni and Teen Services Coordinator Julie Silva shared similar feelings, “This was a full circle moment for me, in one way it was great way to finish the year but in another it looks to be a great starting point of inspiration for the future.”

The teens of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley left the National Keystone Conference with more than a National award, they returned home energized and eager to more deeply invest in their community. Change is a shared burden and they are eager to make their small actions a rising tide of that uplifts the Napa Valley community.

"The Club is important to me because it's a safe space where I can be myself and make new friends with people who support my dreams."

- Teen Club Member

I'm sitting at the hotel breakfast place with coffee and an incredible view of LA spread before me. As amazing as this experience has been, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you, the staff. Our time at the Pacific Conference has cemented for me that you are more than colleagues you are teammates, coaches, and leaders who inspire me. I understand the immense challenges you face, the various roles you juggle, and the unexpected hats you find yourselves wearing. I acknowledge the long hours you put in and the emotional fatigue you endure, all while questioning whether your efforts are enough or sometimes if they're appreciated. I share that struggle as it often feels like every day there is another reason to hope less, to fear more, and isolate ourselves. Despite this, you continue to show up each day, driven by your unwavering commitment to our mission and the communities we serve. That commitment makes you great, but the fact that you show up in these hard moments and do so with such intense and vibrant joy, optimism, and authenticity is what makes you an inspiration.

I see you and I want you to know how appreciative I am to work with you. Your work is not merely challenging; it can be devastating. It is emotionally draining but carries immense significance. Nevertheless, here you are, resolute in your dedication to the greater good, fighting tirelessly day in and day out to make the world a better place directly or indirectly by connecting youth to great futures and more importantly guiding them to be better humans.

You are the type of leaders the world urgently requires and I am blessed to know you.

You inspire me. Your commitment, creativity, tenacity, and joy serve as a constant reminder of my why. So, if I might offer some unsolicited advice, please take time to pause, reflect, and acknowledge your tremendous contributions to our agency and kids. Recognize that what you do is invaluable, and remember to care for yourselves as devotedly as you care for others. And please know that your contributions are seen and that I am here for you and cheering you on every step of the way.

With respect, admiration, and awe, Greg Bouillerce

Greg Bouil erce

"I love it here.

I made my friends here.

I Found myself here."

- Teen Club Member

Community doesn’t happen in a void. Its something that must be cultivated and shared.

That spirit of cultivation was on full display this September at a remarkable dinner at Reverie Winery, hosted by its owner Grant Long. It was an honor to be in the company of 16 incredible Napa industry and community leaders. Their shared dedication to our community and more specifically the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley brought us together for dinner, but it was their shared commitment to instigate a community of service and care that makes their support special. Beyond their donation, which was substantial, it’s a group populated by people who are absolutely willing to roll up their sleeves, and do the hard work. The group included board members, volunteers, advocates, donors, and parents who have relied on our services. They collectively donated $10,000 to the Club. This kind of commitment is unique and an example we all can learn from. It doesn’t matter who you are, we are all responsible for doing our part to make the world a better place. But that service is one of scale and small acts of service -like helping a kid with homework or talking with a teen about their interview- performed by groups of people can transform the world. This isn't just about giving back; it's about building the community we want our children to inherit. Together, we're shaping a brighter future for the next generation. So in that spirit, find a cause that resonates with you, pick up the phone and ask, “how can I help?”

The School Year is in full swing and the school bells are ringing again. Along with the excitement of reuniting with friends and diving back into routines, for youth there's a sprinkle of apprehension in the air. The cause? New teachers, new classmates, and a truck load of homework and new expectations. This blend of excitement and anxiety is totally natural. However, it's also important to acknowledge that these feelings might leave your kids and teens feeling overwhelmed at the end of the day. That's where the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley comes in to offer some valuable support.

Let's delve into the complex emotions that often accompany the return to school. The blend of excitement and anxiety might resemble a rollercoaster ride and while you as a parent might feel like you’re tied to the tracks as the coaster bears down on you… just breathe. This is all normal. Your kids and teens are consumed right now with questions.

“Who will my teacher be?” “Will my friends be in my classes?” “What should I wear?”

“What if no one likes me?” “Can I do this?” And while the weight of these questions is incredible, our kids and teens are often afforded very little in the way of personal choice.

In essence, they feel burdened by the weight of all of the above and given no real agency or power to make choices. Is it any surprise then that the daily routine-this delicate balancing act- can quickly become a pressure cooker?

And so, after a full day of holding it all together, that bell chimes and they race hometheir safe space. But while that space may be safe, they are often confronted by a new set of rules. Rules that- fair or unfair- they again often have no control over. And then it hits. All those emotions they kept bottled up throughout the day? It's like a dam bursting open. They might react by losing control and getting overwhelmed or retreating into a shell. This space is where places like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley become crucial for kids.

At the Club, children and teens find safe spaces where they have agency to be themselves and retain the power to make decisions about how they spend their time.

They are confronted by relationships with friends and mentors who care about them and give them opportunities or space to connect or reflect. More importantly, they’re provided with the opportunity to jump into engaging activities and programs that allow kids to connect with peers who share similar experiences. In other words, they find and create a community of care.

So if you, the parent, are feeling like you’re tied to the rails as the coaster bears down on you every day afterschool, that’s probably a very similar state of mind to the child who’s navigating this new space and while the Club might not be everywhere, everyone has a place within our walls. Here are five things you can do to help your child exit the roller coaster safely: Establish a Routine: Moving from the laid-back days of summer to the structured school routine can be a bit of a shock. Help them transition smoothly by setting up a consistent

schedule. Knowing when to study, relax, and engage in physical activities provides a sense of stability. At the Club we do this by breaking up our day into three reliable blocks. We do all three, every day.

Block 1- Snack & Social Recreation Block 2- Power Hour- Homework, Reading & Reflection Block 3- Enrichment Activities.

Embrace Physical Activity: Fun fact: exercise is a stress-buster. Engaging in physical activities triggers the release of those "feel-good" chemicals in the brain. Whether it's a sport, dance, or a leisurely walk, moving your body can kick stress to the curb. At the Club, we do this through active play during our social recreation block but also through sports and games during our Enrichment Block.

Practice Mindfulness: Introducing mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation can work wonders. Encourage your kids to take a few moments to breathe deeply or engage in a quick meditation session when things get overwhelming. At the Club we do this by introducing reflection and reading into our Power Hour Block.

Open Conversations: Encourage your children to open up about their feelings.

Whether it's with you, a teacher, a mentor or a friend, talking about their worries can significantly ease their stress. Sometimes, just putting their thoughts into words can make things seem less daunting. At the Club we do this by surrounding your child with people who care about them. We do this with staff who are trained to look for opportunities to connect.

Nurture Passions: Remind your kids to continue doing things they love amidst the school chaos. Whether it's art, music, or any other passion, these activities serve as a refuge from stress. At the Club we do this by putting kids in the driver’s seat with regard to our enrichment. Any child can ask a staff to come up with or schedule a specific activity or program. And kids ALWAYS have a range of activities to choose from.

So, as the back-to-school season rolls around, you've got a toolkit packed with strategies to guide your kids. It's completely normal for them to experience those backto-school jitters and stress – but with the right resources and support, they can conquer it all. Your child is AWESOME. Your child is RESILIENT. Remind them that they possess the strength to face whatever comes their way and that you and others will always be there to stand beside them.

Raise Your Hand for Great School Years & Great Futures: Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley provides mentorship, meals and meaningful life experiences to thousands of young people across the Napa and American Canyon. Boys & Girls Clubs are safe, inclusive places where kids can learn, grow and have fun. Join us on our mission of helping all young people reach their full potential: Donate Now: Visit www.BeGreatNV.org and click “Donate” Find a Club near You: Visit www.BeGreatNV.org and click “Locations” Learn more about our impact: Visit www.BeGreatNV.org and click “About Us”

"This is the greatest job ever because I get

to make a positive impact on young lives every day and be part of a community that fosters growth, learning, and happiness.

Even more, I get to have a lot of fun too!"

- Staff Member

A-1 Guaranteed Heating and Air, Inc Alex D Burchett Alfredo Pedroza Andrew White Arnold Zissman Barbara Bird Bell Products, Inc. Benjamin and Elizabeth Martinez Bob Barbarick Brandt Mori Cameron Crebs Carmen Reyes Chad Ullrich Clinton Huey Community Action of Napa Valley Cory Wagner Costco Wholesale Corporation Cynthia Meza Danica Bakker Dutch Bros Coffee Eric Dandurand Escrip Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Food Shed Napa Valley LLC Frontstream Goldman Family Fund of the Marin Community Foundation Grant Long Greg Bouillerce Horne Services James Lopez Jeni Kandel Jenn Friedel Joann Cruz John Coleman

Johnathan Quinn Jonathan Karpuk Joseph Castro Julia Newberry Karen Barletta Linda Price Lon Gallagher Lorraine Machado Marcia Garcia Maxence Compagnon Micki Alise Hambro MOD Pizza Napa Bookmine LLC Napa Select Vineyard Services Napa Valley Community Foundation Napa Valley Wine Train P.E.O Sisterhood Chapter XM-CA Pacific Gas & Electric Company Priority Wine Pass Rose Law Firm of Napa Valley Ryan Stiefvater Scribe Winery- Scribe Community Fund Starbucks Foundation Stephen Kestler Tamra Yoder Target Corporation The Bennington Napa Valley The Boris and Vera Bogart Foundation Therese Fisher Tom LeMasters Troy Gittings United Way California Capital Region United Way of the Wine Country Will Phelps Zoe Strohm

"I never new watching you grow up was something I wanted when I thought about my career, but I’m so blessed!"

- Julie Silva, Club Staff

We love sharing data points and since July 1 of 2021 the Club’s publications have reached over 50,000 people locally. Over 9,000 individuals have spent significant time clicking through our magazines, resulting in thousands of unique clicks to our website or social media pages. That’s important because, as you know Napa is a small community and when people visit our website or review these publications, they want to know who is helping to make this work possible and whether you’re a parent, a participant or a sponsor, that continues to be you; so, THANK YOU!

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