The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) celebrated the grand opening and a ribbon cutting ceremony of Boys & Girls Club of William Mead Homes. Representatives from the offices of Supervisor Hilda Solis and Councilmember Gilbert Cedillo were in attendance to award Certificates of Recognition to the Boys & Girls Club staff.
The grand opening celebration featured a special performance by the Boys & Girls Club step team, a tour of the club, raffles, games, food and an opportunity to register for the club’s membership.
“I am excited because this is a place that is provided to a community that really needs a place to come together when you think about safety, celebration, investment and young people,” said JR Dzubak, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of West San Gabriel Valley. “We wanted to make this a place where you feel at home. A safe home, and it is a type of home that you feel proud of.”
The Boys & Girls Club of William Mead is the third clubhouse located at a public housing site, operated by the Boys & Girls Club of West San Gabriel Valley. Their other Boys & Girls Clubs are located at Ramona Gardens and Estrada Courts.
“This club gives young kids an opportunity to interact with their peers, join sports, receive help with their homework and learn how to be a leader. We are here to guide them towards a path of success and teach the youth to give back to their community,” said Roger Lemus, Boys & Girls Club staff member who runs the athletic program at the club. Roger has been a resident at William Mead Homes for over 20 years and is perusing his degree in Physical Education.
The clubhouse includes a learning center, Kid’s Café, a game room and creates an ambiance of a cozy living room. The club’s school year program will consist of daily homework help, health/wellness program, STEM programming, sports and recreational activities, leadership program and free snacks and dinner served daily. Within the next few months, the Boys & Girls Club will undergo a renovation of the entire back area located behind the clubhouse that will include a new playground area and a food garden for the community.
Registration is open to youth between the ages of 6-17 years old. As of today, 130 club members have been registered and are already taking advantage of the great programs and activities offered by the club.