Building Bright Futures

The Lasting Impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County

Since 1969, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County (BGCSCC) has been a cornerstone for local youth in the area. Over the years, the organization has grown to serve more than 40,000 young people across three Clubhouses in Santa Cruz, Live Oak, and Scotts Valley. Its mission is to inspire and empower all youth, especially those who need it most, to build character and confidence and reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

The Club provides welcoming spaces filled with enriching programs and mentorship to meet the needs of the community. From academic support and career exploration to health and wellness, the Club has a diverse range of programming in a safe, fun, and nurturing environment. Programs include art, music, technology, swim lessons, a basketball league, and even a surf club—each designed to help kids discover their passions and build life skills.

The impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County is far and wide. For many families, the Club is more than after-school care, it’s a trusted partner that enables parents to work to support their families while their children are safe and sound. For kids, it’s a place where they experience milestones, build friendships, and create memories that last a lifetime.

For two Comcast California employees, the impact of the Club shaped who they are today. Joshua Juntado and Todd Hilger grew up in Santa Cruz and were Club members in their youth.

Joshua learned skills to become a team player through the basketball league. Grateful for a supportive community, Joshua built confidence to step out of his comfort zone and step into collaboration and leadership.

Todd’s family led efforts to champion inclusivity at the Club—a lesson he carries in everything he does in and out of work. To this day, Todd is still friends with the kids he met at the Club.

Comcast California is grateful to support the phenomenal work of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County. Its sponsorship of the Club’s newsletter highlights after-school programming and provides information on Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, a valuable resource for families to get affordable Internet for under $15 a month. “To have a sponsor like Comcast support our kids positively impacts our ability to serve local youth, families, and the future leaders in our community,” said Andrew Cunningham, Development Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County.

There are many ways for the community to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, gifting an item from the clubhouse wish list, or spreading the word, every action helps.

As the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County looks to the future, it is committed to being a place where local youth can grow, learn, and thrive. With support from the Santa Cruz community, the Club is poised to support the next generation of leaders with the same passion and purpose that has defined its work for over 50 years.

Visit boysandgirlsclub.info to learn more.