Challengers Clubhouse Art Therapy Mural with Blue Shield of California & Wellnest
Los Angeles
(August 08, 2019) - Challengers Clubhouse celebrated the unveiling of an eight-week mural project. Members painted a 20-foot by 60-foot wall outside the Clubhouse with community muralist, Moses Ball. Through the support of
Blue Shield California and
WellNest, middle and high school aged members worked alongside Moses in developing a mural based on the hopes and dreams of our members and community. The program focused on helping our youth release tension and learn how to deal with everyday trauma through art therapy.
"Its an honor and blessing to be on a mural because it will be there for years" - Hasina, Challengers Club member.
To commemorate the completion of the mural, Challengers Clubhouse hosted an end of summer celebration unveiling the mural with leadership from BGCMLA, Blue Shield Promise Health Plan, and Wellnest. Members who participated in the mural received a certificate of participation signed by the CEO of each organization for their achievement. Art was used by our youth as a tool of expression allowing them to share their daily experiences in a safe place and project them into a mural. As part of Blue Shield of California's Community Art Therapy Program, each week social workers and
behavioral health specialists joined Mr. Ball in encouraging our youth to express themselves.
BGCMLA's Hip Hop and Step Team kicked off the reveal by showcasing a routines to Lil Naz's Old Town Road. The brightly colored wall behind them represented their faces and showcased their dreams as they performed. In the mural, a girl, inspired by Nipsey Hussle, stands with a microphone with her peer dressed as an aviator inspired by Bessie Coleman. The rest of the afternoon was celebrated with food, music, and great sense of accomplishment. Thank you to Blue Shield of California and Wellnest for providing our youth the opportunity to inspire #GreatFutures for many years to come.
About Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles
The mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Committed to sustainable impact, BGCMLA consist of five sites and is the result of a partnership unifying Los Angeles’ Boys and Girls Clubs in the region’s most vulnerable neighborhoods since 1960 including Challengers, Watts/Willowbrook, Bell Gardens, Jordan Downs and Nickerson Gardens. BGCMLA offers nationally-recognized programs in three core areas to ensure the achievement and empowerment of youth and their families: Academic Success, Good Character and Citizenship and Healthy Lifestyles.
For more of news and events, please visit
www.bgcmla.org/news.
About Blue Shield of California and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan
Blue Shield of California is a nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association with 6,800 employees, more than $20 billion in annual revenue and 4.3 million members. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in San Francisco, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health care service plans in California.
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan is a managed care organization, wholly owned by Blue Shield of California, offering Medi-Cal, Cal MediConnect, Medicare Advantage HMO, and Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans. It is led by healthcare professionals with a “members-first” philosophy and committed to building a quality network of providers and partnering with community organizations for its nearly 500,000 members. For more information about Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, please visit
www.blueshieldca.com/promise.
For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit
www.news.blueshieldca.com.
About Wellnest (formerly Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic)
Wellnest (formerly Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic) is a nationally acclaimed provider of holistic, research-informed, innovative mental health services for children and young adults in Los Angeles. It has assisted high-need families in historically underserved communities for 94 years through its mission to provide a holistic approach to emotional well-being, offering hope, healing and opportunity to the children, young adults, families, and communities we serve. Wellnest’s commitment remains steadfast as we enter our second century of service.
With an operating budget of $23 million, its highly-trained staff provides clients with a comprehensive array of services, including nationally recognized, trauma-informed, evidence-based practices. Wellnest’s programs are provided at four community-based centers, 34 school-based sites (7 charter), four onsite offices, co-location at a Federally Qualified Health Center, and directly to clients through field-based programming. Wellnest supports over 4,000 children, youth, and families annually as they reach their goals in school, build healthy relationships, and enjoy newfound emotional well-being.
For more information, visit http://www.lacgc.org.
11th Annual In-store fundraiser to provide support to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles
February 4, 2025 (Los Angeles) - Join us for Youth of the Year on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Watts/Willowbrook Club, where we'll celebrate five exceptional Club members. Hear their inspiring stories of overcoming challenges and finding their place at the Boys & Girls Club. A special congratulations to this year's remarkable speakers:
Our Clubs are open! We're accepting all youth ages 6 -18, regardless of current membership.
September 16, 2024 (Los Angeles, CA) - On Saturday, October 26th, we hosted the DreamBuilders Gala at the stunning Audrey Irmas Pavilion. This special event was dedicated to honoring the incredible achievements of our youth and the generous supporters who made it all possible. What Happened: Inspiring Performances: We enjoyed captivating performances by our talented youth, showcasing their skills and passions. Star-Studded Emcee: Darren M. Haynes, a renowned sports anchor/reporter from KCBS/KCAL, served as our dynamic emcee for the evening. Generous Giving: We joined together to raise funds to support our programs and provide life-changing opportunities for the youth of Metro Los Angeles. Exclusive Experiences: We enjoyed a cocktail reception, silent auction, and a vibrant afterparty. Honoring Our Partners: We're thrilled to recognize the Ralph M Parsons Foundation and Sony Music Publishing for their invaluable contributions to our mission.
September 24, 2024 (Los Angeles, CA) - In a heartwarming display of community engagement, USC Football players recently hosted a special tour of their state-of-the-art facilities for young members of the Challengers Club from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles. The event, organized through the NIL initiative House of Victory , provided a unique opportunity for these aspiring athletes to experience the world of collegiate sports firsthand. "Seeing the practice field and fully equipped fitness gym was eye-opening," said Karen Quiroz, Director of Athletics and Health at the Challengers Clubhouse. "These resources are not available at every school, and it's inspiring for our kids to see what's possible." The Challengers Clubhouse, a part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro LA, has been serving underprivileged youth in the community since 1968. By providing access to educational programs, sports activities, and mentorship opportunities, the club aims to empower young people to reach their full potential. "For kids who haven't seen what college can be like, it's good for them to get this experience at one of the best universities," said Eric Gentry, a senior linebacker and House of Victory student-athlete. "It's about more than just football; it's about inspiring the next generation." The USC football players were more than happy to share their experiences and answer questions from the young visitors. From discussing their training routines to offering advice on balancing academics and athletics, the players served as positive role models. "This tour was a dream come true for our kids," said Quiroz. "Interacting with the USC football players was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will inspire them to strive for greatness." As Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro LA continues to provide essential services to the youth of Los Angeles, partnerships with organizations like House of Victory are crucial in helping young people reach their full potential. By providing opportunities for mentorship, inspiration, and exposure to new experiences, these collaborations are laying the foundation for a brighter future. For more information about events like this one, follow BGCMLA on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn and X . If you’d like to make a charitable contribution to support youth programs and initiatives like this, you can make a tax-deductible contribution here .
Los Angeles, CA - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Women's Sports Foundation (WSF) as part of their Sports 4 Life program. This prestigious grant will support our efforts to provide sports and physical activity opportunities for young girls in our community. The Sports 4 Life program aims to empower Black, African-American, Hispanic, and Native American girls through sports. By participating in these programs, girls can develop essential skills such as perseverance, leadership, and teamwork, which will benefit them both on and off the field. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all children can thrive. Through our sports programs, we strive to inspire girls to reach their full potential and become confident, successful individuals. For more information, follow BGCMLA on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn and X . If you’d like to make a charitable contribution to support youth programs and initiatives like this, you can make a tax-deductible contribution here .
JULY 1, 2024 (LOS ANGELES) - On June 25th, the SiriusXM LA studio transformed into a hub of music education and inspiration for local teens from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA). The event, aptly named "Rhythm In Action," was sponsored by Cricket Wireless and offered a unique opportunity for young music enthusiasts to dive into the world of audio entertainment. The day kicked off with a behind-the-scenes tour of the SiriusXM studios, giving students a peek into the magic of radio broadcasting. This was followed by a series of engaging activities designed to spark their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Interactive workshops and roundtable panels brought together industry leaders from across SiriusXM's departments, who discussed the ever-evolving music industry and its exciting future. But the learning didn't stop there! Students even got the chance to flex their marketing muscles. After an exclusive performance by talented artist Kalan.FrFr, the students were presented with a challenge: develop a marketing strategy for the artist's next single! This unique opportunity allowed them to put their newfound knowledge to the test and receive valuable feedback and advice directly from a panel of SiriusXM experts. This wasn't just a fun day trip for the BGCMLA students. It marked the second year in a row that SiriusXM, in partnership with Cricket Wireless, presented the organization with a generous donation. These funds will directly support BGCMLA's mission of empowering the next generation and fostering a vibrant community. "Rhythm In Action" was a resounding success, offering BGCMLA students an unforgettable experience that blended education with entertainment. By fostering a love for music and igniting their entrepreneurial spirit, SiriusXM and Cricket Wireless are helping to pave the way for the future stars of the music industry! To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles, visit www.bgcmla.org .
June 24, 2024 (Los Angeles, CA) - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) recently hosted a groundbreaking program called Girls Got Game, in partnership with the Black Collegiate Gaming Association (BCGA) and the Los Angeles Sparks. This initiative aimed to bridge the gap between the esports and gaming industry and Black students and young women of color. The Girls Got Game program offered a unique opportunity for middle and high school girls to explore their passion for gaming and learn valuable skills for the future. Through a combination of curriculum, competitions, and internships, the program provided participants with the tools they needed to succeed in the esports and gaming industry. As Natalie White, VP Community Relations for the LA Sparks, states: "We are thrilled to join the Black Collegiate Gaming Association for the Girls Got Game initiative. This community partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to empower and inspire young girls." This program is all about fostering confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging within the gaming world. It's a safe space for young women to learn, grow, and become future leaders in esports. Alejandra Liera, Site Director at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles - Challengers Club, echoes this sentiment: "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible partners... Their commitment to empowering young women in the gaming community is inspiring and instrumental in fostering a more inclusive and diverse future in esports." Head over to Girls Got Game to learn more and secure a spot in this exciting new program.
May 29, 2024 (Los Angeles, CA) - We're excited to announce the launch of a brand new program here at Watts/Willowbrook Club: Exploring Equity! This initiative is a collaboration between the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and the Smithsonian Institution, and it's designed to empower our teens through social-emotional development, civic engagement, and a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Exploring Equity builds upon the incredible BGCA Youth for Unity program, which equips young people with the skills and knowledge to be responsible citizens. This new addition adds a specific lens of equity to the program, tackling social issues, civic engagement, and environmental awareness in a way that's relevant to our teens' lives. The program is a result of collaboration between Smithsonian educators and our very own youth development professionals here at Watts/Willowbrook Club. This means the curriculum is informed by the real-world experiences and interests of our teens. After this pilot program wraps up, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Smithsonian will gather feedback from us and other participating Clubs. They'll then refine the program and resources, making them available to over 5,000 Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation! We're proud to be a part of such a wide-reaching initiative, and we can't wait to see the impact it has on young people everywhere. Follow us on our Instagram , Facebook , and Linkedin for more updates on Exploring Equity as the program unfolds here at Watts/Willowbrook Club.
May 9, 2024 (Venice, CA) - The Venice Chamber of Commerce hosted the 14th Annual WAVE Awards at Westside Vineyard on May 9, 2024. Educators from thirteen local schools and organizations were honored for their outstanding accomplishments, reflecting this year's theme of "Inspiring Unity." LAUSD board member Nick Melvoin, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park, and Venice Chamber President Sunny Bak opened the event, joined by representatives from various governmental offices. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Joëlle Award to Tim Rudnick, founder of the Venice Oceanarium, recognizing his exceptional contributions. Chantel Hunter Mah, Chair of the Education Committee at the Venice Chamber of Commerce, described the event as filled with memorable moments, including speeches, laughter, and tears of joy.
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Contact Us
Phone:
(213) 628-3673
Email:
info@bgcmla.org
Main Office:
5029 S. Vermont Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90037
(inside Challengers Club)
Hours: 10 AM - 5 PM
