Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County are here to help 6,000 local young people thrive.

It starts with meeting basic needs, including serving as a “safe space” for thousands of young people. Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County (BGCMC) serves more than 6,000 children and young adults at two clubhouses in Seaside and Salinas. Last year, they provided 80,000 meals to make those safe spaces nourishing. They offer homework help, career counseling and more to people ages 6 to 24.

“Kids get to be kids here, while gaining the support they need to thrive,” BGCMC Chief Advancement Officer Natasha Pedroza says.

Young people face pressure both in and outside of typical school settings, Pedroza says. BGCMC’s mission includes providing academic support and a safe haven in the midst of a chaotic world, but also helping meet additional needs, including the caring attention of a trustworthy adult.

“[Youth] need mentors who listen, meals they can count on and initiatives that build confidence, skills and hope,” Pedroza says. “The Clubs provide consistent support that meets kids where they are and helps them grow into who they’re meant to be.”

Outside of the clubhouses, BGCMC reaches across the county with wellness programs like Girls Health in Girls Hands and Triple Play. These programs operate in 15 after-school sites, including in Gonzales, Greenfield and Soledad.

The target audience is primarily children ages 6 to 18, but some services focus on young adults ages 19 to 24 for continuity.

“We deliver these services because youth in underserved communities deserve every opportunity their peers receive,” Pedroza says.

The nonprofit operates by the mantra that “Every dream needs a plan.” They rely on kids to come in with big dreams, and then help give them the skills and tools – whether it’s an after-school meal, a conversation with an adult who will listen or academic support – to make those dreams real.

“Without the Boys & Girls Clubs, too many kids would go home to empty houses, empty fridges and empty afternoons,” Pedroza says. “[Without BGCMC], our schools, families and neighborhoods would feel the weight. We don’t just support kids – we strengthen the systems around them.”