Be You Doc: Where Creativity Meets Community at the Watts-Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club

This article was originally published on LinkedIn . Read the full version below. LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 7, 2025 - At Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles, we’re dedicated to creating safe, empowering spaces where young people can reach their full potential. For the past seven years, the Los Angeles Chargers and the Chargers Impact Fund have helped bring that vision to life through literacy, mental wellness, and culturally relevant programs that meet youth where they are. Less than a year after announcing a $400,000 capital investment in 2018, the Chargers and the Spanos family unveiled a revitalized athletic field and teen center at our Watts/Willowbrook Club. In partnership with Bob's Discount Furniture , they reimagined key Club facilities into vibrant, youth-centered environments built for connection and belonging. Today, these spaces remain active, welcoming hubs, whether kids are racing through obstacle courses on the field or teens are unwinding, studying, and fostering community in a space they can truly call their own.

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 17, 2025 - We are thrilled to announce the return of our most inspiring and impactful evening of the year—the DreamBuilders Gala 2025 , happening on Friday, October 17, 2025 , at the iconic Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. This unforgettable event celebrates the incredible achievements of the youth we serve at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles , and honors the dedicated partners, supporters, and advocates who help make our mission possible. This year, we are proud to celebrate our long-standing partner, the Los Angeles Chargers ! Here's What You Can Expect A Star-Studded Program: The evening will be hosted by Darren M. Haynes , sports anchor at KCAL/KCBS, who brings his passion and energy to the stage as our returning emcee. Youth Performances : Get ready for live performances from our incredibly talented youth Rock Band! You'll see all the hard work and dedication they've worked towards their passions in music and the arts. Cocktail Reception + Silent Auction : Enjoy a curated cocktail hour while exploring our silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind items and exclusive experiences—all in support of life-changing programs. Afterparty Celebration : We’ll wrap the night with music, dancing, and community connection at our vibrant afterparty. Why It Matters Every dollar raised during the DreamBuilders Gala directly supports academic enrichment, career development, mental wellness, arts, and athletics for over 2,500 youth in the communities of South Los Angeles, Venice, Inglewood, Watts, and Bell Gardens . Your attendance and generosity help us continue building Great Futures for the next generation. Reserve your spot today or learn more about how your company or foundation can get involved through sponsorships! For opportunities to get involved, contact Kim Washington (VP of Resource Development & Marketing) at kimberly.washington@bgcmla.org . ABOUT Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) provides trusted safe spaces where young people can explore who they are, face challenges with confidence, and grow into their full potential. Since the 1960s, our caring mentors and culturally relevant programs have helped both children and teens succeed in school, develop as leaders, and prepare for healthy, fulfilling, and prosperous lives. By meeting each Club member where they are and nurturing who they can become, we ensure the next generation has the tools, guidance, and confidence to turn their dreams into reality. We serve thousands of members at our Club locations in South Los Angeles, Bell Gardens, Watts-Willowbrook, Inglewood, and Venice. For more information, please visit our website at bgcmla.org and follow BGCMLA on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and X .

This article was originally published on LinkedIn . Read the full version below.

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 12, 2025 - As many of you know, recent immigration activity in our city has caused fear and uncertainty for many of our Club members and their families. We feel it too. Our staff live here, our families live here, and our hearts are heavy. But our commitment has never been stronger. We will not be divided or discouraged. We will continue to stand by our youth and provide what they deserve: safety, dignity, and a place where they know they belong. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles will always be a safe haven for every young person, no matter where they come from or what they’re going through. At all of our locations, they will find kindness, stability, and a community that cares. We are grateful to our community for trusting us with their children. We are proud to walk beside them, and we’ll keep doing everything we can to ensure their safety, support, and empowerment. If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage Club parents to contact their home Club directly. Community partners who want to support our youth can reach us at info@bgcmla.org . We’re here and ready to help.

VENICE, CA - OCTOBER 31, 2025 - We’re thrilled to share that the Venice Boys & Girls Club has been awarded 1st Place – Best Afterschool Enrichment Program in The Argonaut’s Best of the Westside 2024 issue! Announced in October 2024, this community-voted recognition celebrates outstanding organizations across the Westside—and the Venice Club is honored to be recognized for its dedication to empowering youth through safe, engaging, and transformative afterschool programming. From academic support and creative arts to sports, leadership, and STEM, the Venice Boys & Girls Club provides a welcoming environment where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. This win highlights the tireless efforts of our dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners, who work every day to ensure our youth have the support and opportunities they deserve. It also reflects the trust and appreciation of the families and neighbors who voted in The Argonaut’s annual poll. “This award from The Argonaut is a huge honor and a reflection of the impact our team is making in the lives of young people ,” said Jeanette Beltran, Site Director of the Venice Club. Recognition from The Argonaut affirms what our Club members and families already know: the Venice Club is a place where kids feel safe, valued, and inspired. We’ll continue to build on this momentum and deliver high-quality programming that meets the needs of youth in our community—today and every day. 

Join us on April 24th, a night of thrilling poker supporting vital youth programs at BGCMLA. Your participation helps provide safe spaces and impactful afterschool and summer activities for local kids and teens.

BGCMLA youth rocked Coke Studio at L.A. LIVE in partnership with Coca-Cola! Our 10-week program gave them hands-on experience in music production, songwriting, performance & more, culminating in their original song "Everything Ghana Be OK."

The Lakers Youth Foundation renovated the gymnasium at the Venice Boys and Girls Club, celebrating with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a youth basketball clinic led by local coaches. This renovation, part of the foundation's initiative to provide safe and quality spaces for youth, offers a revitalized space for kids to play, learn, and develop skills. The project underscores the foundation's commitment to empowering young people through sports and creating positive community impact.

Leylah Fernandez hosted a youth tennis clinic at the Challengers Club, offering training and inspiration to local kids.