Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles & Boys & Girls Club of Venice Have Merged!

Today, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles announced the merger of two of Los Angeles’ most-tenured Clubs, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA) and Boys & Girls Clubs of Venice (BGCV). With pro bono legal assistance from Latham & Watkins LLP and Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP, both boards approved the merger plan in late 2022, and the organizations officially merged into one entity in January 2023.


BGCMLA’s merger will optimize resources and enable more investment in opportunities to further the mission. The integration will enable enhanced programming to meet local needs—music and video studios, STEM and innovation labs, sports leagues (including e-sports), art, and mental health services. Cohesive implementation of programs across all sites will allow for better evaluation at scale, providing more opportunities for effective youth development.

“I’m so excited to join the BGCMLA team and be a part of creating lasting change in the lives of the children and teens we serve,” says Emily Harvey, CEO of BGCV. “We’re not just merging; we’re changing the landscape for youth development across metro Los Angeles.”


“We’re excited to welcome the BGC Venice team and Board to the BGCMLA family,” says Patrick, CEO of BGCMLA. “Bringing together our two organizations enables us to serve more youth, more effectively across Metro Los Angeles.”

BGCMLA’s mission is to create a safe space that empowers Club members to learn, explore, achieve, and dream. The Club locations are:


  • Challengers - 5029 Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90037
  • Bell Gardens - 7104 Perry Rd., Bell Gardens, CA 90201
  • Watts/Willowbrook - 1339 E 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059
  • Venice - 2232 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
  • Jordan High School - 2265 E 103rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90002
  • Coeur d’Alene Elementary School - 810 Coeur D Alene Ave., Venice, CA 90291
  • Venice High School - 13000 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
  • Mark Twain Middle School - 2224 Walgrove Blvd., Venice, CA 90291

Open Letter: We Are Here.

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. 
Text with an award reading:

Community Votes Venice Club #1 for Afterschool Enrichment

June 3, 2025
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. 

15th Annual Charity Poker Tournament: All In for the Kids

April 24, 2025
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 Find Their Voice at Coke Studio

March 12, 2025
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."

Slam Dunk for Venice: Lakers Gym Renovation

February 28, 2025
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 laughing with Club members from on a tennis court

Leylah Fernandez Joins USTA SoCal for Youth Tennis Clinic

February 26, 2025
Leylah Fernandez hosted a youth tennis clinic at the Challengers Club, offering training and inspiration to local kids.

Support Local Kids and Thrive with Ross Dress for Less!

February 7, 2025
11th Annual In-store fundraiser to provide support to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles's Youth of the Year 2025 Logo

BGCMLA's 2025 Youth of the Year

February 3, 2025
LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 7, 2025 - At the Watts/Willowbrook Club, we celebrated five exceptional Club members! Hear their inspiring stories of overcoming challenges and finding their place at with us at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA). This year we are proud to announce Kaydence as our 2025 BGCMLA Youth of the Year ! All participants receive a stipend for their hard work and commitment to this premier teen recognition program. A special congratulations to this year's remarkable speakers:

BGCMLA Clubs Open During Los Angeles Fires

January 9, 2025
Our Clubs are open! We're accepting all youth ages 6 -18, regardless of current membership.

DreamBuilders Gala 2024

September 25, 2024
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.
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