OneWest Bank Launches Program to Give Back to Local Area School Children
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OneWest Bank Launches Program to Give Back to Local Area School Children.
Three hours of virtual learning assistance donated for every checking account opened until October 15
PASADENA, CA — Aug. 26, 2020 —
OneWest Bank, CIT’s Southern California retail bank division, today launched its second annual Bank on Building a Brighter Community program to give back to local area school children. In partnership with the Pasadena, Metro LA, Santa Monica, and Moorpark & Simi Valley Boys & Girls Clubs, OneWest Bank will donate three hours of virtual learning assistance for every qualified checking account opened between now and October 15.
“We are pleased to continue our partnership with the Boys & Girls Club and invest in our local students during this unique time,” said Heather Ellison, head of Retail Banking for CIT. “This program aims to increase academic success and empower local kids to thrive despite the challenges they may be facing.”
OneWest’s partnership with the Boys & Girls Club provides online tutoring and virtual extracurricular activity support. In addition, bank employees will host an interactive panel discussion at each location offering kids the opportunity to hear firsthand career, education and personal finance advice from professionals.
“We’re committed to helping students navigate learning in this new environment,” said Kim Washington, vice president of Resource Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles. “OneWest’s support is critical to improving academic success for Southern California students.”
As part of the program OneWest Bank customers are also eligible to receive up to a $300 checking reward when they open a qualifying checking account and meet the requirements.
Bank on Building a Brighter Community runs August 24 to October 15 and is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to build strong Southern California communities. OneWest has been an active supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs since 2010 through grants, leadership involvement and onsite volunteer support. Find out more information on the program and other local efforts to support Southern California.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles
The mission of Boys & 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, and Jordan Downs. 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.
About OneWest Bank
OneWest Bank is committed to helping Southern California consumers and small businesses meet their financial goals by offering a variety of personal and small business banking and lending solutions. We are passionate about serving the Southern California community and are proud to invest in the neighborhoods where we live and work. OneWest Bank is a division of CIT Bank, N.A. (Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender), a subsidiary of
CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT). For more information, visit
OneWestBank.com and follow us on
Facebook.
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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.
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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.
11th Annual In-store fundraiser to provide support to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles
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:
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.
