Dear BGCSF Families, Friends, and Supporters,
Happy Thanksgiving!
On behalf of everyone at Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF), I want to express my gratitude to you for being a part of our community.
Above all else, we are grateful for the opportunity to work with the thousands of Club youth who access our programs each year. Making a positive difference in the life of each school-age youth who joins our programs is our passion and a responsibility that we embrace. We are proud of the work we do across our 14 Clubs in San Francisco and at Camp Mendocino, always putting the best interest of youth first. Our beautiful Clubhouses provide a second home for young people all year long, focusing on programs and activities that support academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character and community engagement, and job readiness with earning potential.
As well, I want to thank all our supporters, who prioritize the Club in their volunteer service and/or their philanthropic giving. Your trust and generosity throughout the year is critical to our ability to meet our mission during the school year and summer. BGCSF remains strong because of the collective support of our entire community.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco!
Sincerely,
Rob Connolly
President, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco
November is Children's Grief Awareness Month. With generous support from New York Life Foundation and 1440 Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF) recently introduced the Healing Arts in Culture (HAiC) program and actively addresses the high rates of death among San Francisco’s BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Led by our Behavioral Health Services Team, the series connects the incredible cultural diversity of our communities with opportunities and resources that support emotional wellness, while celebrating all identities, and histories, and supporting related social activism.
At a time when the challenges facing San Francisco often make headlines, those of us who are deeply involved in the City are frequently asked for our assessment on what is currently happening and what we expect for the future. While clearly there are complex issues that must be solved if our City and its people are to thrive, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF) holds a steadfast sense of optimism for San Francisco, and we are committed to doing our part to ensure its bright future.
The first day of school is like a New Year's Day for kids. Back to school signals a new beginning, a fresh start, an opportunity to set new goals, establish new routines, and rethink who you want to be moving forward. For school-age kids, this means a new backpack, fresh school supplies, maybe a haircut, and some new clothes, all to make sure you’re ready for what’s ahead.