By Rob Connolly, President, and Debby Machold, Director of Behavioral Health Services, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco

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In a time marked by division, growing uncertainty, and financial instability, the families we serve are carrying a lot—and so are young people. From global conflict, political tensions, natural disasters, government funding cuts, and immigration enforcement, the emotional weight of the moment is real for families and communities. Kids are absorbing it, often without the tools to understand or express what they’re feeling. That’s why spaces like Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF) are more important than ever. 

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With eight traditional Clubhouses, five School-Based Clubs, and a sleepaway summer camp, BGCSF has positioned itself to support youth and families in multiple ways. The Club provides a safe place where kids know they belong—where they are heard, valued, loved, and understood. Despite what’s happening in the world around us, we are committed to making every young person feel safe, grounded in possibility, and empowered to dream big. BGCSF is—and always will be—a place that welcomes all youth. 

When the world becomes more uncertain, BGCSF becomes more focused than ever on its core purpose: creating safe environments, building supportive relationships, fostering fun and belonging, recognizing each youth’s potential, and setting high expectations through opportunity. These principles shape our culture and our approach to youth development. 

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Staff across our organization are aligned in taking a trauma-informed approach to our work with young people. While the years since the pandemic have brought academic, social, and mental health challenges for youth, they’ve also highlighted just how essential out-of-school-time programs are for youth, for families, and for the well-being of our city. This is especially true when programs are consistently delivered, affordable, and easy to access. 

Creating inclusive spaces that help all kids thrive has always been a core part of BGCSF’s DNA as an organization. From everyday academic support to sports, fitness, and play activities to healthy lifestyles programming, job readiness, and youth voice, BGCSF’s programs build skills and confidence in young people so they can effectively navigate the challenges that life sometimes presents. 

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In recent years, BGCSF made a significant strategic investment in growing our Behavioral Health Services (BHS) team to strengthen not just mental health services but everything we do. This was not a short-term solution, but part of a long-term commitment to the health and resilience of young people. Now, as we navigate what is clearly a sustained period of global conflict and civil discord, we are well-positioned to be a steady, disciplined, and trusted source of support—regardless of the headlines or political climate. 

Today, our BHS team is embedded in all our Clubs across the city and at Camp Mendocino, ensuring that support is integrated into daily programs and services, aligning with everything we do. Rather than operating as a standalone service, BHS is woven into the fabric of our organization—an essential part of how we support youth, grounded in the same values that guide all of our work. Our BHS Team is available for a quick check-in or an in-depth therapy session. Their ongoing, embedded presence builds trust and allows for timely, responsive care. There’s no waitlist. No insurance hurdles. Just meaningful support, when and where it’s needed.

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Working alongside our skilled and caring staff, our clinicians can spot emotional or behavioral shifts early, notice emerging trends, and proactively address the needs of individuals or groups. This holistic approach from all Behavioral Health and program staff allows kids to express themselves, grieve, feel joy, and build resilience. BGCSF is proud to provide care that feels human, consistent, and deeply personal. We don’t just respond to crises—we work to prevent them by giving kids a sense of belonging, amplifying their voices, and helping them engage in positive ways with peers and caring adults. 

BGCSF consistently demonstrates that it is an essential part of the support system that so many families need. We serve youth ages 6 to 18 in nearly every neighborhood in San Francisco—and amongst the beautiful redwoods of Camp Mendocino, offering programs that are accessible, affordable, and rooted in compassionate care. Our impact extends beyond high-quality after school and summer programming; families also turn to us for partnership and guidance. BGCSF represents what is good in our world, offering spaces where people lift one another up, celebrate life, promote growth and opportunities, and hold space and time for the challenges that life presents.

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Our approach is not a temporary response to today’s challenges—it’s a long-term strategy to ensure the health, resilience, and success of all young people. We are, and always will be, a place where childhood is protected and celebrated. Although we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, we do know exactly how we’ll show up: with a steady hand, with empathy and compassion, and with an unwavering belief in the power and potential of youth.