Boys & Girls Club of Mission offers programs

Bat meets baseball. Crack!

 

Scissors cut into colored paper with quiet snips.

 

Tiny fingers tip-tap at a keyboard.

 

These sounds define mornings and afternoons at the Boys & Girls Club of Mission (BGCM). As kids ages 5-17 participate in the club’s various programs, they learn life skills and form relationships that last them well beyond their membership. At their four locations, staff and volunteers work on helping youth improve their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

 

 

 

“Our club is for the entire community,” Ricardo “Rick” Venecia, CEO, said. “We want every child to succeed and will continue to deliver the highest quality programs and opportunities to help them chase their dreams and realize how amazing they can be.”

 

The club kicked off their annual summer camp on June 8 that will run to July 31. A typical day at camp involves drawing, coloring, playing games, watching movies, solving puzzles or making crafts. Kids may also now join clubs such as theater, cheer and dance, culinary, pottery/nature, card and sports club. While spots for ages 5-12 are filled, teens of the ages of 13-18 may apply at the BGCM Main Unit on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

“We welcome the community to look out for our after-school program which begin in mid-August at our Main, Bannworth, CWV, and Leal Units,” Venecia said.

 

 

The club partners with school districts to carry out academic and athletics initiatives and provide services for its members. Mission CISD and IDEA Public Schools buses transport students to the Main Unit after school.

 

“Throughout the school year we have our After-School Program, where you’re able to sign your child up and we work with them after school,” Jewelisa Gonzalez, a BGCM Youth Development Professional, said. “We provide them with dinner, help with homework, tutoring sessions, and most importantly have fun with the kids while building them future ready!”

 

BGCM proudly recognizes Aubrey Ramos as its first-ever Junior Youth of the Year. Aubrey, who has been part of the club for four years, motivates other members to strive for excellence, accomplish their goals and persevere.

 

“I felt really excited and surprised when I found out I was awarded Junior Youth of the Year,” Aubrey said. “It meant a lot to me because it showed that my hard work, leadership, and involvement at the Boys & Girls Club were recognized. It makes me proud to represent my club, and I hope I can inspire other kids to get involved and believe in themselves.”

 

 

Aubrey’s favorite part of being a member is spending time with her friends, forming new connections and trying out all of the activities offered. She encourages any interested kids to join because of the opportunities for growth and fun.

 

“Being part of the Boys & Girls Club of Mission has helped me become more confident and step outside of my comfort zone,” she said. “I am grateful for all the opportunities, experiences, and support I have received. The club has made a positive difference in my life, and I am proud to be a member.”

 

The club celebrates its staff for their commitment to promoting a positive, safe environment for the youth. In May, they attended The Professional Association Rio Grande Valley Chapter All-Staff Conference to network and gain insight and encouragement from other leaders. At the conference, Aimee Hidrogo, front desk receptionist, earned the Support Staff Award to honor her 14 years of service to the club.

 

“Our staff is amazing,” Venecia said. “The way they pour their heart into everything we do at the club, into our youth and community, is unrivaled. We are a family.”

 

BGCM offers various programs tailored for diverse student needs, and, recently, to combat the rise in youth mental health complications. During Power Hour, students complete homework and ask for academic help from staff. In the Technology Room, students access digital tools to learn coding, complete projects and engage in creative activities. The SMART Moves Emotional Wellness program helps students ages 10+ gain confidence and learn to manage their feelings in healthy ways. SMART Moves Core encourages members to think critically and navigate social situations. Passport to Manhood helps boys ages 8-17 transition to adulthood by reinforcing character and leadership skills. SMART Girls, Aubrey’s favorite program, educates girls on self-confidence, health, and making the right choices. NetSMARTZ teaches youth how to safely and positively use the internet. Through the athletics program, students can play and compete in volleyball, flag football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer and golf throughout the year, such as during the Par 4 Our Kids Annual Golf Classic. Members also work on DIY STEM projects. The club welcomes feedback from the community for new program ideas to continue serving its youth.

 

“The success of these programs is made possible through the leadership and dedication of Vice President of Operations Sujei Rodriguez, Program Administrator Andrea Perez, and the entire BGC Mission staff,” Amanda Hernandez, Vice President of Organizational Development, said. “Working together, they strive to create meaningful experiences that inspire youth to reach their full potential and prepare them for future success.”

 

 

The BGCM is a nonprofit organization founded in 1984 which receives funding from the City of Mission, the United Way of South Texas, Texas Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, donors, sponsors and hosted fundraisers.

 

“We are truly the community’s organization, and we are ever so grateful,” Venecia said.

 

As a member who joined the BGCM’s third year of establishment, Venecia holds a close connection with the club. Named CEO in 2021, he works to make a difference and give every member the opportunity he was given in 1987 to succeed and chase their dreams.

 

“My ultimate goal is to open the doors to a brand new main unit in the future,” Venecia envisioned. “A building that will be a child’s dream place. The same kind of feeling I had when I walked into our current building 40 years ago.”

 

The club welcomes prospective youth members and any form of assistance from interested supporters.

 

“The best way our community can help is to simply reach out,” Venecia said. “We are always looking for volunteers, mentors and donors. The more funds we raise, the more people that can buy into our program — the brighter our future can be for our kids.”