Club sees more demand, but funding can’t keep up

The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach is experiencing a sharp increase in demand for their services, as families struggle to cope with job losses and other financial strains. And although new members are always welcome, it has created a real burden on the club and its staff, who are struggling to attain enough funding from individuals and foundations.

“We’re noticing that due to the economic downturn, the need is there because that second parent is going to work that didn’t used to work,” said Elena Mendoza, director of Laguna Beach’s main branch. “So [the kids] need more help with their homework, and they don’t have time to do that.”

Since 2005 the number of children coming to the club has more than doubled, from 600 to 1,500 children each year. The increase in membership has increased the annual budget from $800,000 to $1.5 million, not enough to meet demand.

“We have had to cut back on program supplies, definitely. That was one of the first things that kind of went,” Mendoza said. The staff, including Mendoza, has had to cut hours to accommodate the tighter budget. And the stress is not just limited to the staff. Parents, too, are having a hard time due to the shrinking job market.

“I have seen mothers come to the club in tears to leave their children because they need to go back to work,” said Executive Director Pamela Estes. “They are both concerned and guilt ridden about leaving their children under someone else’s care. Fortunately, after a couple of weeks I see these same mothers smiling because their children have made friends and settled into the club.”

Despite the leaner budget, the club says they are still committed to never turning a child away who can’t afford to join.

“We have a scholarship program and the numbers have quadrupled in the last six months,” said Mendoza. “I’ve never said no to anyone before.”

In addition to the club’s World Wide Day of Play and National Kids Day events, both on Sept. 25, their fall schedule also includes a Girls Night Out fundraiser Sept. 24.

The event, which is just for women, will feature a silent auction and all-you-can-eat dinner and drinks.

“It’s at this really neat house in Laguna on Rockledge. It’s this beautiful oceanfront property; the master bedroom has a ceiling that opens up at night so you can be under the stars. The bed rotates to wherever the moon is and the bottom floor of their house has a glass bottom so you can see the waves crashing underneath,” said Mendoza. “It’s our first one that we’ve done like this, so we’re excited about that.”

The club will also be holding “Mishigosh,” an open house event Oct. 10. The event will be open to parents, families and the whole community.

“We’re opening it to the community, because believe it or not, this big, huge building is here and there are people that live in the town and still don’t know we’re here,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza encourages kids of all ages to join, including teenagers, who she cites as a great asset to the club.

“The teens are really great about reading to the little kids or helping with their homework. They love to help out.”

For more information, call (949) 494-2535 or visit www.bgclaguna.org.