Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme

Teamwork makes the dream work! Since 1954, our Clubs have been a cornerstone for youth, providing opportunities for growth and development. This weekend, our Board of Directors came together for our Board Advance, focusing on strategies to build even greater futures—both now and for generations to come. We ended with a fun team-building activity (hence the pool noodles! 😆) because we believe strong teams thrive through connection. We are incredibly grateful for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to the youth we serve.

We had the privilege of celebrating our Juvenile Justice Facility Boys & Girls Club members as they graduated from our financial literacy pilot program! A heartfelt thank you to Premier America Credit Union & Premier America Foundation for generously sharing your expertise and equipping our members with the tools to build a strong financial future. Your support is making a lasting impact, empowering these young individuals with critical financial knowledge and skills. We look forward to continuing this program and expanding opportunities for our JJF members. Together, we are building brighter futures!

We are incredibly grateful to Laura A. Martinez—SPHR, SCP, President & CEO of HR FORCE, Inc., for mentoring our Youth of the Year, Vanessa, as she prepares for the California Coastal Youth of the Year competition. Your support and guidance have empowered Vanessa to grow in confidence and strengthen her public speaking skills. Mentorship is more than just offering advice—it’s about inspiring, guiding, and equipping the next generation with the tools they need to chase their dreams and create their own path to success. Thank you, Laura, for your commitment to shaping great futures!

A special thank you to our incredible 2025 Youth of the Year judges: ⭐ Larry Martin - Member, Board of Directors at Premier America Credit Union & Chairman, Premier America Foundation ⭐ Charleen Schuss - Youth Advocate ⭐ Jose Soto - Field Marketing Coordinator, Vallarta Supermarkets You have the toughest job of the day, and we appreciate your time, dedication, and thoughtful consideration! We also extend our gratitude to our board members who attended, including Board Chair, Tracy Blois, for their continued support in celebrating and uplifting our inspiring youth.

🎉 Congratulations to our 2025 Youth of the Year, Vanessa Villa! 🎉 At just 17 years old, Vanessa—a dedicated member of the Harriet H. Samuelsson Teen Center—has already made a lasting impact. Growing up homeschooled, she found her confidence, independence, and leadership voice through the Boys & Girls Club. Vanessa credits the Club and its staff for helping her embrace her strengths and passion for community advocacy. Now, as the 2025 BGCOP Youth of the Year, she is ready to empower others, amplify voices, and inspire change. Through her voice, art, and actions, she envisions a future where unity transcends race, gender, and identity. Join us in celebrating Vanessa and her journey to creating a brighter, more inclusive world!

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme extend our heartfelt gratitude to the brave firefighters and first responders who work tirelessly to protect our community. Inspired by your dedication, hard work, and the sacrifices you make every day to ensure our safety, our members created these special signs for you. Thank you for being heroes and role models for our youth and beyond. We are proud to recognize and honor your service!

We are still beaming with pride from the 2025 Rose Parade! We kicked off the new year in the best way possible—spreading kindness far and wide! Our members had the unforgettable experience of not only helping build the stunning 55-foot Kindness Float but also walking alongside it in this iconic event. For just the second time in history, we proudly represented the Boys & Girls Club at the Rose Parade, reminding the world that Kindness is Free—and it’s for everyone! The float represented months of dedication, creativity, and teamwork from Boys & Girls Club members, staff, and communities, made possible by the incredible support of the Skylight Foundation. Here’s to carrying the spirit of kindness with us throughout 2025 and beyond.

A huge thank you to the amazing staff at Amgen for making this holiday season unforgettable for the members of the Reiter Family Youth Center at the John C. Zarazoga Community Center! Amgen staff went above and beyond, fulfilling wish lists from our members and providing gifts for them to open on Christmas Day. They even thought of the younger siblings, ensuring that everyone was included. Their generosity brought joy and light to so many this season. A special shout-out to Bryan and Lorraine MacDonald for ensuring Mr. and Mrs. Claus could be there to deliver the gifts with extra holiday cheer! 

This week, Ventura County's agriculture community united for an incredible evening in support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme. Thanks to their extraordinary generosity, we can continue nurturing the dreams of children from farmworker families, providing them with opportunities to thrive and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant community. A heartfelt thank you to Driscoll's, TriCal, Inc., and the VENTURA COUNTY AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION for your collaboration and commitment to creating a brighter future for all! Together, we are truly making a lasting impact. 

Thank You for Making the 34th Annual Donald K. Facciano Kids Auction & Gala a Record-Breaking Success! Your generosity raised over $542,000 (and counting!). Because of you, we can reach even more youth with high-quality programs that inspire, educate, and empower. Your support truly makes a difference in their lives and in our community. Here is a sneak peek of the evening's photos: https://lnkd.in/gFnE9Eq5. Stay tuned for the full album in the coming weeks. Special shout out to our fabulous emcee, Celina Zacarias, our amazing auctioneer, Jim Jungers, the presenting sponsor for the evening, Alexander of Oxnard, the Gene Haas Foundation for an incredible $100,000 Sponsor-A-Youth match, and our extraordinary CEO, Erin Antrim, who celebrated 20 years with BGCOP this year. Can’t wait to see you all again next year as we aim even higher together!