A challenging time stacked upon another challenging time.

Dear Members,

We understand the confusing and frustrating feelings you may be experiencing. It is easy to tell yourself that you are alone with your feelings, that you are wrong for your beliefs, or that you don't belong because of someone else's prejudice. But the truth is, we all have an important and valuable perspective on our current social environment. Your Boys & Girls Club family is here for you when you feel that the world around you can not provide peace, understanding, and the platform needed to vocalize yourself.

As we move our focus from responding to a pandemic emergency to addressing inequality and the fear that many black and minority youth are facing, we want you to know that our entire team of staff and volunteers believe in you. We understand how important it is to help you write your great futures story. And, while we have always stood on and will continue to stand on the core beliefs that great futures are within reach of all kids and teens- we also know that we must move the needle of injustice in the direction of empowering all members to embrace diverse relationships.

That is why we are introducing our new promise to you, one that builds upon our foundational beliefs and encourages you to seek out your own individual purpose.

We promise to reenergize our commitment to provide a positive environment for you to  "Live the D.R.E.A.M.”  embracing the philosophy that " Diverse Relationships Empower All Members ". The  D.R.E.A.M.  tells you, who feel alone, that you are seen. You, who feel silenced, you are heard. You, who feel like you have made too many mistakes, that you are able to learn from them. You who feel undervalued, that you have something to offer. The  D.R.E.A.M.  reminds us all that we are equal regardless of our backgrounds and gives us the feeling of being valued as individuals while belonging to something that is bigger than us all.

Know this...that during this time there will be difficulties, but you are the light we are looking for. The  D.R.E.A.M.  invites you to forgive, to be a friend, to stand up for something, and to live your youth comfortable in your own identity. 

You have the power to make a difference in this world, and we are here to help you accomplish it.

Sincerely,

Your Family at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley