Inside the Club - September 2026 Newsletter
A new school year is upon us, and we are stepping into it full of hope and big possibilities — all thanks to YOU!
Take a look at how we wrapped up an action-packed August, expanded our reach, preparing for our Day of the Girl event, and put a spotlight on our new Director of Program Services for Scholarship Prep.
Did You See?
Photos From Around the Club
From our Teens traveling across the country to the start of the new school year, we’ve been busy. Take a look at pictures from around the club.
Summit for America’s Youth: Four of our amazing teens attended the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s annual advocacy event to speak up on the big issues impacting today's youth and meet our policymakers! They presented their TLC project—a podcast diving into the real struggles of growing up. We couldn't be prouder to see them taking the mic and leading the conversation.
Here We Go Again: It’s the beginning of the new school year and our sites are overflowing with excitement. We are working to make sure that every kid feels supported academically, emotionally and socially. Whether they are planting seeds with the garden club or chasing down a soccer ball, we want to ensure they have a cool space to learn new skills and make friends.
Growing our Village Since 1967
We’ve officially expanded to 67 sites, reaching more than 9,000 kids across San Bernardino, Riverside, Redlands, and now our brand-new Scholarship Prep locations!
TBut did you know that the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Redlands-Riverside (BGCGRR) started out with just two locations in the Inland Empire? Our chief operating officer Montrice Lasley-Shabete remembers when we only had the Hansberger Clubhouse and a single site in San Bernardino.
Since 1967, our goal has always been to create safe, welcoming spaces where kids can grow, learn, and thrive. From Kindergarten all the way through high school, we’re here to provide academic help, enriching activities, fitness, and mentorship.
Of course, we couldn’t do any of this alone. By teaming up with local school districts, community partners, and incredible parents, we’ve been able to adapt and support the real-time needs of our neighborhoods.
“A lot of people don’t know the impact that we have on our community,” Montrice said. “It takes a village, so we deeply value the partnerships we’ve made. We are always open and willing to partner with anyone that will listen so that we can reach more youth and serve the whole child.”
By giving our kids a safe, inspiring place to go after school to go after school, parents get piece of mind while at work, and our youth get the tools they need for lifelong success.
Thank you to our parents, staff, and families for being part of our village as we continue to grow together!
Carmen Trujillo Leads with Heart
There are moments in our lives where we think we have it all figured out — then things take a turn and we end up right where we are meant to be. That is exactly how Carmen Trujillo became such an important part of the BGCGRR team!
Carmen recently stepped into her role as the Director of Program Services for our Scholarship Prep sites and while she’s only been in this position for two months, she has been dedicated to this organization for nearly a decade.
Her journey with us began in 2017 when she was fresh out of retail and looking for a career change. She took a job as a Youth Development Specialist (YDS) at Madison Elementary in Riverside. What she thought might be a quick stop turned into a transformative passion.
“I ended up liking the kids so much that I changed my major,” Carmen said.
As the oldest daughter in a big family, she always loved working with kids but didn’t realize it could be her calling until she stepped into the program. Carmen was originally planning to open her own daycare, earning her associate degree from Riverside City College, but the Club’s holistic approach to supporting kids won her over.
“I saw how the Club was providing kids with the space to develop themselves academically and socially,” she said. “Ultimately, I want to capture those students that need extra support so that we set them up for success — and that’s what we do here.”
Over the years, Carmen moved from YDS to Site Lead. She spent time learning the ins and outs of our Riverside locations and then excelled as Program Service Manager for four years where she managed a massive team of 190 staff members. Now in her new role over Upland and Riverside Scholarship Prep sites, she leads a team of 40, building a strong foundation and designing programming that will positively impact our kids.
For Carmen, this work is personal — she remembers wishing for programs like the Boys & Girls Club. Today, she uses her own lived experiences to ensure our kids get the academic and social support they need.
“Seeing the staff on site leading the children and witnessing them thrive, brings me so much joy and fulfillment,” Carmen said.
We are deeply grateful for Carmen’s heart and leadership — this promotion is well deserved!
From the I.E. to the Capitol
Our kids just showed the nation what happens when young people come together and speak up!
For three years running, we’ve taken our youth to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Summit for America’s Youth (SAY) an annual advocacy event where teens step up to speak on the big issues impacting today's youth and meet face-to-face with policymakers. Thanks to expanded support from our Think Learn Create Change (TLC) grant, our delegation keeps growing—and we brought four incredible teens on this year's trip!
While at the summit, our teens stepped way outside their comfort zones, took the mic, and presented their project directly to BGCA national staff: the Growing Panes Podcast. Created by teens, for teens, the podcast dives into the real-world struggles of growing up and brings forward the issues our youth are most passionate about.
It was an inspiring week of building each other up, connecting with like-minded youth, and proving that our kids don't have to wait until they're older to make a real difference.
“It was inspiring to be there,” said Teresa Medina, our Director of Operations. “All of our teens took so much away from this experience. It left them motivated and ready to accomplish anything they set their minds to.”
We could not be prouder to watch these future leaders branch out, find their voice, and show everyone what happens when youth are given the space to lead!
Invest in the Next Generation
Big dreams take a village, and you and your friends can make it happen for a girl in need!
This International Day of the Girl, you can help us remove barriers and opening doors with this life-changing event. We’re connecting young girls with local, influential women leaders to give them the mentorship, tools, and confidence to dream bigger. When a girl gets the platform to ask questions and envision her possibilities, she gains the tools to lead.
Team up with your friends to make a direct impact:
Sponsor a Girl Together: Gather 5 of your friends, chip in $10 each, and fully sponsor one girl’s spot.
Go Bigger: You and your friends can each chip in $50 to sponsor six girls!
Help give young women the space and the resources to build a greater future. Grab your friends and chip in today.
Coming up at the Clubhouse
Day for Kids
Join us in this FREE, carnival-style celebration, complete with delicious food, music, entertainment, fun activities, and a fantastic resource fair.
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 10am - 2pm
Day of the Girl
Celebrate International Day of the Girl and invest in the next generation of female leaders with this mentorship event that connects girls with local influential women from across industries.
Wednesday, Oct. 14
Family Dinner
Family Dinners bring Club families together to share healthy, delicious meals while learning simple ways to support children’s well-being.
Friday, Oct. 23
As this new season begins, we are thrilled to walk alongside our kids on their paths to greater futures. We have so many incredible things in store for the months ahead and I can’t wait for you to see it!
Our doors are always open. Grab a spot at one of our upcoming events — become a mentor at Day of the Girl, check out Day of the Kids or secure a tour around our Hansberger Clubhouse. Your support gives our staff, families, and youth the tools to keep growing.
Thank you for being such a vital part of our community!
Warmly,
Michael Wells
Chief Executive Officer