Our Mission
"To enable all young people, especially, those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens."
Soul of the Club
Afterschool programs are a critical resource for working families, ensuring that children are safe and have access to tutoring and positive influences. For every child in California enrolled in an afterschool program, there are three children waiting to get in. Santa Barbara County has the third highest poverty rate in the state, and this shortage of afterschool programs hits working families the hardest. United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County is working to solve this problem by giving over 5,000 youth members access to tutoring, sports and mentoring throughout the year. This is the story of three of our remarkable kids:
Boys & Girls Clubs are essential for Juan, Vivian, and Jason Padilla, who have been part of UBGC from a young age. Whether they’re going to the Saturday program, meeting with tutors, or playing soccer, the Padillas are always staying busy at the Boys & Girls Club. Even during the pandemic, the Padillas visited almost every day from 8am to 5pm to attend their Zoom classes, finish homework, and be part of afterschool programs.
All three siblings regularly ask for help with their homework during Power Hour tutoring and are fierce competitors on the soccer field. Juan is thriving as a new member of the teen program, Vivian enjoys creative projects and experimenting with music in Notes for Notes, and Jason is a force to be reckoned with in the games room, especially at the bumper pool table.
"The club has been helping me out for years. All three of my kids have been coming here since they were in kindergarten and Juan, the oldest, is now in 7th grade," their mother Tisha said. The kids all love visiting the UBGC creative programs and sports, but what Tisha and most parents appreciate most is the afterschool homework help. With tutoring and mentoring programs, young people can stay on track in school, develop goals and a drive to succeed, and pursue their inherent talents.
Quality afterschool programs and success stories are only possible with support from our community. You can make a big difference today with your donation and help build better futures for local children who need us most.