Winter Impact Magazine '22

Impact

OUR KIDS, OUR STORIES, OUR COMMUNITY

WINTER 2022

To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

From the Executive Director,

I hope this letter finds you well, and that you are experiencing the magic of spring in your own way. As the weather warms up and the flowers start to bloom, I am reminded of the joy and wonder that spring brings to children in Napa Valley. There is something magical about this time of year, when everything feels new and full of possibility. From the bright colors of the mustard flowers to the smell of dark earth after rain, there is so much to see, taste, and experience during this season. As a child in Napa Valley, there is no better time to connect with the natural world around us. In short, spring is a time of renewal, growth, and adventure for children in Napa Valley. It's a time to connect with the beauty and wonder of the world around them, and to appreciate all the gifts that nature has to offer, but more than all of this, Spring is the time of deep puddles, explosive joy and broad smiles. I remember what it was like, after weeks of rain with kids, who had become a little wild, standing under the eves gazing upon the playground. The clouds broke that afternoon, soaking the playground in sun in addition to the rain. I remember the wonderful chaos as the kids and yes, staff, exploded in a wave to run and jump in puddles– smiling, laughing, and damp. As a kid, I was always scolded when I jumped in puddles and just that morning I had caught myself grinning like a maniac as I plowed through the puddles in my car... As I stood there watching kids lay down in the wet fields I realized that I loved the rain in youth and that I love the rain with age. And while, in that moment, the right call would have been to keep them inside- to keep them dry- I chose to smile at my fellow puddle jumpers because sometimes the sweetest things happen to be the simplest ones.

As you know, none of this would be possible with you and your continued support. There isn’t a person in the valley who does not directly or indirectly benefit by the

work of the Club. You might be a parent who relies on our services or you might rely on people who rely on us for care. You might have attended our programs as a child or you might attend them now as a volunteer. You might be, right now, drying off from your own spring time adventure. I am thrilled that of the many worthy causes you support, the Napa Valley Community continues to say “YES” to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley.

Thank you for continuing to help us as we inject joy, authenticity, and engagement into the lives of Napa and American Canyon youth!

Greg

Greg Bouillerce Executive Director

Bouillerce

Here is Liam who came ready for the day dressed as someone who would like to be a video game tester. Members shared what career they would like to pursue for their future. He wanted to be a tester for games such as Pokémon, Minecraft, and any new games that are surfacing and in development!"

At the Napa Clubhouse, members played one of their favorite games, Who Done It? The circle was filled with laughter, joy, and teamwork! The kids each time would shout in awe an amusement as the key player was revealed at the end of each round.

Each morning Canyon Oaks members spend time journaling questions of the day. One member answered the prompt “What makes you smile?” with “My family, my friends, and Free Play. Also CHRISTMAS and the Boys and Girls Club!” Another prompt was “What’s the best day of the week?” Someone answered, “I think the best day of the week is Wednesday because I love the Addams family and Wednesday is my favorite character.” It’s been enjoyable being able to see all the different ways our kids think.

NVLA Kindergarteners have been working on their Fine Arts skills. Members worked on these Bubblegum Selfies using a variety of materials and followed along with their staff Judith.

Who we Serve: If we were to consider all of the youth attending the Club, their age, household, economic status, and time spent in our programs and condense it into ONE story here is how that would read: The typical member at the Boys & Girls Club lives and attends school in Napa. They live in a family of four with a sibling who likely also attends the Club and parents who work full-time. Collectively their household earns less than $80,000/year. They live in a home that is rented jointly by family or friends. Despite shared resources, money is tight and this often disrupts basic needs like nutrition & housing. As a result, their parents often work multiple jobs and rely on the Club for care when school isn’t in session.

The average household income of members attending the Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley is 80k/year!

If you were to summarize the average Club member’s entire year (after school, Spring, Summer, and Winter breaks into one 24 hour period here is how that time would be allotted.

Club School

If you were to take all the children attending afterschool programs in the county of Napa and combine them into a village of 100… 67 of them attend the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley. 18 of them attend programs run by Napa County. 15 of them attend other programs.

With representation from every major ethnic group the Club is more diverse than the whole of Napa County 52% of which is populated by individuals of Caucasian descent and 38% by individuals of Hispanic descent. –US Census

If we apply the median Household income in Napa to the typical family we serve, of their $7,000 monthly income, $6,500 goes to basic needs like Housing, Transportation, Utilities, Groceries; leaving just $500 to spend on other essentials like child care. 70% of the households we serve live below this income threshold and receive full scholarships to attend the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley.

Join us on a journey through the winter season at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley! In this montage video, you'll see photos of children engaged in various activities such as cooking, coding, basketball, dance, and much more. Our dedicated staff has been working tirelessly to create a safe and supportive environment for all of our children. So sit back, relax, and enjoy as we showcase the incredible winter season at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing more amazing moments with you in the future.

Want to learn more about the 12 locations operated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley? Dive into our “our locations” section of our website to get site specific information and a map of all the sites we operate! Just follow the QR Code to the right or click: !

Seven years ago, in the summer of 2016, my sisters and I moved from Florida to California. Moving to a new state, we felt out of place and we didn't know what our future life would be like. Our grandmother decided to enroll us in Boys & Girls Club so we could make new friends, get to know the area, and meet people we would be going to school with. Our family depended on the Club to help us adapt. Not only did the Boys & Girls club live up to expectations, but it exceeded them. My first day at Boys & Girls Club was impactful in such a positive way. When I first walked in, I was absolutely awed by all the activities to choose from and all the people I saw. I remember being excited to try playing on the foosball table, do art and watch a movie. We had a water balloon fight, played dodgeball, and got otter pops. For someone just making a huge move from another state, having a place to have fun and get my mind off so much change was important and it's something I'm still grateful for till this day.

Boys & Girls Club have fun activities for me to participate in on my first day there, but over time, I had the chance to do far more. This past summer, I was given the opportunity to go to Camp Mendocino as a part of the Boys & Girls Club. At first, I wasn't sure if I should go because I wanted to prepare for my first year of high school and I didn't know if I was going to have any fun, but in the end I realized what an experience it was. While I was at camp, I made numerous friends that I still talk to today, and I got the chance to participate in a variety of new activities. I got to go swimming in a lake, zipline, climb rock walls, make s'mores around a campfire, and so much more. The amount of spirit and pure happiness that everyone demonstrated at camp was literally indescribable. The counselors at camp had so much energy and they built my confidence up significantly over the time I was there. At the end of my week, I was able to win the music award and earn my green sea, an award for my leadership, growth, and open positivity towards other campers. The counselors even pointed out that when I first arrived at camp, I was a shy, timid girl that was scared to even talk to them, but at the end of the week, I knew everyone's name and was shouting out cheers during community time.

My most impactful day at Boys & Girls Club was when I watched everyone put together the winter showcase in fourth grade, because it was the first time I felt pride and

included thanks to such a welcoming community. I loved watching the kindergarteners sing and watching my friends dance and perform skits. The staff made it hilarious when they went around singing "A Partridge in a Pear Tree" with a ton of props. Afterwards, we had a potluck with food brought from everyone's families. The best way for me to describe this experience is to say that it felt like being with family. Everyone talks about having "core memories" in their life, and if I had to choose a memory, the day of that winter showcase is at the forefront of my mind.

Boys & Girls Club has helped me build my leadership skills and has provided me with the advice and knowledge I need to progress in life. In elementary and middle school, I joined the smart girls program, which has taught me about women's history and health. In eighth grade, I became a part of the junior staff, a position that gave me more responsibility and taught me how to manage my time. I remember having staff that challenged me to read books that were higher than my lexile level and at one point, I was given lessons on resume building. All of these smaller aspects of my Boys & Girls Club experience have helped me grow and positively impacted my future. While the Boys & Girls Club has definitely had an upstanding impact on me, nothing I've accomplished today as a part of BGC could have been done without the support and assistance of its staff. One staff in particular has had an astounding impact on me, and he's a prime example of the importance of having encouraging and understanding adults in an adolescent's life. When covid hit a few years ago, a select amount of kids still attended Boys & Girls Club while doing online school, and I was one of them. At this time, we were all afraid of getting sick, or unsure how we were going to manage going to school over zoom. However, a staff named Jacob was in charge of managing the middle schoolers and he was empathetic of our situation. He made it his goal to take our unfortunate situation and turn it into something better. Everyday, he planned new activities for our group to try out. He took everyone's interests into consideration, and talked to us when he could so everyone felt included. Many others were unfortunately forced to stay cooped up at home, but we got to go outside everyday and play group games. He kept our creativity and social skills alive. He showed me what a good leader looks like and inspired me to be the same way.

As of now, I come to the Boys & Girls Club as a highschooler to give back. The Club and its staff has given me numerous opportunities and it's become a constant in my life I can depend on. I've met both of my best friends at Boys & Girls Club, and my memories are irreplaceable. Over the span of seven years, I've seen many staff come and go, but they all teach me something new, and leave a positive impact on the place. The club has improved my confidence, leadership skills, knowledge, but most importantly, my life.

Dear people who love the club , I wanted to wish you a Happy Valentines Day and say thank you for all that you do to help us. You make it possible for me and other kids like me to have a safe and fun place to go after school.

Thanks to you, I have get to do things like art. Yesterday I drew a picture of my family and our new dog. I have made new friends, done lots of new things, and had a lot of fun.

So on this Valentimes Day, I want you to know how much this place and you means to me. Thank you for caring about me. Thank you for believing in me.

Thank you again for your support and Happy Valentines Day!

What is the purpose of building a large company if not to invest in the world around you. That principal is what stands out in our continued partnership with ZD Wines. Napa Valley is a very special place but its also a place where stark problems exist with important work needed to address them. ZD and the Deleuz Family have focused their efforts behind creating a bridge for teens to step into great futures and have mobilized their business in many ways to elevate the work of the Boys & Girls Club to that end. They’re in good company, with many vintners supporting our efforts but they’re an inspiring example of how invested they are personally in the work of the Club in the form of funding from events like the Harvest Celebration and Crush Challenge. To gifts that help expand our teen services. To weekly drop offs of healthy snacks for teens to enjoy while they’re here. What’s most remarkable about this is that they don’t wait for times that are convenient. They show up, regardless of the weather, the economy, or in the midst of their own struggles. They’ve made this work a core part of their business model and that is truly exceptional.

What would you do with a million dollars? For those who play the lottery it’s a common and exciting question. Unfortunately for those lucky enough to hit the jackpot, what begins as an unmitigated windfall often ends poorly. Perhaps this is why so many funders look at unrestricted grants as a risky proposition, but in actuality, the impact of consistent, reliable, unrestricted funding on Non Profit Organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley result in healthier organizations that actively make deeper and more meaningful investments in the community. This type of funding quite literally elevates everything non profits do.

Despite their importance, funding for non-profits often comes with restrictions that limit their effectiveness. There is a growing movement in philanthropy that advocates for more unrestricted grants, where donors provide large sums of money without restrictions and trust the non-profits to use them effectively. However, this practice is still uncommon as it is considered risky by many donors.

Recent research by the Center for Effective Philanthropy and Panorama Global examined the impact of unrestricted grants on a number of organizations that received unrestricted grants from the MacKenzie Scott Foundation and found that the effects were "dramatically and profoundly positive." In conjunction with this analysis, the Ballmer Group also made large unrestricted grants to 21 US based non-profits as a case study to identify the benefits or potential hazards of unrestricted funding. These grants were disbursed evenly over five years, and grantees were told there was a possibility of renewal. The funds from the grants were used to strengthen the organizations, invest in their programs, and build resilience, which created conditions that optimized the granted organizations allowing for deeper and far reaching impact on a much larger scale.

Leaders from 18 of the Ballmer Group grantees were interviewed, and public data was analyzed for all 21 to understand their experience over the initial five-year grant period. The funds from the grants created space for leaders to lead, built morale within the organizations, allowed for re-granting or other forms of collaboration across the broader field, and served as a "vote of confidence" in conversations with other donors.

Investing in operational supports as well as programs was found to be imperative to creating healthy organizations capable of delivering the impact they set out to achieve. In other words, while it might be exciting to launch a new stem lab, the lights still need to work and the toilets still need to flush and over emphasizing the former over the latter can lead to dire and smelly circumstances. As to the case study grantees, the funds were used to increase impact directly by providing growth capital for expansion, innovating on their model, particularly around digital delivery, and adding frontline staff. Nearly 90% of the grantees used funds to shore up foundational capabilities, such as measurement and learning, IT systems, and fundraising. Over 70% reported investing in organizational

resilience, as reflected in their average cash reserves, which increased from about 3.5 months in 2017 to 6.5 months in 2021.

The leaders of the organizations were unanimous in their positive experiences over the study. These experiences highlighted important themes regarding large, unrestricted grants, what they enable and, more importantly, stressed the limitations of more restrictive grantmaking practices. Key takeaways included the ability for organizations to invest in building their foundations as well as their programs. They built key efficiencies by allowing them to adapt and remain flexible to the needs of the community as they developed. Furthermore, these investments allowed them to refine their scope and vision, by providing bandwidth to focus on creating healthier organizations capable of delivering the impact they set out to achieve.

Great, but why is this relevant to Napa? While MacKenzie Scott doesn’t currently reside in Napa County, there are many local organizations who rely on an ever tightening unrestricted grant supply. The decline in this type of funding partially explains the growth of local event based fundraising and direct appeals but with every non-profit hosting an annual gala and mail boxes crammed with mailers that market too has become hyper competitive and, because of the costs associated with production, marketing, and orchestration the investment, inherently risky. The anxiety among nonprofits should come as no surprise then when local foundations which traditionally supply unrestricted sources of funding deviate from that practice. Especially in the wake of earthquakes, wild fires, and Covid, all of which require non profits to remain nimble and flexible to the needs of their communities in emergent situations.

Investing in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley, among others, through unrestricted grants is an effective way to ensure that they can continue to provide safe and supportive environments for children. The unrestricted nature of these grants allows the organization to invest in building their foundations as well as their programs and gives them the flexibility required to navigate dynamic and rapidly changing circumstances faced by our community. This is crucial for an organization like the Club, which relies heavily on community support to continue its work.

Lastly, investing in the Boys & Girls Club through unrestricted grants establishes trust in their priorities and capacity as an agency. With over 65 years as an independent agency and tens of thousands of youth served over that time they are experts in their field and supported by passionate professionals who are committed to making a difference for kids, families, and the Napa Valley community at large.

Are you, your foundation, or your business interested in exploring unrestricted funding? Contact us at Info@begreatnv.org to learn more about how the Club has leveraged these gifts previously and our track record of success!

Thirteen officers and enlisted personnel from the United States Air Force and the United States Space Force came to visit with members from Unidos and Redwood Middle Schools this February! Our members had the opportunity to ask questions, speak one on one, and even had time to play ball with our guests after the event! Boys & Girls Clubs of America maintains a strong relationship with all branches of the armed forces by providing social recreation to the children of military families. In fact, a whole division of Boys & Girls Clubs is dedicated to serving Military kids on bases around the globe! Check out a snipped of their visit in the video below!

Are you ready to learn about or support events like the this one? Check out “Our Events” at BeGreatNV.org to see all of our Public, Private, and Fundraising events. Just use the QR code or click: !

The partnership between the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley and the Napa Chamber of Commerce is important for building stronger communities. Ask 100 people, why businesses exist and you’ll get a slew of answers but if you condense them you’ll find that the primary goal of a business is to make life better; better for customers, better for workers, better for everyone. Because they exist to make life better, there is a natural synergy with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley. That’s why connections with agencies like the Napa Chamber are so important to the success of agencies like the Boys & Girls Club. Our joint efforts, especially when they support each other, make everything better for everyone. As, executive director Greg Bouillerce, said at the March Chamber Mixer “Our work touches yours in every way. From customers who can afford to buy local because of access to low cost care, to employees who can do their best work knowing their children are safe with us, to the next generation of workers who feel empowered because you’ve invested in them. Let’s change the world together.”

Want to learn more about the community campaign? Visit the “our community sponsors” section of our website to learn more! Just follow the QR Code to the right or click: !

Napa Valley’s longest running crab feed continued this year in an “At Home” format. The Napa Valley Crab feed, an event supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley, was successfully orchestrated as a dinner to go due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event raised $10,000, which will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs programs. The decision to hold a dinner to go ensured that the staff who are typically needed to run the live inperson event remained healthy and available to work with kids engaged in Boys & Girls Club programs. Overall, the event was a success and helped support a great cause while adapting to the current circumstances. Thanks to all who contributed!

Are you ready to learn about or support events like the this one? Check out “Our Events” at BeGreatNV.org to see all of our Public, Private, and Fundraising events. Just use the QR code or click: !

In 2020 the Club created an opportunity for local businesses to support our efforts and raised over $100,000 through the Business Campaign. As we exit the pandemic, we’re proud to transition this incredibly successful initiative to the Community Campaign. The Community Campaign allows local businesses to support and elevate specific community events offered by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley. The events are exciting with offerings like a Santa Train experience, our Halloween Carnivals, and specialized program events like our Iron Chef Jr. and March Madness programs. Check out the new Community Campaign website to see who has joined or even better participate yourself and keep these events free for kids!

Want to learn more about the community campaign? Visit the “our community sponsors” section of our website to learn more! Just follow the QR Code to the right or click: !

When you think about the Holiday Season, you probably don’t immediately think about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley, but maybe you should. Because of the support of the Community Campaign we were able to make it one heck of a holiday season for the thousands of kids and families attending or relying on our programs.

Do you love data? Do you want to know more about the kids who attend our clubs or how they feel about their experience here? Check out the “Our Impact” section of our website to learn more! Just follow the QR Code to the right or click: !

On Wednesday February 8th, Teen finalists from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley came together to speak to an audience of 300 people at the Uptown Theater in downtown Napa. Every year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley recognizes outstanding youth at an annual event called Youth of the Year. “This is one of the most anticipated night of the year for our organization,” said Jaime Gallegos, Director of Operations for the Club. “It’s a unique opportunity for us to celebrate our incredible youth and a chance for people to see firsthand how the Club impacts our local community.

Each year, thousands of Club teens across the nation participate in local, state, and regional Youth of the Year events. In Napa and American Canyon, each nominee spends weeks preparing to tell their story on stage but there’s a whole lot more than storytelling behind the program. Finalists draft a series of essays on the topics of their Club experience, what matters to them most, and overcoming obstacles. They interview with staff, mentors, and judges. They contribute hours of community services and collect letters of recommendation from people they respect. At the February 8th event, eight teen finalists had the opportunity to share their Club journey.

“I look forward to this event every year,” said Greg Bouillerce, Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley Executive Director, “its an incredible opportunity to give these youth agency and

the ability to talk about issues and stories that are important to them and to do it at one of the most beautiful theaters in Napa, the uptown, really gives energy to this moment of celebration.” This year’s event was sponsored by John and Michele Truchard and JAM Cellars who continue to support the Club creatively.

“I never saw myself as the kind of person who would be standing on this stage,” said Eduardo Coronado, “but the people at the Club did.”

“They helped me explore who I am,” said Mikayla Grogan, “without telling me who I should be.”

“At school I was constantly being compared to others and at home I was desperately trying to get others to understand me, I was different, ” said Miguel Rivera Medina, “and at the Club, they taught me that being different was ok”

“The Club was always safe and accepting,” continued Karlos Garduce, “and I knew that when I came out they would accept me too.”

“It (the Club) completely changed the path I would take,” said Jaime Sanchez, “they challenged me to reset my expectations and helped me seize new opportunities.”

“I proved to myself, and everyone around me that I’ve grown,” said Rachel Wu, “there’s so much more to me than what you see on the surface.”

I felt out of place, but because of (my time at) the Club I am not just making the most of my life, I’m making the most of each day,” said Melody Kondor.

“Like dancers we’re unique with individual movements but when we come together we can accomplish things we never could have alone,” said Dareydy Rojas.

“This is more than day care, this is family. This is the power of a place that all of the teens you’ve met tonight call a second home,” concluded Greg Bouillerce at the event.

At the end of the evening Dareydy Rojas, a graduating Senior at Vintage High School, was selected to advance to the next stage of the competition as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley’s 2023 Youth of the Year. “At the Club You don't walk alone. At the Club I am surrounded by people who show me who I am. I’m a leader, a problem solver, I may be small but I’m making a big impact,” said Dareydy Rojas 2023 Youth of the Year, who plans to attend college in the fall to study child development.

The Boys & Girls Club has released a video of the event which can be watched by visiting their website www.beGREATnv.org/events/yoy. Be sure to bring popcorn and a tissue box!

Parent reviews were resoundingly positive. In terms of areas to improve there were several key takeaways.

 Parents wanted more communication about upcoming activities, behavioral issues, and program enrollment.

 Parents wanted more community events and engagement at their individual site locations.

 Parents wanted to know more about how they could help support the Club.

Survey Question Average Response scale of 1:5

I would recommend the Club to other families.

My child looks forward to the after school program.

I am pleased with the quality of the after school program.

I feel my child is safe in the after school program.

The Club is important to my family's stability and success.

I get good value out of what I pay for this service.

Rate Your Club Experience Overall

I'm so thankful to have affordable, quality after-school care at the school site. This allows both parents to work and support the family.

The Club provides an immense value to our family as we can work while we know our child is in a safe and engaging environment. The monthly rate helps greatly our family budget. Thank you for being here!

You have been a tremendous help- in addition to after school care- my child loves the Club. It is also a huge help to me that her homework is completed so that I actually have time to engage with her when we’re home. I could not do this without You! Thanks!

My kids love the program. They love the staff too. We rely on the program as my husband and I are unable to pick them up after school. We also love the activities they do and the exposure to so many fun things.

This is SAFE place for my child and it gives us peace of mind knowing she is with people who care.

It is very important because I don’t have a babysitter who I can trust. B &G is one of the only places where my kids feel secure.

It is important to us as a family to have an afterschool place for our little one, due to work and he can also mingle with friends in a safety, trustful and fun environment. Thank you SOO much for existing!

The Club is a huge blessing for my family. I can work and I don’t have to worry about my child. I know he is safe and cared for.

My daughter loves it there and always looks forward to attending the program daily. She does her homework at the Club. She loves socializing with her peers and enjoys all the art activities.

The Club is a great community service and helps out parents like me who cant afford care after school. They have done so well with my 3 kids, everyone is so nice and great and my kids learn allot from them.

Without the Club we have no idea what we would do with our younger children. The staffs help with their overall wellbeing, homework, and social skills allows us to focus on the parenting.

I don’t have someone to pick up my kids after school. Boys and Girls Club is a huge help for us. Thanks for everything you guys do to keep our children happy and help them grow.

Its important for me and my child, to my child on his socialization with others, homework, and fun activities. For me it's important because I have a secure place for my child after school. A place I know he loves.

As kids we are often taught to mind our manners. To say please and thankyou. To speak respectfully with our elders. Being polite is a core part of thriving in modern society, but reinforcing social expectations without a framework of kindness leads to adults who often remember to say “please” and “thank you” as a rule but fail to use these tools to invest in relationships upon which communities are built.

Politeness and kindness are often used interchangeably in our everyday conversations, but in reality, they are two distinct concepts with different implications. While politeness is focused on adhering to social norms and customs, kindness is centered on the genuine concern for others' well-being.

As parents and caregivers, it's crucial that we model kindness to our children. Kindness is a powerful force that can have a transformative impact on our relationships and society as a whole. When we prioritize kindness in our interactions, we create a culture of empathy, respect, and understanding.

Politeness may help us navigate social situations, but kindness is what truly connects us to one another. When we show kindness, we recognize that every person has inherent value and deserves to be treated with compassion and dignity. This is especially important for children, as they are still developing their sense of self and their place in the world.

When we model kindness for our children, we teach them how to be caring, empathetic, and inclusive. We show them that it's possible to disagree with someone while still treating them with respect and compassion. We also demonstrate that it's okay to make mistakes and apologize when we've hurt someone, and that forgiveness and understanding are essential components of healthy relationships.

In a world that can often be harsh and divided, kindness is a beacon of hope. It allows us to build bridges instead of walls, to see the humanity in others instead of their differences. When we prioritize kindness in our interactions with our children and with others, we create a better world for ourselves and future generations.

From the Boys & Girls Club perspective, family life depends on the strength of daily routines, which helps parents manage their children's behavior and builds the framework for their future. The Club encourages families to incorporate small, daily changes to cultivate kindness and compassion in children. Here are nine ways to raise kind kids:

1. Make time for an early morning pause: Wake up children half an hour earlier than necessary to allow for a slower pace, and share goals for the day. Tuning into the world around you can provide a sense of well-being, and research shows that teaching children

to think positively about themselves improves self-compassion and pro-social behavior.

2. Adopt empowering refrains: Encourage kind kids with phrases that are specific and honest. Children can detect insincerity, so it's important to use these phrases authentically.

3. Celebrate acts of kindness in a concrete way: Foster new habits and reach difficult goals by letting your family know that kindness and helping others is a priority. Try making a visual display with a Kindness Quilt printable or make time each day to ask, "Who did you help today?" and "Who helped you?"

4. Play together daily: Reserve a half-hour after dinner to play, which gives your family a chance to shed the day's stress and reset your minds and bodies for tomorrow. These moments of intentional joy will make it easier to share compassion tomorrow.

5. Add a recurring volunteer effort to the calendar: Regular volunteering with your child gives them a strong sense of empowerment and translates into the courage to stand up for others when social conflict arises.

6. Cut down on unsupervised weekday screen time: The most essential learning tool of childhood is play, and reducing screen time helps kids to be kids. Encourage children to climb trees, build epic Lego towers, and talk with siblings and neighbors.

7. Seek out one good news story to share each day: Research shows that alarming news stories can cause emotional depletion and a greater sense of apathy and cynicism. Sharing one good news story each day can help to counteract this negativity.

8. Model kindness: Parents should model kindness and compassion, as children learn best by example.

9. Make time for family traditions: Family traditions create a sense of belonging and make childhood memorable. They can be simple or elaborate, but the important thing is to make time for them.

The Boys & Girls Club believes that small, daily changes can have a big impact on cultivating kindness and compassion in children. That’s a core part of our strategy in our mission to connect kids to great futures. And these practices can help to create a positive and supportive family environment.

Edwardo Coronado had a lot to say about the Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley as he reflected on his 11 years spent with the program. Edwardo is a junior at Napa High School and has been attending the Club since he was in second grade. He enjoys the Club's teen programs because they provide a safe and supportive environment for him to socialize with his peers, learn new skills, and participate in community service projects. He also appreciates the Club's academic support, which has helped him improve his grades and get on track for college. Overall, Edwardo credits the Club with helping him develop into a responsible, caring, and ambitious young adult. Great job Eddie!

Are you ready to learn about or support events like the this one? Check out “Our Events” at BeGreatNV.org to see all of our Public, Private, and Fundraising events. Just use the QR code or click: !

We are organizing auction items to raise funds for our programs and services, and would like to invite you to donate wine, items, and experiences for the 2023 UnGala! We are hoping to gather a diverse range of wines from local vineyards and beyond which we will then combine into one massive instant wine cellar! Whether it's a bottle from your personal collection or a contribution from a winery that you know or work with, we would be grateful for any support you can offer.

All proceeds from the auction will go directly towards supporting our programs and services. For reference, last years event brought in over $600,000 that directly supported families in Napa and American Canyon.

Note: DO NOT BRING WINE TO A SCHOOL CAMPUS LOCATION!

To donate please click the appropriate button below to download/complete a donation form and bring it along with your donation to:

Accendo Cellars

Lauren Ackerman

Dale Acomb

Jose Luis Aguilar

Carlos Aguilera

Luis Alcazar

Patrica Andry Jennings

Jason Anglin

Greg Araujo

Jamie Atkinson

Angelica Ayala

Luanne Ayala

Maria Baldwin

Kristi Banducci

Bank of America, Napa

Bank of Marin

Bruce Barge

Jonah Beer

Christina Bell

Greg Bennett

Ed Berruezo

Greg Betty

Marisol Bogarin

Flavia Bortulin

Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe

Brennan Family Charitable Fund

Don Brumley

James Buchanan

Susan Burchill

Betty Jane Butler

Julie Cabiling

Michael Cafaro

Jamie Cepernich

casey chambers

Charities Aid Foundation America

Laura Clark

C-Line Express

Jim Close

ColeBreit Engineering

Cole's Chop House

Comcast

Francis Connelly

Christopher Cooney

John Cordeiro

Kevin Corley

Ryan Corro

Natalie Cronshaw

Chris Crosby

Crown Hill Stone Supply

Anson Dagostino

Michele Dahlberg

Suchi Dasika

Loren Dean

Ken DeJarnette

Brandon deLeuze

Natalie deLeuze

Kelly Denny

Michael Depatie

Tai DiMaio

Eduardo Dingler

Domaine Chandon - USA

Ricardo Dominguez

Don & Sally Clark Foundation

Donate For Charity Inc.

Anonymous Donor

Milt Douglass

Rich Dubiel

Susan Duke

John Dunbar

Tom Durante

Dutch Bros Coffee

E M Downer Foundation

Shelly Eden

Gisell Escobedo

Escrip

Martha Espitia

Sue Farrell

Vincent Fath

Fidelity Brokerage Services

LLC

Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

First American Title Company of Napa

Amanda Frances Fisher

Leo Flores

Brendon Freeman

Frontstream

Fuller-Aguilera Insurance Agency

Linsey Gallagher

Lon Gallagher

Haydee Garcia

April Gargiulo

Lisa Giaramita

Troy Gittings

Michael Glover

Carrie Buchanan Goodman

Gabrielle Greenblatt

Catherine Griffin

Katie Griffin

Grant Gumm

Shawn Guttersen

Susan Guzenske

Marcia Hadeler

Rachel Hall

Micki Alise Hambro

Hammond Blessed 25th

Hansen & Miller Law Firm

Jeri Hansen

Nikolas Harding

Deja Harrington

Elizabeth Healy

Adam Hersly

Kevin and Debra Hight

Sandy Hinds

Aileen Hom

Horne Services

Erika Hurtado-Ponce

Sandra Ilsley

Jane Inch

Maché Indelicato

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #180

Susan Johnson

Joseph D. & Portia A. Catania Family Trust

Kayla Kahl

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc.

Kaiser Permanente

Michael Kalifeh

Jeni Kandel

Kappmeyer-Isaacs Charitable Fund

Jonathan Karpuk

Phyllis Kleid

Jacob Langfelder

Allison Lawler

Patricia Lawrence

Anna Lewis

Jessica Lim

Hugh Linn

Bryan Lipa

Grant Long

Manny Lopez

Miguel Luna

Lux Productions

Leonidez F Manansala

Michael Mandanis

Evelyn Manigault

Marriott Napa Valley Hotel and Spa

Benjamin Martinez

Christine Matulich

Christina Mauricio

Rebecca May

Willa McManmon

David Mendoza

Melanie Merriam

Donna Hall Mertz

Jack Messman

Ana Montanez

Cynthia Moore

Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding

Trust

Brandt Mori

John Moser

Anne Moses

MUFG Union Bank Foundation

Michael Murray

Napa Recycling & Waste Services, LLC

Napa Sunrise Rotary Club

Napa Valley Community Foundation

Napa Valley Lodge

Napa Valley Wine Train

Bernie Narvaez

Kim Nicol

Chris Nicola

Cindy Nicola

Steve Nielsen

Adam Nordin

NPT Charitable Trust

Gail Orme

Oscar Ortiz

Sharon Parda

Heidi Paul

Alfredo Pedroza

Rene Pedroza

Steve Perry

Christy Pestoni

Peter A. & Vernice H. Gasser Founda-

tion

William Phelps

Jacquelyn Pio Roda

Sharon Pittman

Lena Pollastro

Jim Potter

Linda Price

Caroline Puiggali

Peter Read

Redwood Credit Union

Heather Richins

Sean Ring

Melynnie Rizvi

Robert Lee Hudson Foundation

Karina Rodriguez Blanco

Connie Roldan

Leslie Rota

RSA+

Kenyon Rupnik

Raeme Russ

Ryder Homes of California, Inc.

Jay Ryder

Salesforce.com Foundation

George Schisler Jr.

Schwab Charitable Fund

Mary Segui

David Sereda

Charles Shinnamon

Katherine Silva

Silverado Resort & Spa

Jonathan Slater

Joshua Slater

Tammy Smith

Tara Smith

Stacy Soberalski Hersly

David Spangenberg

St. Johns Lutheran Church

Rachel Stern

Ryan Stiefvater

Peter Stoppello

Steven Stull

Emma Swain

Szutkowski Family

Lise Tarner

Shawna Terry

The Benevity Community Impact Fund

The deLeuze Family Charitable Foundation

The Doctors Management Company

The Leary Family Trust

The Lewis Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation

The Table

Judy Thomas

Tiffany Iverson, LMF

Douglas Tomson

Robert Torres

Suzanne Truchard

United Way California Capital Region

United Way of the Bay Area

United Way of the Wine Country

Margaret Valenzuela

Eduardo Vargas

VGC, LLP

Elizabeth Vianna

Maria Villalpando

Vintage Wealth Advisors

Dana Vivier

Vollmer Family Foundation

Cory Wagner

Chris Walden

Melissa Walden

Rhonda Walker

Steve Walker

Todd Walker

Maureen Wan

Gray Wanless

Bertha Watson

Kathie Weis

Westamerica Bank

Deborah Wheeler

Whole Foods Market

Regan Wiese

Curtis Wilhelm

Willowbrook Social Committee

Erin Wolf

DEREK WONG

Natalie Wren

Stephanie Wyss

YourCause, LLC

Carol Louise Yurek

Kecia Zaremba

Nickie Zeller

There are many organizations that deserve your support and like them we are rich in stories and data. Here are snapshots of what we’ve been up to over the last year. Read Now: https://beGREATnv.org/ourimpact/