Laguna Beach Boys & Girls Club Welcomes A U.S. Representative, State Senator

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — U.S. Representative Dave Min and California State Senator Tony Strickland were recently welcomed to the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, Canyon Branch. The officials met with Club leadership, staff, and Club members, and toured the facility to witness firsthand the organization's impact on youth and families throughout Laguna Beach and Saddleback Valley.

"The visits were part of Representative Min's and Senator Strickland's continued efforts to maintain strong relationships with the communities they represent and gain firsthand insight into the organizations serving local children and families," a spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Club told Patch.

Leadership highlighted how the club provides safe, supportive spaces where young people can build confidence, develop new skills and reach their full potential through academic support, enrichment programs, sports, leadership development, and mentorship.

Representative Min held discussions focused on the Club's nearly 75-year commitment to providing young people with caring mentors and meaningful opportunities.

"During his visit, Club members had the opportunity to ask questions about public service and learn more about the role elected officials play in serving their communities," said Pamela Estes, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach.

Senator Strickland's visit focused on the importance of State’s commitment to the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) funding and legislative priorities that support high-quality mentoring programs for California's youth.

Club leadership also discussed opportunities to strengthen investments in programs that give youth the chance to develop healthy interpersonal connections with each other and with caring adults in real life, rather than virtually on-screen.

"Whether it is learning more about our need to renovate our gym, the important role play has in a child’s wholistic development, or that programs like ours are the antidote to many of kid’s mental health issues (especially those resulting from the social media rabbit hole), it is up to all of us, together, to give kids the spaces, relationships, and experiences they need to flourish," Estes said. "Both Senator Strickland and Representative Min are awesome advocates for the health and well-being of young people. We are extremely grateful for their leadership and representation!"

For nearly 75 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach has been dedicated to inspiring and enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible members of society. Through quality programs and meaningful relationships, the Club continues to help young people thrive throughout Laguna Beach and Saddleback Valley.

The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach extends its appreciation to Representative Dave Min and Senator Tony Strickland for visiting the Canyon Branch, engaging with Club members, and taking the time to learn about the organization's mission, programs, and lasting impact on the local community.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, including how to support our programs or schedule a tour, please visit www.bgclagunabeach.org or contact Monica McDade at (949) 715-7929 or MonicaM@bgclaguna.org.