Transformative New Clubhouse Opens for Youth in Oxnard and Port Hueneme

Celebrating a New Era for Youth in Oxnard and Port Hueneme

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme (BGCOP) proudly announces the opening of the newly transformed Premier America Club, marking a significant milestone in youth development within the local community. This momentous occasion not only showcases a beautiful new facility but also symbolizes hope, collaboration, and a commitment to the future of our children.

For over six decades, BGCOP has played a pivotal role in enriching the lives of young people, providing them with access to quality programs that foster personal growth and development. The Club, which consolidated its operations in 1997, focuses on enabling youth to reach their full potential through artistic pursuits, educational initiatives, and character-building activities.

The recent renovation was spearheaded by Erin Antrim, CEO of BGCOP, as part of the ambitious $6 million “Believe in Our Next Generation” campaign. Antrim's efforts have been critical in enhancing the organization's reach, expanding from 16 to 21 locations and significantly increasing the annual operating budget by more than $4 million. Her unwavering passion for supporting at-risk youth has driven these transformative changes.

The ribbon-cutting event is scheduled for April 16 at 4 PM PT at the Club's new location at 590 E. Pleasant Valley Road, Port Hueneme, CA. The $3 million renovation realized through the campaign illustrates BGCOP's commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for its members. Major funding was supported by the Gene Haas Foundation alongside a generous $1 million contribution from the Premier America Foundation, which reflects their dedication to community upliftment and youth empowerment.

“In collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs, we are creating lasting opportunities for youth in Ventura County,” stated Alex Gallardo, Vice President of Community Impact and Financial Wellness at Premier America. This partnership will foster a more vibrant community through wellness and educational resources.

The revamped Clubhouse features state-of-the-art facilities, including:

- A cutting-edge eSports lab
- A dedicated podcast station
- A STEAM lab for educational exploration
- An outdoor playground designed for recreation
- An upgraded computer lab supporting technology-driven learning

Each of these spaces has been meticulously designed to inspire creativity, independence, and confidence among the youth. The Premier America Club continues to uphold its mission of providing a safe oasis where children can thrive and explore their potential.

What makes this project even more remarkable is the community engagement that brought it all together. Generous donations from local businesses, foundations, and individuals made this vision a reality, underpinning the spirit of communal support in every aspect of the renovation process. Notably, Club memberships are offered at an accessible fee of just $20 annually, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder any child from engaging with the Club’s offerings.

The Club today stands as the largest Boys & Girls Club in Ventura County, serving approximately 2,400 youth on a daily basis. It plays an integral role in shaping the futures of more than 5,200 young individuals each year. Antrim’s legacy includes launching California's first juvenile detention center Club, contributing to workforce development programs that have reached impressive heights.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme are committed to inspiring and empowering young people, especially those facing adversities. Their goal is to broaden their reach and ensure that every member not only graduates high school but does so prepared for the future with skills that promote active citizenship and a healthy lifestyle.

For those interested in learning more about BGCOP and their programs, further details can be found on their official website: www.bgcop.org.

This new chapter for BGCOP demonstrates how communities can come together to invest in their children’s futures, ultimately creating a better tomorrow for everyone.