Boys & Girls Club Becomes Haven For Hundreds As Eaton Fire Displaces Families

Club transforms into emergency resource center, offering free programs and essential aid
STAFF REPORT
Published on Jan 16, 2025

The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena has opened its doors to nearly 300 local children affected by recent school closures, offering free daily programs at its East Del Mar Avenue facility.

The Slavik Clubhouse, located at 3230 East Del Mar Avenue, began serving families last Thursday and Friday as the organization assessed community needs, and now operates from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays.

The club welcomes all school-aged children between 5 and 18 years old, regardless of membership status, providing a safe environment where youth can participate in life-changing programs and find encouragement.

The organization has identified 52 member families, two staff members and one Board member who have lost their homes, according to Lisa Cavelier, the club’s CEO.

“First and foremost, we’re here to keep their kids safe and occupied while school is out. We’ve also gotten literally hundreds of donations of essential items that our families are accessing,” Cavalier said. “We are leaning hard into our mission to serve those who need us most.”

The facility has mobilized its trained youth development professionals to lead year-round programming, including gymnasium sports, social recreation in the Games Room, art projects and STEM education initiatives.

Teenage participants have taken on active roles in the relief effort, earning service hours by organizing donations of clothing and essential items for displaced community members.

The club has stationed a licensed therapist on-site to provide counseling and emotional support services to children, parents and staff members during the crisis.

“Our hearts are overwhelmed at the generous donations coming into our fire relief fund, every dollar of which goes directly out to our families,” Cavelier said.

Community members seeking essential items can access donations at the Slavik Clubhouse during operational hours, while those wishing to contribute can participate in the organization’s ongoing fundraising campaign.

The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena, established in 1937, serves more than 2,000 youth annually across four locations: Slavik Branch on East Del Mar Boulevard, Mackenzie-Scott Branch on North Fair Oaks Avenue, and two locations at Odyssey Charter Schools’ North and South campuses.

For more information, contact James Granados at james.granados@bgcpasadena.org or visit https://www.bgcpasadena.org/.

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