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Awareness and Health Safety Regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Mar 11, 2020
Dear Parent/Guardian,

Our commitment to keeping the young people we serve safe is always our number one priority. Following the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, it’s important that you know the Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley is doing everything possible to keep your child, our staff and volunteers protected from its spread. We are also closely monitoring reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and our local health department for all updated information.

As a reminder, we recommend these preventive actions every family should take to prevent exposure to COVID-19.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask:
    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
  • Wash your hands often:
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • It takes an average of 11.8 seconds to sing the entire Happy Birthday song, so if you sing it twice, that will ensure you've scrubbed long enough. This is a great method to share with children in your family. While this measure is simple, it is effective.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
    • For more information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website.
  • The CDC also provides specific guidance for travelers.
At this time, there is no evidence that children are more susceptible. Children should engage in usual preventive actions to avoid infection, including cleaning hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoiding people who are sick, and staying up to date on vaccinations, including influenza vaccine.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network offers a Parent/Caregiver guide for COVID-19 with more helpful information for families.

The Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley follows the operating schedule of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). If LAUSD schools are closed, BGCSFV will also be closed. At this time, our Club is still open for after school hours.

Should you have any questions or concerns about this or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. Our commitment to you and your children is unwavering.

Sincerely,

Nicole Chase
President/CEO
Estimados Padres,

Nuestro compromiso de mantener seguros y saludables a nuestros miembros es nuestra prioridad número uno. Después del brote de la enfermedad de Coronavirus (COVID-19), es importante que sepa que el Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley está haciendo todo lo posible para mantener a sus hijos, nuestro personal y voluntarios protegidos de su propagación. También estamos monitoreando de cerca los informes del Centro para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) y nuestro departamento de salud local para obtener información actualizada.

Como recordatorio, recomendamos estas acciones preventivas que toda familia debe tomar para evitar la exposición al COVID-19.
  • Evitar el contacto cercano con personas que están enfermas.
  • Evitar tocarse los ojos, la nariz y la boca.
  • Cúbrase la tos o estornude con un pañuelo desechable, luego tírelo a la basura.
  • Quédese en casa cuando esté enfermo.
  • Limpie y desinfecte los objetos y superficies que se tocan con frecuencia con un aerosol o toallita de limpieza doméstica.
  • Siga las recomendaciones del CDC para usar una máscara facial:
    • El CDC no recomienda que las personas que están bien usan una máscara facial para protegerse de las enfermedades respiratorias, incluido COVID-19.
    • Las personas que muestran síntomas de COVID-19 deben usar máscaras faciales para ayudar a prevenir la propagación de la enfermedad a otras personas.
  • Lávese las manos con frecuencia:
    • Lávese las manos con frecuencia con agua y jabón durante al menos 20 segundos, especialmente después de ir al baño; antes de comer; y después de sonarse la nariz, toser o estornudar.
    • Se tarda un promedio de 11.8 segundos en cantar toda la canción de “Feliz Cumpleaños”, por lo que, si la canta dos veces, se asegurará de que haya restregado lo suficiente. Este es un excelente método para compartir con los niños de su familia. Si bien esta medida es simple, es efectiva.
    • Si no hay agua y jabón disponible, use un desinfectante para manos a base de alcohol con al menos 60% de alcohol. Siempre lávese las manos con agua y jabón si las manos están visiblemente sucias.
    • Para obtener más información sobre el lavado de manos, consulte el sitio web de lavado de manos del CDC.
  • El CDC también brinda información específica para los viajeros.
En este momento, no hay evidencia de que los niños sean más susceptibles. Los niños deben participar en las acciones preventivas habituales para evitar infecciones, como lavarse las manos con frecuencia usando agua y jabón o desinfectante para manos a base de alcohol, evitar a las personas enfermas y mantenerse al día con las vacunas, incluida la vacuna contra la gripe.

La Red Nacional de Estrés Traumático Infantil ofrece una guía para padres / cuidadores para COVID-19 con más información útil para las familias.

Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud sobre este o cualquier otro asunto, no dude en ponerse en contacto conmigo directamente. Nuestro compromiso con usted y sus hijos es inquebrantable.

Sinceramente,

Nicole Chase
Presidente/CEO
By Nicole Chase 20 Jul, 2023
Recently, the Los Angeles Superior Court ruled, in Case No. 19STCV07272, that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) can no longer charge the Low-Income Subsidy Adjustment (LISA). As a result, LADWP is removing the water Low-Income discount and the water Lifeline Customer Rate from customer bills effective July 19, 2023 (see the latest LADWP news release - https://www.ladwpnews.com/ladwp-low-income-and-lifeline-water-discount-no-longer-available-to-customers-as-a-result-of-court-ruling/ ).  This only applies to LADWP customers enrolled in the Low-Income discount (EZ-SAVE Program) or Lifeline Rate. If the customer has both electric and water service enrolled, only the water discount will be removed--electric and sewage will not be impacted. There is no ability to reapply for the water discount since the discount can no longer be offered. If the customer only has electric service, they will lose the water discount. There is no ability to reapply since the discount can no longer be offered. (electric only customers received the water subsidy in addition to their electric subsidies). If the customer has only water service, they will lose the discount. There is no ability to reapply since the discount can no longer be offered. All customers are encouraged to visit our website to apply for other assistance programs. Some useful links ladwp.com/CARES -- ladwp.com/LIHEAP -- ladwp.com/LIHWAP .
By Nicole Chase 09 Jun, 2023
Mask Making Adventures Program guides youth into artistic explorations into the cultural history and natural resources in Northeast Los Angeles through this mask making process, in the process youth connect with their diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds. Children and youth are guided into artistic explorations of the cultural and natural history in Northeast Los Angeles through the mask making process. Throughout the program youth keep a Language Arts journal that includes library research that provide participants with opportunities to connect with their diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds and the Native American history of these lands surrounding the Boys and Girls Club. This partially funded by the Department of Cultural Affairs City of Los Angeles . Neighborhood Artist in Residence Judy Leventhal, LCSW in partnership with our Fine Arts Director Dwayne Campbell orchestrated the Mask Making Adventures Program.
By Nicole Chase 02 Jun, 2023
With the help of LADWP, our members and their familes have learned about water conservation and energy efficiency. Check out what we're doing at the club with LADWP!
By Nicole Chase 28 Sep, 2021
2021 Summer Camp Program with Guest Artist Judy Leventhal LCSW: Mask Making Adventures in Creativity presented in partnership with Dwayne Campbell, Club Art Director.
By Nicole Chase 26 Aug, 2021
HUGE THANK YOU to King Fandom for the Pokémon Card Club event on July 28, 2021! WE HAD SO MUCH FUN CAN'T WAIT FOR NEXT TIME!
By Nicole Chase 03 Jun, 2021
Register your child to receive FREE school supplies!
By Nicole Chase 21 May, 2021
Join Us on Facebook Live Today for Cooking with Dwayne!
By Nicole Chase 01 Sep, 2020
The Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley is proud to announce our inaugural Short Film Festival. This competitive film festival was open to all Club members, with participants ranging in age from 8 to 17. The purpose of the 2020 Short Film Contest this summer was to provide a creative outlet for our socially distanced youth and their families. We wanted them to have and share an experience where they are compelled to get outside their traditional norms and roles. We wanted our members to have the opportunity to organize and direct a project of their own design, and to be challenged to think critically, act collaboratively, and learn new skills. But we also wanted to provide structure and support along the way; they connected them with powerful professional adults who could serve as knowledge bases and mentors. Dr. Kevin Thomas, a long time close friend of the Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando Valley family, was the first to invest in this project, donating the first $500 of prize money. Marcia Tillman, a new close friend of the Club, invested her time as a judge, and then matched Dr. Thomas. Motivated by Marcia, Dr. Thomas added another $500 to the prize pool. Our adult participants include our judges: Marcia Tillman- Local business owner of “I AM” Marcia Tillman Actor Studio, actor, filmmaker. Byron Brisuela- President of the Latin Music Collective, award winning music producer. Kyung Lee- Concert pianist, PHD professor of Music at Pepperdine University, Board Member of the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic. Robert Cucuzza- Assistant Professor of Theater Arts at Los Angeles Mission College, Theater Director, Actor, Creative Consultant. Edward Campos- Local business owner of Imaginationworks, Graphic Designer, Event creator. Our special guests who hosted workshops and shared their work and life stories are: Tim Schildberger- Founder/Series Director of LiveRead/LA, Founder/Producer of Wombat Productions, Writer, director, and producer. Jonathan Launer- Owner of JLP productions, Musician, composer, cinematographer, and producer. Jonathann met with our participants during a weekly ‘Check In.’ He shared his story and experiences as a human being, a musician, and someone working in the film and music industry. None of our participants had ever made films before. Some had limited means and technology. We provided weekly ‘check-in/information sessions,’ and had additional workshops to drive their brainstorming, provide perspective and tools, and expand their understanding of the film and music industry. Shane Coleman, and his nonprofit organization Heroes of Life, co-hosted our check-ins. Michael Long with the Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando Valley also co-hosted, and hosted the extra workshops. We also opened our clubhouse grounds for the young filmmakers to use, while following strict COVID-19 guidelines. Out of 17 youth who started, 4 persevered and completed their projects. They were faced with an immense creative and technical challenge, but along the way they learned new skills, developed new relationships with their parents and families, and created and produced something they never had done before. The four films that were completed and submitted fit within two themes: " A day in the life of…" and " If I could be….". Read the synopses of the film submissions below: "Mark 2" by Emmanuel Ramirez Emmanuel’s film shares the inner turmoil and perspective of a teen as he reflects on the world and people around him. "Point B" by Isaac Fajardo Isaac tells the story of a TG (Tour Guide) who accepts a challenging and surprising secret mission in a post-apocalyptic world run by the NAS (New American States). "A Day in the Life of a Dog" by Sophia Ylaya Sophia enables viewers to see the world through her dog, Caramel. "A Day in the Life of Famous Sohanny" by Sohanny Cardona Combining a bit of the ‘If I could be’ and ‘A Day in the Life Of’ themes, Sohanny wakes up to find herself living her dream of being famous..with a twist. We are extremely proud of our filmmakers, and we celebrate their incredible achievements! Online voting will be open from Wednesday, August 5th to Wednesday, August 19th, 2020 through the Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley's YouTube Channel . The winner of this voting will win $150 as the People’s Choice. All of our finalists will split the $1,350 remaining prize money, and these awards will be announced at a virtual awards show that will be airing at the end of August.
By Nicole Chase 10 Jul, 2020
In the beginning weeks of the county's stay-at-home orders in response to COVID-19, our Club organized a book and DVD giveaway for Club families in order to offer at-home activities. On May 18th, 20th, and 22nd the Club hosted its Take a Look, Pick a Book event. Club staff members Kim, Mike, and Carlos, along with volunteer Teresa, put on this three day event. Books and DVDs, as well as Razor scooters, were donated from Disney to support our youth. Even though our Club was closed for traditional programming at this time, the book and DVD giveaway was a great way to stay connected and offer services to our families during this time. Thank you for supporting our Club and families, Disney!
By Nicole Chase 09 Jul, 2020
Our Club has thoroughly cleaned and sanitized all equipment, furniture, and surfaces in accordance with public health officials' COVID-19 guidelines and recommendations. We have purchased personal protective equipment for staff and members, as well as new cleaning products and equipment. Once we reopen, Club program areas will be cleaned and sanitized daily at the conclusion of programs.
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