Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego Named 2025 “Hero for Youth” by Boys & Girls Clubs of America
We are proud to share that Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego has been recognized as a 2025 Hero for Youth through the Club Advocacy Recognition Program by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
This national recognition is awarded annually to Clubs that rank in the top 50% nationwide for advocacy engagement — demonstrating a strong commitment to elevating the voices of young people and championing policies that support youth development.
What This Recognition Means
Being named a Hero for Youth reflects our active efforts to ensure that local, state, and federal leaders understand the vital role our Clubs play in strengthening families and building brighter futures.
Throughout the year, our team has:
- Met with local, state, and federal elected officials
- Hosted Club tours for community leaders
- Engaged in coordinated social media advocacy
- Participated in media outreach efforts
- Utilized national advocacy tools to amplify the needs of youth and families
Advocacy is more than a conversation, it’s action. And in 2025, collective advocacy efforts across the Boys & Girls Club Movement helped secure over $400 million in public funding to support Clubs and the young people they serve nationwide.
We are honored to be part of that impact.
Why Advocacy Matters
Every day, we see firsthand how critical access to safe spaces, mentorship, meals, academic support, and character-building programs is for the youth in our communities. When we advocate, we are not just speaking for our organization — we are amplifying the voices, dreams, and potential of the young people we serve.
Public funding ensures that:
- Kids have safe places to go after school and during the summer
- Families have affordable access to high-quality programs
- Teens have mentorship and leadership development opportunities
- No child is turned away due to inability to pay
“Our mission is to ensure that every young person in Northwest San Diego has the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Marineke Vandervort, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego. “Being named a 2025 Hero for Youth reflects our commitment to standing up for the kids and families we serve, not just within our Club walls, but in the rooms where decisions are made. Advocacy ensures their voices are heard and their futures are prioritized.”
We are deeply grateful to our staff, board members, partners, and supporters who continue to stand with us in championing youth. Together, we will keep advocating, keep serving, and keep building Great Futures.