News Release
Since 1954, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme’s mission has been to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need services most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. A member of the National Boys & Girls Clubs of America, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme (BGCOP) is an important community resource for the positive development of youth ages 6-18 years old, particularly those in underserved areas.
In an effort to serve teenagers in the Port Hueneme community, representatives from BGCOP and City of Port Hueneme partnered to develop a Teen Center within the Orvene S. Carpenter Community Center (550 Park Avenue). The Center will provide a dedicated space for education and career support, character and leadership development, health and life skills, arts, and recreation as well as social/emotional health for Port Hueneme.
BGCOP will staff the Teen Center with a Teen Program Specialist and Youth Development Specialist during the center’s hours of operations, which consists of four hours per day Monday through Friday. In addition, the Teen Center will be served by a specialized math and specialized English tutor to assist with homework. Staff will be overseen by BGCOP’s Director of Programs and Director of Operations.
Engaging Port Hueneme teens from the onset is critical for the success and stewardship of the program. A Teen Committee was organized by BGCOP and consisted of Port Hueneme teens and adolescents, BGCOP Staff, City of Port Hueneme Staff, and stakeholders which provided direction for the selection of amenities and features that were included the classroom remodel.
“I am grateful to the City of Port Hueneme and the Port Hueneme Community for helping us make this happen,” said Erin Antrim, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme. “Great futures will start at this new Club!”
The City of Port Hueneme provided the space necessary at the Orvene S. Carpenter Community Center to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme for exclusive use for a period of 10 years. The City of Port Hueneme provided $25,000 to remodel the existing space to accommodate teen centered programing. The remodel included purchase of necessary furniture, equipment and technology.
Bobby Martinez, Mayor of Port Hueneme stated, “This is a great opportunity for the youth of our community to learn new skills and have a safe place to gather with their friends. I am thankful to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme for helping to make this happen.”
The new Port Hueneme Teen Center will be open Monday – Friday from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm except major holidays and will serve teens from ages 13-18 years old. The soft open date is Tuesday, January 17, 2023 and a grand opening is set for Wednesday, February 1, 2023 from 5:00pm – 6:00pm.
Please join us at the new Port Hueneme Teen Center located at the Orvene S. Carpenter Community Center, 550 Park Avenue, Port Hueneme for this amazing grand opening celebration.
For questions, please contact The City of Port Hueneme Recreation & Community Services at (805) 986-6542.
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