Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/934374
Investing in Great Futures Anthony Ander son Headlines the 25th Annual Comics for Kids B Y B R E T T W I L B U R 176 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 8 F or the past 50 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County has been providing a safe place for thousands of children, ages 6-18. With loca- tions in Seaside and Salinas, the Clubs provide hot meals, homework assistance, college counseling, after-school activities, spor ts and much more for an average of 600 youth per day. According to President and CEO Michael L. Jackson, "We invest in kids now, set high expectations, incentivize them, pay attention to them…teach them the value of earning [success], and we have positive outcomes." The Clubs are cheerful, modern and most importantly, filled with passionate staff who encourage children of all ages to dream big. "We serve any child who walks in the door," Jackson says. The Clubs' Great Futures campaign, launched in coordina- tion with the 50th anniversary, has a goal of raising $6 million in the next two to three years in order to expand the facilities and add more services for 6,000 youth. Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County President and CEO Michael L. Jackson says, "We are trying to replicate as much as possible what smaller schools provide to children. We have to help."