by Whitney Merrill

Anna McDevitt, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club. Photo: Whitney Merrill.

It’s a warm spring day, and members of the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside are enjoying a friendly after-school game on the basketball court with program director Caitlen Giacomino. I can sense the camaraderie of the group and how the students look up to Giacomino almost as a “big sister.”

It’s a very relaxed and open environment, yet feels grounded with structure and a purpose. Giacomino says, “It’s a safe place to come, relax, have a snack and get help. So many habits are formed at this age and we try to assist them in forming healthy habits.”

Giacomino has a background that includes several years as a summer camp director. She says, “I had a privileged background growing up on the coast. My parents were teachers and were able to attend basketball practices and all of my after-school events. I feel so fortunate and I want to have others experience that as well.”

Boys and Girls Club members. Photo: Whitney Merrill.

Anna McDevitt, the executive director, says, “It’s tough times these days for the parents that are losing their jobs. The club is consistent, reliable and open every day the school is open.”

Giacomino and McDevitt show me around the facilities that house several Macs and PCs, as well as movie-making equipment supplied through a creative enrichment grant. Unfortunately, the club has recently had to downsize because of the economy and the lack of local funding.

The club was founded in 1994; the original funding was a combination of funds from the board of directors and a grant from the Peninsula Community Foundation. There were plans to build a Coastside Center off of Kehoe Ave. in Half Moon Bay but those plans have yet to be realized, landing the club in modular units at the middle school and the high school until July 2008. At that time the club relocated to its current facilities in Cunha Intermediate School, and the high school center is now hosted by the Sheriff’s Activities League.

Anna McDevitt, executive director, enjoying a game with program director Caitlen Giacomino. Photo: Whitney Merrill.

Shortly after, Giacomino and McDevitt joined the club after working together when McDevitt was a director for the Coastside Children’s Program. Giacomino has enhanced the core programs and expanded the outreach programs and special events, including the surf team, the skate gym, camping in Memorial Park and trips to the Academy of Sciences and to Sky High Sports — and even a trip to a Warriors basketball game with family included, thanks to a ticket donation.

McDevitt says that as the executive director she is focused on the funding, the budget and finances and has adopted a “diversified strategy of funding grants, donations and fundraising.” She says, “If we can sustain the club yearly and see the break-even, then we can invigorate the campaign for a new center to support more students. Our primary goal now is to diversify funding for longevity.”

The club currently has 113 members with a broad mix of students and a 1:15 staff-to-student ratio. Membership costs $10 per student per year. Fundraising events include an annual golf tournament, the Brew Fest and the Night of Lights.

The club is also hosting a free community dinner on May 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ted Adcock Community Center, 535 Kelly Ave. in Half Moon Bay. At this event the recipients of the youth awards for scholastic, leadership, and excellence in the club will be announced — and a Community Contributor Award will also be announced.

The new energy and enthusiasm surrounding the club is evidenced by comments from students as well as parents. Giacomino says that one mother stopped her in the supermarket and said, “I want to thank you for all of the work you’ve been doing. My son goes in at lunchtime and tells me he feels like he has a place to go.” A student named Christian tells me, “I love this place, I love coming here. It helped me get my grade up from a D to a B.” When I ask him why, he says “Because it’s quiet and they work with you here individually.”

The club is seeking individual donations — a $50 donation allows five students to participate for one year — as well as volunteers and student mentors. McDevitt reminds me that “middle school is a crucial time period” and “we’ll take all the help that we can get.” It sounds like an excellent cause to me.