Chandler Compadres gift will fund innovative transportation solutions and Club improvements
(CHANDLER, Ariz.) June 14, 2023 – Last month, the Chandler Compadres announced a $1 million grant for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley’s (BGCAZ) Chandler Compadres Branch as part of its 2023-2024 grant cycle.
The grant will allow BGCAZ to address transportation challenges in Chandler by outsourcing afterschool transit to private charter companies. As schools struggle to find commercially licensed drivers for school buses and families face limited transportation options, this innovative solution enables BGCAZ to bring almost 250 kids per day to its Chandler Compadres Branch from six different Chandler schools:
- Galveston Elementary
- Shumway Elementary
- Sanborn Elementary
- San Marcos Elementary
- Bologna Elementary
- Willis Junior High
Beginning this school year, this new method will allow the Chandler Compadres Branch to serve more families in the East Valley, highlighting the Compadres’ commitment to ensuring that transportation is not an obstacle between youth and safe afterschool programming.
“The Chandler Compadres understand the challenges that parents face getting their kids to after school programs. Their investment in this transportation solution allows the Club to work with schools to get kids into the Clubs safely, and access the academic enrichment, sports and meals kids need to be successful,” said BGCAZ CEO Marcia Mintz. “With their support, we can continue to provide our vital and life-changing youth development services to even more Chandler families.
Additionally, the grant will fund several Club improvements and safety updates such as a secure Club entrance and updated front lobby. It will also support a large-scale expansion and renovation project to increase the Teen Center’s capacity and services offered. Additional provisions include:
- Exergame equipment to create a video game-based fitness strategy for members
- The Cove, a fully upgraded youth learning center for academic success programs
- Funds for financial assistance to further increase Club affordability for Chandler families in need
- Funds for educational field trips, teen nights, and quarterly family festivals
- Funds for 10 Chandler teens to participate in AZYouthforce, BGCAZ’s workforce development and paid internship placement program
- Funds for additional operational and facility improvements
The Chandler Compadres Branch has served nearly 700 members in the last year, including 160 teens, and has enjoyed a decades-long partnership with the Chandler Compadres. As BGCAZ’s flagship East Valley location, the Chandler Compadres Branch provides safe, positive, and affordable out-of-school-time programs for youth and families in the fast-growing Chandler area. Made possible by the Compadres’ year-round fundraising efforts, this grant was the largest grant the Compadres have ever given to a single organization.
About the Chandler Compadres
The Chandler Compadres is a nonprofit charitable organization founded in 1980 that has spent over 40 years helping build stronger family and youth resources. The group started with fewer than 20 members and now has over 100 members that are made up of notable local business owners and working professionals committed to making their local communities a better place. For decades now, the Compadres have donated their time, resources, talents and money to help the youth and families who live in Chandler and surrounding communities of the East Valley. Thus far, the Compadres have donated more than $16.3 million to charitable organizations and the donation on June 14 was the largest distribution to date.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley offers affordable after-school and summer programs for 16,000+ young people in grades K-12. At 30 Clubs across the Valley, BGCAZ provides award-winning programs designed to change the lives of young people. For over 75 years, BGCAZ has been creating equity and opportunity for youth through academic, social, and workforce opportunities. We help young people make healthy decisions and focus on social and emotional development to build resilient young adults. Most importantly, we work to develop strong character and leadership skills by creating positive connections to caring adults and their community. For more information: visit bgcaz.org. Follow us on social media at @BGCArizona.
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