Mark Alvarado, a club alum and community leader, has been selected as executive director of the Downtown Boys and Girls Club in Santa Barbara.
Alvarado grew up playing on the basketball courts of the Downtown Boys and Girls Club on East Canon Perdido Street, which is the oldest Boys and Girls Club facility in Santa Barbara County.
He graduated from Santa Barbara High School and went on to a career focused on youth, education and community.
Founded in 1938, the Downtown Boys and Girls Club has served thousands of youth over the years.
“The Boys and Girls Club represents the foundation for youth services in the city of Santa Barbara,” said Alvarado. “Despite the challenges we face restoring the legacy of services and programs for the Eastside and the greater downtown area, we are committed towards developing our vision for success.
“The first step we must take is understanding the needs of today’s youth,” he said. “We need to examine the variety of activities the club has to offer and grow new programs and services that meet the needs of today’s youth.
“Simultaneously, we need to promote the club’s legacy for providing character development, honest behavior, respect and responsibility.”
Alvarado said the vision for the club is to collaborate with multiple community partners to help deliver “evidence-based practices for ensuring club members can discover pathways for success. Surely, we want the club to be a safe place for fun. But we must also be mentors and advocates for personal growth. Therefore, enlisting the services of community partners who share our commitment will be instrumental for our success.”
Rebuilding the sports and athletic programs is a priority for Alvarado and his board.
“The club’s history for producing high-caliber athletes and sportsmanship is well-known throughout the community,” he said. “Emerging sports like girls’ flag football and lacrosse will be offered along with basketball and soccer.
“A strong variety of athletic activities helps to build confidence, a sense of identity and teamwork for young people.”
It is the goal of the club to again be a place where the youth feel valued and understood.
“The social, emotional and behavioral challenges our children face today can be overwhelming.” Alvarado said. “The club should be a place where kids can be authentic.
“While the services and programs offered work to make a difference in a child’s life, our job is to have a positive impact, and plant seeds for a successful future. All this while having fun.”
A community open house is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. Sunday, June 23 for tours and sign-ups at the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara, Inc., 632 E. Canon Perdido St.