AmeriCorps Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove – Words Alive Volunteer Team of the Month - February 2017

Please join us in congratulating the AmeriCorps Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove Words Alive Volunteer Team of the Month for February 2017!

Our AmeriCorps team members help deliver the Words Alive Family Literacy Program (FLP) to families in need in the Garden Grove community of Orange County.  Words Alive FLP expanded to serve Orange County for the 2016-2017 school year with a goal to reach 300 children 0-5 and their families.

Through We Can Read Orange County!, a grant provided by Children and Families Commission of Orange County, the Orange County United Way, and the Orange County Community Foundation, BGCGG and Words Alive are able to work together to fulfill our missions.

“The Words Alive Family Literacy Program has helped BGCGG be more intentional in the interventions that we offer our families with children ages 0-5. We have identified the most vulnerable communities in Orange County with gaps in resources resulting in low literacy levels. Now we have a curriculum that will show real gains in pre-literacy skills for our youngest Club Members. So far, our AmeriCorps Members have dedicated over 2,000 hours in service through our Readiness on the Road Program. With their service this year we will be able to reach over 300 children.”

-        Christina Sepulveda, Vice President of Programs and Services, Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove
 

Check out the Volunteer of the Month Interview with our team below!

What is the most rewarding part of your work at BGCGG?

The most rewarding part about my work at BGCGG is knowing that families are creating memories when attending the program. Seeing parents spend quality time with their children is what motivates me to keep doing what I am doing because I know it impacts their lives in a positive way. 

-        Yvette Fuerte, BGCGG AmeriCorps Member

The most rewarding part of working for BGCGG is giving back to the families in the community where I grew up in Garden Grove, and actually making a difference in their lives.  It's an amazing feeling.

-        Joanna Calderon, BGCGG AmeriCorps Member

The most rewarding part is being able to experience growth in the families and children. I love that we get to sing our hearts out, and are able to provide families with quality care. Every activity has a purpose and most times it's so much fun, that no one even realizes they are learning.

-        Andrea Esparza, BGCGG AmeriCorps Member

What is your favorite part of the Words Alive Family Literacy Program?

My favorite part of the Words Alive Family Literacy Program is that children and parents are learning the value of literacy and early learning through fun activities. Also, seeing the children’s love for books grow from week one through week seven. 

-        Yvette Fuerte, BGCGG AmeriCorps Member

One of my favorite parts is doing the icebreaker with the parents. There is something beautiful and extraordinary in watching a mom stick her tongue out and slither like a snake, or seeing a dad jump around as he imitates a kangaroo.

-        Andrea Esparza, BGCGG AmeriCorps Member

In week 7, when all the families get together and we are able to see the growth in all the kiddos, as well as the cohesiveness of the group. I love to see them networking at the end, and hear them tell each other what other classes might be similar to the one we offer. It's a great feeling!

-        Leslei Emard, BGCGG AmeriCorps Member