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Think
of Malibu and luxury beach homes come to mind. But despite its
glittering
image, the famed California seaside community (pop. 12,575)
still has real-life problems. In response to alarming trends
concerning youth health and safety, a concerned community sought
positive alternatives. The result: the Boys & Girls Club
of Malibu Teen Center – and it’s more popular than
anyone ever imagined.
“Malibu is a small town with little to do for teens,”
says 15-year-old Melissa. “At the Club, we get encouragement,
and they help us stay out of trouble. They help us develop ourselves
and find our talents and passions.”
On the campus of Malibu High School, the Club forged a partnership
with the school community, one of 650 Club-school collaborations
nationwide. This relationship is critical to the fledgling organization’s
success. Opened in September 2000, it serves a third of the
1,200-member student body. In fact, the Malibu Club actually
conducts some programming during school hours for all students.
“The kids in this community have never seen anything like
it,” says Scott Robinson, the Club’s director. “We’ve
become the place where they feel comfortable.”
Rosie, a 14-year-old Club member, agrees. “I’ve
become a bigger person from being at the Club,” she says.
“It’s a cool place for people from different social
backgrounds to interact.”
Along with traditional Boys & Girls Club programming, the
Club provides several specialty offerings, including music composition,
Web site development, movie production, drama and hip-hop dance.
The Club hopes to develop some of these programs for use on
a national basis. |
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