Share
There’s good news for the children of Mendota: Their Boys and Girls Club no longer is at risk of closing.
After Mendota Mayor Robert Silva addressed the Westlands Water District Board of Directors about the financial troubles the club faced, they stepped up with a $36,000 donation.
“We are so thankful to Westlands Water District Board of Directors for this generous gift to keep the doors of the Mendota Club open to children who rely on the services, positive environment, and diversified educational programs provided by the club every day,” said Kathryn Weakland, vice president of development for Boys and Girls Clubs of Fresno County.
“We are still working to secure permanent funding, but this will help us seek the right opportunities in the meantime.”
Operating Costs Are Rapidly Rising
Weakland explained that rising operating costs, minimum wage increases, and a lack of sustainable funding sources created big hurdles for the club.
There’s little doubt about the great need for the services the club provides. These include mentoring, arts and crafts, recreation, and nutritious meals.
Club Has More Than 300 Members
The club serves more than 300 children, 95 percent of whom live in public housing near the club, Weakland said. Club members come from families with an average income of $16,000 a year. And, about 85% of the members have a parent or parents who work for farmers in Westlands.
Tom Birmingham, general manager of Westlands, said the donation was a way of mitigating socioeconomic impacts resulting from the retirement of about 40,000 acres of farmland near Mendota.
The next task, Weakland said, is developing more relationships with potential donors and creating an annual club fundraiser.
Ukraine’s Surprise Attack Has Forced Russia to Change Plans
2 hours ago
Californians Will Vote on $18 Minimum Wage. Workers Want $25 and More.
3 hours ago
Ricardo Lara Deserves Credit for Trying to Solve California’s Home Insurance Crisis
4 hours ago
Mark Gardner on Giants’ 2014 World Series Title, Why Fresno Turns Out Great Players
4 hours ago
What the Republican Party Might Look Like if Trump Loses
5 hours ago
Vikings QB McCarthy Needs Surgery on Meniscus Tear in Right Knee
5 hours ago
Japan’s Prime Minister Prepares to Step Down. Why, and What’s Next?
5 hours ago
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/14140813/IMG_7344-2048x1484-1-1024x576.jpg)
Friant Needs $90 Million to Pay for Massive Canal Project. Who Will Pony Up?
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/14125622/Apartments-damaged-by-falling-missile-debris-injury-several-people-in-Kursk-Russia-on-Tuesday-Aug.-13-2024.-Ukraine-pressed-ahead-with-its-assault-inside-Russian-territory-on-Tuesday-a-week-1024x538.jpg)
Ukraine’s Surprise Attack Has Forced Russia to Change Plans
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/14092611/020924_FAST_FOOD_UNION_JAH_CM_00739.jpg-1024x576.jpg)
Californians Will Vote on $18 Minimum Wage. Workers Want $25 and More.
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/14101619/041024-Ricardo-Lara-TS-CM-18.jpg-1024x576.jpg)
Ricardo Lara Deserves Credit for Trying to Solve California’s Home Insurance Crisis
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/13163938/shutterstock_31288807-1024x576.jpg)