We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Chad Nelson, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad, to discuss the organization’s impact on the community and the importance of the support they receive from the Carlsbad Charitable Foundation.
Since 1952, the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for local youth. Operating out of two locations, one in the village of Carlsbad and the other in Bressi Ranch, the Club serves around 600-700 kids annually, providing a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn, grow, and thrive.
When asked about the significance of community support, Nelson emphasized, “We are 99% funded by donations and community support. Every dollar matters. It uniquely impacts each child’s life in Carlsbad.” The grant from the Carlsbad Charitable Foundation has been instrumental in allowing the Club to offer a wide array of programs and initiatives, such as gardening activities with the Rancho Carlsbad community and healthy meal preparation using fresh produce from the downtown Carlsbad Farmer’s Market.
Ensuring Every Child’s Success
Nelson was quick to point out that the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad is much more than just a place for kids to spend time after school. “We are not a babysitting organization. We have a significant impact on the children we serve,” he explained. The Club offers mentorship, tutoring, and a variety of enriching activities, focusing on building strong connections between the youth and the dedicated staff members.
Looking to the future, Nelson shared some of the Club’s key projects, including upgrading the facilities at the downtown village location and expanding programs and services to ensure that every child in Carlsbad has access to the resources they need to succeed. With the unwavering support of the Carlsbad Charitable Foundation and the local community, the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad is well-positioned to continue making a profound difference in the lives of countless children.
Empowering Local Youth
As our conversation drew to a close, Nelson left us with a powerful reminder: “It’s amazing how many people are unaware that their support directly benefits the kids here in Carlsbad.” By shining a light on the incredible work being done at the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad, we hope to inspire more members of our community to get involved and help make a lasting impact on the lives of our local youth.
We are 99% funded by donations and community support. Every dollar matters. It uniquely impacts each child’s life in Carlsbad.
Chad Nelson
Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad