One of Orange County’s largest Boys & Girls Clubs of America just got bigger.
Last month, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast (BGC of Central OC) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress merged, expanding services for more than 12,000 children and teens in seven cities.
The merger, effective Jan. 1, adds eight new clubhouses and school sites in Anaheim and Cypress, bringing BGC of Central OC’s total reach to over 50 locations in Anaheim, Cypress, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Newport Beach, Orange and Santa Ana.
“This is a moment where 1+1 truly equals 3—by combining our expertise and strengths, we amplify our impact on the youth and families we serve,” said Marcelo Brutti, chair of the BGC of Central OC board of governors.
“I see a bright future as we unite to serve seven communities,” Brutti, CEO of Hyundai Capital America, told the Business Journal.
The benefits of the merger go beyond increased programming opportunities.
Robert Santana, CEO of BGC of Central OC, told the Business Journal that the consolidation of insurance policies and business functions will save the organization $750,000 annually, all of which will be re-invested in its services.
BGC of Central OC is the 56th largest nonprofit in Orange County, according to Business Journal research. For the 12 months ended June 30, 2024, the organization reported $10.6 million in revenue, a 45% increase from the prior year, same period. The only other Boys & Girls clubs that are larger, according to Business Journal data, are the Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress had $5 million in revenue for its fiscal year ending in 2023.
Amplifying a Shared Mission
Santana and the boards of governors of both organizations approached the decision to merge not with assumptions but with thoughtful questions.
“The motivation for the merger was grounded in our shared mission as Boys & Girls Clubs,” Santana told the Business Journal. “What would the potential benefits be to the community? How do we continue delivering service with excellence and find innovative ways to amplify our mission?”
He also considered the operational efficiencies: “Are there cost savings? Can we strengthen our teams, not by eliminating people, but by specializing?”
Leadership from both organizations spent six months gathering insights from families, donors and community stakeholders. After careful evaluation, the decision to merge was unanimous.
“This is another milestone for the Boys & Girls Club in Anaheim,” said Anaheim mayor Ashleigh Aitken. “This expansion will bring even more resources, including mental health programs, college and workforce readiness, and family support services.”
The expanded organization will focus on three key initiatives: family-strengthening services, technology and innovation, and mental health and wellness support. Programs such as English classes, financial literacy and tax assistance—offered for 15 years—will now be accessible to even more families.
Additionally, BGC of Central OC is bridging the digital divide by providing increased access to robotics, maker spaces, 3D printing and coding programs that prepare youth for careers in science and engineering. Recognizing the growing demand for mental health resources, the nonprofit is expanding its professional team to offer wellness services and connect families with specialized support through partnerships with local hospitals and organizations.
At the time of the merger, every Anaheim-Cypress employee that was with the organization was hired on. There were no layoffs.
Preparing Teens for College and Careers
BGC of Central OC is also expanding two flagship programs: College Bound and YES Workforce Development.
“Both initiatives work hand in hand to provide coaching and services that help students navigate their next steps,” Santana said.
College Bound offers one-on-one guidance through the college application process, including scholarships and financial aid. Over the past decade, it has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships, with $350,000 budgeted for this year alone. Since its inception, College Bound has helped nearly 13,000 students pursue higher education, securing over $17 million in financial aid, with 90% going to first-generation college students.
YES Workforce equips students with essential skills and career exposure, particularly for those not on a traditional college path. The program serves 2,000 students annually.
Through guest speakers, field trips and hands-on training, students explore career pathways and plan their futures, whether in college, trade school or apprenticeships.
“It’s about connecting students to opportunities they might not have considered—careers in healthcare, skilled trades and other in-demand industries,” Santana said.
Beyond academics, the Club also partners with local schools and nonprofits to provide essential resources, including school supplies, clothing, meals and enrichment opportunities. At its Santa Ana location, for example, BGC of Central OC runs a food bank in partnership with Second Harvest, serving approximately 300 meals per day. The merger will expand the group’s ability to offer similar services across the region.
Funding the Future
Over the next three years, the organization is investing $6 million to expand services, open new locations, enhance technology and increase staffing.
Raising these additional funds is a significant challenge, requiring support from community partners, private philanthropists, corporate sponsors and individual donors.
“This $6 million investment is broken down into thirds—roughly $3 million a year—making it easier to understand the impact,” said Santana. “This isn’t just about keeping the doors open—it’s about elevating everything: the quality, the innovation and the reach of our programs.”
Santana emphasized that every financial contribution matters, from multimillion-dollar corporate commitments to small individual donations. “We’ve had young kids donate $10, and that to me is the mission, right? It’s incredible.”
