Boys & Girls Club reports enrollment gains, cites transportation as barrier at Merced youth center

Jessica Milgosa, representing the Boys & Girls Club of Merced County, presented the organization’s quarterly report for the McCombs Youth Center, including participation and staffing figures. Milgosa said the club charged a $20 annual membership and $75 per-week camp fees for summer programming and reported a total of 348 program hours and 1,184 student-hours during the quarter; she said the program served 142 members at the youth center across age groups. "There is a $20 membership fee for everybody that wishes to join our club," Milgosa said.

Milgosa described summer enrollment increases tied to transportation availability and said the club has been working with Merced City School District and other partners to secure transit for camps; she noted the program employed 27 staff, 15 interns and 7 volunteers. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about hours and capacity; staff said after-school hours run approximately 2:00–6:00 p.m. and camps from 07:30–17:30, and that building capacity was cited as 270 while practical operational capacity for current programming is closer to about 100.

During question-and-answer, Christopher Jensen, Parks and Community Services Director, said the report format captures both daily interaction and large one-time contact hours (assemblies, week-long camps). Milgosa invited commissioners and community members to a workforce readiness graduation planned for late this month. The commission offered no formal action on the report; it was received for information and staff continued to field operational questions.