The Boys and Girls Club of America is a world-renowned organization that changes millions of lives through programs that teach children and teens valuable skills and provide structured after-school support. This week’s community partner of the week, Rachelle Gillerman, serves as the Director of Resource Development and Marketing for the Boys and Girls Club of Garden Grove.

To expand youth education and mentoring programs across the country, the organization partners with private companies that value the importance of youth mentorship and passing on a sense of community to the younger generation. Antis works closely with Rachelle and other members of the organization’s Garden Grove location to impact the lives of aspiring youth, a mission that Antis also incorporates into its employment model and employee mentorship opportunities. Beyond supporting mentorship programs, Antis repaired Club roofs without charge, showcasing the potential of skills-based companies to address real problems within communities. President and COO, Karen Inman said, “We try to help as many non-profits as possible each year with our roof repair services to keep non-profits safe and dry. We also review bids and proposals non-profits have secured for best practices for those organizations that are in need of a full roof replacement.”

One of Antis’ outstanding employees, Fernando Torres, was a member of the Boys and Girls Club as a child and feels strongly about giving back to the organization through Antis’ partnership. 

“Just like school and this company, the club guided me on how to make good life decisions. I joined the club when I was in elementary school down in Santa Ana. It provided me with crucial guidance on how to manage my time, act on compassion, and develop a sense of self-worth, all of which were skill sets I might not have developed otherwise.” 

Many of the kids in Boys and Girls Club programs need a safe space when school is not in session. Fernando shared, “The Boys and Girls Club provided a home for my childhood.” 

IN CONVERSATION WITH RACHELLE 

Please tell us about the Boys and Girls Club of Garden Grove.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove is a non-profit organization that serves 6,500 youth and teens – ages 24 months to 18 years of age – a day across 18 communities, surmounting to 17,000 individuals a year. We enable young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens with a focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles and character and leadership development. We address the needs of the whole child through our Family Strengthening Division, which includes Early Learning Programs such as our Family Campus Preschool and Prevention and our intervention programs that provide access for children’s health, education and support programs through community resources.

How did you discover Antis Roofing and Waterproofing and how has the relationship between your organizations progressed?

I was attending an AFP luncheon and happened to engage in a brief conversation with Charles Antis during the reception, not realizing at the time that Charles was a member of the presenting panel. After listening to him speak, I was interested in working with his company; so, I approached Charles with a request to inspect the roof at one of our sites. Upon his arrival, he informed our CEO and myself that he wanted to bring in other partners to help repair the roof at no cost to the Club. Charles has a personal interest in our cause, continues to be involved in the daily communication, and shows a constant willingness to help, which is truly appreciated.

How has Antis’ work positively impacted your organization?

Whenever there are heavy rains, our biggest concern is that we will have to close parts of our buildings which will inevitably displace hundreds of club members. Just this past season, we reached out to Antis as there were several leaks that were continuing to worsen. Within 24 hours, Antis had two inspectors at the site to evaluate the damage. They made the repairs on the spot and even loaned us a tarp for areas that could not be repaired immediately. It was clear while hearing Charles speak, and through the company’s actions, that they value community service and work to the best of their ability to provide excellent and immediate service at a fair rate. I continue to be pleasantly surprised when Antis agrees to work with us and make every effort to collaborate with other partners to do the work at no cost if possible. 

What role do you see the company playing in the growth of the Boys and Girls Club in the future?

I hope that more organizations will take note of the work Antis is doing for nonprofits. My goal is to continue our partnership even if we don’t have roof repair needs, as there are many opportunities to collaborate on joint community service projects in our growing community. This is a company with heart and with values that reflect in their professionalism and service!