BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF WASHINGTON STATE
About us
Washington Clubs brings together Boys & Girls Clubs across the state to strengthen their work, amplify their collective voice and advocate for young people.
WHO WE ARE
Boys & Girls Clubs are changing the lives of Washington kids.
The Association’s mission is to deepen the impact and mission of Boys & Girls Clubs in communities across Washington through communication, resource development, and collaboration.
OUR PURPOSE
What is the purpose of the Association?
The Association was formed in 2006 to accomplish the following goals:
1.
Increase financial support for Washington Clubs.
2.
Organize statewide programs and grants.
3.
Increase the awareness of the work of Washington Clubs.
4.
Provide government relations and grassroots advocacy on issues affecting Washington Clubs.
OUR CORE BELIEFS
The Boys & Girls Club provides a safe place to learn and grow ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals, life enhancing programs, character development experiences, hope, and opportunity.
IMPACT
The difference a Club makes
Academic Achievement & Learning Growth
Summer Brain Gain: younger kids (grades 1–3) gained in early literacy, and older kids (grades 4–5) avoided summer learning loss in math and reading.
High-yield learning activities raised GPAs: 11% overall, 13% in math, 22% in spelling and 5% in reading.
Career Development & Financial Independence
Money Matters: Make It Count! boosted teens’ financial literacy by more than 20%.
Club alumni report higher career satisfaction (78% vs. 65%) and financial well-being (71% vs. 61%) than the general population.
Mental Health & Emotional Resilience
SMART Moves participants who completed both components grew social-emotional skills 3x more (grades 3–5) and 9x more (grades 6–8).
61% of SMART Girls participants can better calm themselves when stressed.
Physical Health & Nutrition
51% of Triple Play participants improved their eating habits, vs. 21% of non-participants.
In 2024, Clubs served 39 million free meals and 14.6 million snacks.
Safety, Belonging & Community
94% of members feel safe from harm at the Club; 90% feel safe being themselves.
85% of SMART Girls participants feel more connected to staff and peers.
85% of parents say they can work because their child attends a Club.
57% of alumni volunteer monthly or more, vs. 31% of all adults.
LEADERSHIP, BOARD & TEAM
The people behind Washington Clubs
OUR TEAM
Jessie Bustamante
Executive Director
jessie@
Lauren Day
Deputy Director of Program Quality and Implementation
lauren@
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Francisco Bueno
BOARD PRESIDENT
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington
Mary Budke
TREASURER
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula
Larry Carr
BGCA MEMBER
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Jason Penegar
BGCA MEMBER
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Carrie Holden
ASSOCIATION VICE PRESIDENT
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound
Shellica Trevino
SECRETARY
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County
Matt Watrous
BGCA MEMBER
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Joe Ingoglia
BGCA MEMBER
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Elizabeth McLaughlin
ALLIANCE VICE PRESIDENT
Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties
Tim Motts
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue
Catherine Vowell
BGCA MEMBER
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Ryan Scheel
BGCA MEMBER
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
JOIN OUR TEAM
We’re hiring.
Director of Development
Full-time · Remote/hybrid with statewide travel · Reports to the Executive Director
Lead statewide fundraising in support of 16 independent Clubs serving young people across Washington. Read the full job description for responsibilities, qualifications and how to apply.