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Back to ArticlesCommunity Support Helps Strengthen Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias
September 15, 2026
Every young person needs a place where they feel supported and inspired to reach their full potential. For thousands of youth across Tulare and Kings counties, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias provides that place. The organization is dedicated to helping children and teens build confidence, develop new skills, and establish goals for their futures.
Through academic enrichment, career exploration, healthy lifestyle programs, and more, Club members are encouraged to succeed inside and outside the classroom. These programs give young people practical tools, positive role models, and meaningful opportunities to help them achieve their dreams. With eight Clubs located in Exeter, Farmersville, Hanford, Ivanhoe, Strathmore, Tulare, Visalia, and Woodlake, members have access to experiences that promote personal growth and achievement. The mission of the Clubs is “to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible members of society.”
That mission recently received added support through a $50,000 Sierra Grant from Bank of the Sierra, presented during a gathering at the organization’s Hanford Teen Center. The grant reflects Bank of the Sierra’s commitment to investing in local organizations that expand opportunities and create lasting benefits for the communities it serves.
While grants and community partnerships are important, the Clubs’ impact is ultimately measured in the lives of the children and teens who walk through their doors each day. For many families, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias offer more than after-school activities. They provide a welcoming place where young people can receive guidance from trusted adults, build meaningful friendships, explore new interests, and develop skills for future success.
“One of the best ways we can help our communities is by assisting organizations that are investing in the next generation,” said Kevin McPhaill, President and CEO of Bank of the Sierra. “By creating opportunities for young people to learn and grow, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias is building a stronger future for the communities we both serve.”
“Every child deserves the chance to feel safe, valued, and inspired to dream about what’s possible. Bank of the Sierra’s generous $50,000 gift is an investment in the children and families we serve and in the strength of our community,” said Lynn Ratá, Director of Development, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias. “Because of partners like Bank of the Sierra, we’re able to provide caring mentors, enriching programs, and opportunities that help young people build confidence, develop new skills, and discover their potential. We are deeply grateful for their continued partnership and for believing in the work we do every day to help local kids succeed.”
The continued work of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias reflects a simple but powerful belief: Strong communities are built when young people have the tools, encouragement, and support they need to succeed. Through the dedication of its staff, volunteers, supporters, and community partners, the organization is helping shape a stronger future for youth across its communities.
As the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias looks ahead, continued investment in its mission represents support for the students and future leaders who will help shape the communities of tomorrow. Bank of the Sierra is proud to support Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias and its ongoing commitment to helping local youth learn, grow, and thrive.