MEDIA CONTACT:

Francyne Nguyen

(714) 530-0430 ext. 968

Francyne@bgcgg.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 01, 2012 

BGCGG Joins United Way OC and LASOC to Host the 6^th Annual ‘Free Community Tax Days’

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (Febrauary 01, 2012) — “Millions of workers who did not earn high incomes claimed the EITC last year,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “The IRS encourages all eligible taxpayers to claim this valuable credit. Together with our partners, we can help taxpayers file their returns and get the EITC.”

Each year an estimated millions of Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)dollars go unclaimed in Orange County. To help tax filers claim the credits they deserve, Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove (BGCGG)is teaming up with Orange County United Wayand Legal Aid Society of Orange County (LASOC)to host its 6^th Annual Free Community Tax Days on February 4^th, March 3rd, and April 7th at Clinton Branch, located at 1365 Clinton St. in Garden Grove.

Free Community Tax Daysoffers certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistors (VITA)to assist individuals and families with filing their taxes and claiming credits up to $5,751 through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)program, for those who make generally below $49,078 and meet IRS guidelines.

Individuals and families will find it easy to use and empowering to file their taxes utilizing the free and user-friendly I-CAN E-Fileprogram.  I-CAN E-Fileprogram offers benefits of a fast refund, reduced error rate, and quick acknowledgement. Filers can save their hard earned money on preparing taxes by completing it themselves and expect a refund in as few as 10 days, with direct deposit. If the filer owes taxes, they also can control their payments and set a date, such as April 15, for electronic payment. The error rate for an e-filed return is 1 percent, compared to 20 percent for a paper return. Unlike paper filers, e-filing taxpayers also will receive an acknowledgement that the IRS has received and accepted or rejected their returns.

For additional questions about Free Community Tax days or to schedule an appointment, please contact Candace at 714-532-7947 and cfacemyer@bgcgg.org. If you cannot make it, file online at www.icanefile.org/?caller=2337. For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove, please visit at www.begreatgardengrove.orgor call 714-530-0430.

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GARDEN GROVE

For more than 50 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove (BGCGG) has helped kids “BE GREAT” by changing and saving young lives, playing an integral role in its community. Striving to help children succeed in life, Boys & Girls Clubs provide hope and opportunity through afterschool, family support, and community outreach programs.Our 57 program sites serve over 8,500 families annually and 6,000 young people daily, from “Diapers to Diplomas,” ages 18 months-18 years old.

The Clubs are open daily with programs in character and leadership development, education and career enhancement, the arts, health and life skills, and sports, fitness and recreation. Our family outreach programs such as Family Campus Preschool, School Readiness, REACH For Literacy (Reading Education for Adults & CHildren), ARCHES (Access to Resources for Children's Health, Education and Support), FYOP (Family & Youth Outreach Program), and TRC (Truancy Reduction Center) expand our services to ensure that the needs of the whole child are met. Through our efforts we do our best to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Please visit www.begreatgardengrove.org for more information. Great Futures Start Here.

ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY

Orange County United Way is committed to building self-sufficient lives and strengthening the overall health of our communities through our Community Impact work focused on three priority areas: basic needs, education and financial stability. By investing in programs that align with these key areas, Orange County United Way and its partners are providing a safety-net of care today and supporting long-term change to build self-sufficiency tomorrow. Orange County United Way is a local, private, 501 (c) (3).For more information and to learn how you can LIVE UNITED, visit www.unitedwayoc.org.

ABOUT LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF ORANGE COUNTY

Founded in 1958 by the Orange County Bar Association, LASOC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide civil legal services to low-income individuals and seniors and to promote equal access to the justice system through advocacy, legal counseling, innovative self-help services, in-depth legal representation, economic development and community education.  LASOC’s client community consists of individuals whose incomes fall below 200% of the federal poverty threshold ($42,400 annually for a family of four) and those over the age of 60.  LASOC’s practice areas and special programs in its Orange County and Southeast Los Angeles (where it is known as Community Legal Services/CLS) offices  include: family law, housing/landlord-tenant, government benefits, special education issues, consumer law, bankruptcy, Asian-American Services, Health Consumer Action Center, Low Income Taxpayers Clinic, Homeless Outreach Program, MedLaw Project and Foreclosure Mitigation Unit.  LASOC also returned more than $33.4 million to taxpayers nationwide through its Earned Income Tax Credit Initiative.  LASOC’s Toll-Free Hotline is (800) 834-5001.  To learn more LASOC, visit www.legal-aid.comor www.lasoc.com.  To donate, partner or volunteer, contact Anna Lisa Biason, Director of Development, at abiason@legal-aid.com.

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Mission Statement: 

• Provides academic tutoring for grades K-6
• Understands and Implements the SES approved curriculum
• Ensures students progress academically
• Uses detailed and specific student learning plan forms
• Uses data to set student goals aligned with the State’s Academic Content Standards
• Monitors attendance
• Responds to and follows up with parent and/or teacher inquiries and requests in a timely manner. 
• Reports Regularly to parents and teachers on student progress
• Maintains an orderly and clean area, as well as respects school property
• Performs clerical and housekeeping duties as required
• Performs as a positive role model
• Cooperates and communicates with all parents, teachers, and staff members
• Assists with program curriculum planning and instruction
• Works closely with English Language Learners and Student’s with Disabilities
• Enforces all BGCGG & GGUSD policies and procedures
• Attends all staff meetings and trainings as necessary
• Sees that students and other staff members are recognized with positive reinforcement
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of an Associate Degree required 
• Bachelors Degree preferred
• Minimum of 1 year experience working with children in an academic setting
• Knowledge of group dynamics and age-appropriate activities for children
• Proven ability to interact with others in a positive manner
• Established skills in communication, both written and verbal

Skills Preferred:

• Bilingual capabilities preferred (Spanish, Vietnamese or Korean)
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and other software programs
• Business and customer service experience an asset

Mission Statement: 

• Provides academic tutoring for grades 7-12
• Understands and Implements the SES approved curriculum
• Ensures students progress academically
• Uses detailed and specific student learning plan forms
• Uses data to set student goals aligned with the State’s Academic Content Standards
• Monitors attendance
• Responds to and follows up with parent and/or teacher inquiries and requests in a timely manner. 
• Reports Regularly to parents and teachers on student progress
• Maintains an orderly and clean area, as well as respects school property
• Performs clerical and housekeeping duties as required
• Performs as a positive role model
• Cooperates and communicates with all parents, teachers, and staff members
• Assists with program curriculum planning and instruction
• Works closely with English Language Learners and Student’s with Disabilities
• Enforces all BGCGG & GGUSD policies and procedures
• Attends all staff meetings and trainings as necessary
• Sees that students and other staff members are recognized with positive reinforcement
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of an Associate Degree required 
• Bachelors Degree preferred
• Minimum of 1 year experience working with children in an academic setting
• Knowledge of group dynamics and age-appropriate activities for children
• Proven ability to interact with others in a positive manner
• Established skills in communication, both written and verbal

Skills Preferred:

• Bilingual capabilities preferred (Spanish, Vietnamese or Korean)
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and other software programs
• Business and customer service experience an asset

General Information:

No other Boys & Girls Club in the nation has the breadth of programming we offer with 60 distinct programs offered throughout Central/West Orange County.  BGCGG operates:

• 5 school-age Clubs on a year-round basis
• After-school programs on 46 Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) campuses (located in the cities of Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Westminster, Fountain Valley and Stanton) during the school year
• 2 REACH (Reading Education for Adults and CHildren) for Family Literacy programs
• The Truancy Reduction Center at Hare Continuation High School
• Family and Youth Outreach Program (individual and family counseling) at Garden Grove’s Juvenile Justice Center
• Family Campus Preschool
• Parent education including nutrition and healthy living classes
• Readiness on the Road (school readiness) in Santa Ana
• ARCHES (Access to Resources for Children Health, Education and Support) family support services at Garden Grove’s Children’s Health and Dental Center

We also provide services for homeless students within GGUSD boundaries. Beginning January 2011 we will offer the Be Great Academy providing free, small group academic tutoring to Garden Grove Unified School District-qualified students.

We provide outreach to families in need and provide services through established community trust, partnerships and by reducing barriers to receiving services (e.g., language, free transportation). During 2009, we served 11,000 residents of Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Fountain Valley, Stanton and Westminster.  We continue to operate a fiscally sound organization. Our daily communication with close collaborative partnerships such as Garden  Grove Unified School District, Garden Grove Police Department, Children and Families Commission of Orange County, CHOC, Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County, and Southern California College of Optometry keeps us in tune with community needs and able to be responsive with new services.

Employment with The Boys and Girls Clubs of Garden Grove is based on the mutual consent that either you or The Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove can terminate employment at-will with or without cause at any time.

Mission Statement: 

To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Job Title:                    

Bus Driver

Classification:

Non-Exempt

Hourly Rate:              

$13.50 - $15.00/hr depending on certification and experience

Hours:           

Part-time, M – F, Available AM and PM hours

Available:                  

Immediately

Location:                    

Main Branch, Transportation Department

Contact:                     

Human Resources (714) 530-0430 ext. 929

Job Description:

Under the direction of the Transportation Director, operates a school bus / van to transport members safely and efficiently to an assigned location using a designated route: performs related duties as required or assigned.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Drives a school bus over an assigned route in accordance with time schedules, picking up and/or discharging students
• Maintains good order among student passengers both on the vehicle and while at pickup/discharge points
• Assists in maintaining the vehicle in a clean and safe condition, inspecting the assigned vehicle at least daily and promptly reporting, correcting, or causing to be corrected any noted defect
• Keeps operation and other records
• Participates in school bus emergency evacuation drills
• Transports students, club members, and parents on field, athletic or other assigned trips and assists with programming as needed
• Communicates and report any incidents which take place during bus route in a timely manner
• Attends re-training, skill improvement, safety and other meetings as directed
• Required to administer first aid if needed
• Assists in supervising groups on all field trips and sports events in between drop-off and pick-up

Education and Experience:

• Prior experience in the operation of a bus or heavy motor vehicle is required
• Individuals possessing the knowledge, skills and abilities listed above are considered to possess the education required to succeed in the position

Licenses and Certificates:

• Possession of a valid and appropriate California Class B Drivers License
• Successful completion of all examination components required of school bus drivers by the California Highway Patrol including a Class PS endorsement
• Valid School Bus Certificate (Required restrictions: 1, 4 & 5)
• Valid standard First Aid Certificate
• Valid Medical Examine Certificate (DL51A)
• Current copy of T-01 card

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of applicable provisions of the California Motor Vehicles
• Safe driving practices, approved first aid method
• Basic safety and maintenance requirements of transportation equipment (school buses)
• Obtain and maintain a valid California School Bus Driver’s Certificate
• Drive a school bus safely
• Maintain order among passengers
• Administer first aid
• Read and follow route maps and other oral and written instructions
• Handle a variety of situations with tact and diplomacy
• Establish and maintain good working relationships
• Employ legal and defensive driving techniques
• Keep records as required
• Learn and carry out vehicle and equipment safety checks

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Frequently sits, stands, walks, climbs stairs; stoops, bends, reaches over head
• May move students weighing up to 25 pounds
• Uses both hands and legs simultaneously
• Repetitively twists and exerts pressure with wrists and hands
• Requires rapid mental/ muscular coordination
• Communicates clearly and is able to understand normal voice conversation
• Has good depth perception and color visions
• Visual acuity sufficient to see small details and long distances in an outdoor environment
• Drives a school bus
• Works inside and outside
• Works with loud noises and vibration
• Occasionally exposed to fumes, gases, machinery with moving parts, and moving vehicles
• Frequently exposed to minor, occasionally severe, contagious diseases
• May require working split shifts, and/or extended hour/day long assignments
• Has direct contact with public, students, passengers and other club and district staff
• Works frequently without guidance from supervisor and occasionally in negative interpersonal situations
• Works with high volume and tight deadlines

Requirements:

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Valid California Driver’s License, Automobile Insurance and Safe Driving Record

Please click here to apply.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Francyne Nguyen

(714) 530-0430 ext. 968

Francyne@bgcgg.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2012

The 2012 Fine Arts Exhibit

Garden Grove (January 4, 2012) - Peters MPR turned into an exhibit of beauty, wonder, amazement, creativity, success, dedication, and hard work. On January 4^th, the 2012 National Fine Arts exhibit took place displaying beautiful works of art from club members from over 31 participating sites. From clay art, to paintings, to color pencils sketches, to shading, the club members showcased their artistic side in over 200 art pieces.

The event offered complimentary chilled beverages of Gatorade and appetizers of cheese and crackers. A star-studded performance by our three talented club members kept the exhibit goers entertained. Ribbons and prizes went out to certain art pieces. Garden Grove channel 3 was there for the action pack night!

The National Fine Arts Exhibit was a success! The outpour of support was overwhelming.Special congratulations to all the talented artists who had their art displayed and everyone who participated! Way to BE GREAT! From everyone at BGCGG, we are proud of you.

For photos of the wonderful event, click here: Fine Art Exhibit Photos

Here's a look at the art winners:

Age 6-9 Winners:

1^st- Carissa Munoz                                 Evans Elementary

2^nd- Galilea Ponce                                  Peters Elementary

3^rd- Jesus Nathan Reyes                       Simmons Elementary

Honorable Mentions:

Ashley Toledo                                          Simmons Elementary

Adan Hernandez                                    Northcutt Elementary

Age 10-12 Winners: 

1^st- Brianna Sparks                                 Hill Elementary

2^nd- Efrain Guzman                                Simmons Elementary

3^rd- Tara Wisdom                                   Irvine Elementary

Honorable Mentions:

Adriana Montenegro                              Simmons Elementary

Isis Avila                                                   Newhope Elementary

Thalia Aguilar                                          Peters Elementary

Age 13- 15 Winners:

1^st- Laurensia Urip                                  Edgar Club

2^nd- Steeven Kang                                  Edgar Club

Age 16-18 Winners:

1^st- Isai Chavez                                        Santiago High School

2^nd- Ana Nava                                          Santiago High School

Group Project Winners:

Ralston Intermediate

Staff Winner:

Joey Moreida  - Simmons Elementary