Charity Sponsor | Boys and Girls Clubs of the Valley

AZSA's 2026 Conference Charity Sponsor

From Executive Director, Amy Amideo

On behalf of the Arizona Self-Storage Association, I want to extend our sincere thanks to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Arizona for being our charity sponsor at our 2026 AZSA Conference & Trade Show. We are honored to spotlight an organization whose work has such a meaningful impact on children, families, and communities throughout Arizona.

At AZSA, we believe our role goes beyond serving the self-storage industry. We are also an integral part of the larger Arizona community, which comes with the responsibility to support the individuals and organizations working to build a stronger future. The Boys and Girls Clubs' dedication to helping children learn, grow, feel supported, and succeed aligns perfectly with the values we uphold as an association. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with them this year and help raise awareness for their important mission.

We took a moment to discuss the Boys and Girls Clubs' mission with Tim Emory, VP of Resource Development.

So Much More Than Just a Club

The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Valley provide a valuable service for children and their families. We offer a safe environment for kids during out-of-school time, allowing parents to work and providing families with stability.

Our mission encompasses various aspects, from ensuring safety and addressing food insecurity to providing homework assistance. We strive to send kids home with calmer minds and possibly a bit more physical activity. As for our reach, we operate 30 clubs, 28 of which are located throughout the valley.  Overall, we aim to spread our mission to as many people as possible.

When I mention "out of school time," I’m referring to both our afterschool program and our summer activities. If you've seen the Denzel Washington commercial, you’ll remember the tagline: “When school’s out, clubs are in.” We are open all day during the summer when kids are not in school.

Our clubs serve as a safe space for children, giving parents peace of mind. In fact, 95% of the 10,000 families we serve rely on our services to maintain their jobs.

Making Sure Kids Get a Meal

Last year, we provided a total of 900,000 snacks and hot meals to kids in our care, making us the second-largest meal provider in Arizona, following only a few school districts.  

In Arizona, one in four children is food insecure, meaning 25% of kids aren’t sure where their next meal will come from. While this can stem from homelessness, we also serve a small percentage of children, around 2% to 5%, who are in foster care. Our facility provides a safe environment where families can feel secure, knowing their children have access to meals and support.

While we hope kids will get breakfast at school, we know they’ll get lunch, we're also concerned about their dinner options. By providing meals at the club, we offer parents more flexibility, as they won't have to worry about providing dinner when their kids get home. This alleviates one more concern for families.

Giving Kids an Opportunity to Thrive

We operate under four main pillars: a healthy lifestyle, academic success, career pathways, and workforce development. Our children can engage in a variety of activities at the club, and we dedicate time to homework completion through a program called "Power Hour," where they can finish their assignments.

Many of our families face challenges, with 75% qualifying under the federal poverty level, which is set at $28,000 for a family of four. Additionally, 60% of our children qualify for free or reduced lunch, and 99% attend Title I schools located in low-income neighborhoods.

We also have a mental health program called the Whole Child Approach. Each of our clubs has a wellness coach who monitors children for signs of emotional distress. They address issues early to prevent escalation, and if a child is in crisis, they step in to help them calm down. We have designated "calming corners" where kids can go to relax. These spaces are equipped with fidget toys, headphones, and weighted stuffed animals, which serve as comforting tools.

We are now in our fourth year of implementing this program, and we have seen a 68% drop in incidents—from minor to more serious—since its inception.

Offering a Chance to Actively Participate

We have a program called AZ Plays, designed for kids who don’t have the opportunity to participate in recreational or club sports. This program aims to get them moving and active. As you know, Arizona often ranks last in several areas, including education and after-school care for kids. Unfortunately, this means our children tend to be less active than those in other states.

AZ Plays provides these kids with the chance to learn about sports, which can teach valuable lessons such as teamwork and sportsmanship. My boss, Sam, has a theory that 90% of HR problems stem from individuals who didn't participate in organized sports. Initially, I was skeptical, but the more I thought about it, the more I could see the correlation. Sports help individuals learn how to work with others and develop leadership skills.

Getting Kids Ready for the Workforce

The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Valley has a program called AZ Youthforce, through which we collaborate with companies. Currently, we have about 20 corporate partners, ranging from Bank of America to the Mortgage Matchup Center, where some of our participants intern over several weeks.

For example, if you ever visit Bank of America, the employees wearing the red shirts and khakis might be our AZ Youthforce participants. Similarly, if you attend a Suns game or a concert, the young adults assisting with guest relations are part of our program.

Last year, our participants collectively earned just under a million dollars, which is incredible. They are learning valuable skills, and we're proud to know that some of them eventually secure jobs with the companies where they intern. For instance, at Swire Coca-Cola, we’ve had interns transition directly into positions, like the individual who started as an intern at Bank of America and is now selling mortgages there.

This program began seven years ago with a $25,000 seed investment and has since grown to support a $1.25 million budget. It's a fantastic achievement and a vital part of our future.

Want to Get Involved?

There are so many ways to volunteer with the club.  If an organization wants to bring in a group—whether it's 5, 20, or even 50 employees—we have a program called "Join the Rotation." This program is typically designed for 5 to 15 participants who come in and become an extension of our staff.

During their visit, some volunteers may work in the art room, helping kids with projects like painting piggy banks. Others might be in the gym, which is always a favorite, playing dodgeball with the children. Additionally, we have a teen center where they can join kids in playing e-sports on consoles like the PS5, perhaps competing in games like Mario Kart.

The experience lasts about an hour and a half to two hours, beginning with a tour of the club led by a staff member. After the tour, participants join the rotation and engage in activities.

This is our most popular volunteer effort. Those who want to make a regular commitment can come in weekly during Power Hour to assist kids with their homework, among other activities. We have a variety of opportunities available, and we would love to share them!

What Are You Waiting For?

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Valley offer much more than just a place for kids to go after school. They provide safety, stability, nourishment, mentorship, and opportunities for thousands of families in the Valley. The Clubs serve meals, offer homework support, and help build confidence, emotional resilience, leadership skills, and career pathways, all while shaping brighter futures every day. Whether through volunteering, corporate partnerships, or simply learning about the impactful work being done, there are meaningful ways for everyone to support this mission and help ensure that more kids feel safe, seen, and ready to thrive.

Donations Always Appreciated

AZSA has created a QR code to help support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Arizona.  Any monetary donations are always appreciated.