Organization Profile
Roy W. Roberts, II Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club
1339 East 120th Street · Los Angeles, California 90059 · (323) 567-2278 · (323) 567-3605 fax · www.wwbgc.org
BACKGROUND: In 1957 the Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club (WWBGC) was founded as a gift to the community from the Los Angeles Times Charities, Inc. Originally incorporated as Southern Area Boys Club, this organization was the first club to serve the south Los Angeles area. It is now named in memory of its long-time executive director of twenty-seven years, Roy W. Roberts, II who passed away in 2002.
WWBGC is a chartered member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, an organization of over 1800 locations serving more than 2.4 million boys and girls throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. WWBGC remains the only full service boys and girls club east of Los Angeles’ Harbor Freeway and south of Slauson Avenue, serving the communities of Watts, Willowbrook, South Los Angeles and Compton.
MEMBERSHIP: Annual membership projections anticipate service to as many as 4,000 youth. Members are predominantly of African American and Latino descent. Most of the youth come from single-parent households that receive some form of public assistance.
MISSION: The organization’s mission is consistent with that of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America - To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. This is accomplished in part through delinquency prevention and youth development programs for boys and girls, ages seven through eighteen. Over the many years the Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club has been a stable and positive force in the lives of thousands of young people - a symbol of hope, encouragement and possibilities.
FACILITY: Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club provides members with a safe haven, positive role models and opportunities to learn and to develop. The 45th anniversary of WWBGC was celebrated in 2002 with the completion of the expansion and renovation project involving the original facility. This effort was the result of a $7.2 million capital campaign. The dedication of the 27,000 square-foot building highlighted an impressive facility that includes an education center & library, computer lab, recreation center & game room, health & fitness center, arts & crafts center, dance studio, music/radio production room, gymnasium, tennis court, and teen center.
PROGRAM AREAS: The club provides programs and services that focus on social, educational, vocational, character, leadership development, and health and fitness education. Members are encouraged to achieve, develop positive self-esteem, accept personal responsibility and be open to public service.
HOURS OF OPERATION & FEES: Annual membership fee is $5.00 young people who benefit from the club’s programs and opportunities all year long. The Club is available to members Monday through Friday, 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. During summer and school breaks the Club is open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Support for the programs and services are provided by corporate and foundation grants as well as contributions from businesses, organizations, and individuals that believe that every child deserves an environment that enhances chances for success. Contributions to WWBGC are tax-deductible.