We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. That’s why we’re proud to support Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern North Carolina through both a Community Grant and a Capacity Grant to help launch Futuro Brillante, a new outreach program focused on connecting and engaging Latino youth and families, and increasing their participation in Club programs.
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern North Carolina is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The organization serves youth ages 6 to 18 through daily after-school and summer programs that focus on academic support, character and life skills development, and physical and recreational activities. Serving more than 2,200 youth annually across five counties, the Clubs supported over 900 young people in 2024 alone at four Clubhouse locations in New Hanover County.
There is an urgent need to better serve the growing Latino population in this area. Latino youth make up nearly 18% of New Hanover County Schools’ student population and, like other minority groups, they experience educational disparities and challenges that Boys & Girls Clubs are uniquely positioned to help address. The Community Grant supports direct outreach and engagement activities, while the Capacity Grant allows the Clubs to equip staff and leadership with the cultural competency and tools needed to build meaningful connections with families.
Now, through the newly launched Hispanic Outreach Initiative, Futuro Brillante, the Clubs are taking an important step to ensure every child in our community feels seen, supported, and welcome. By hosting and participating in community events—such as the recent FaithID event—the Clubs have already enrolled 23 new Latino members in just two months. Hispanic Outreach Coordinator Maria Narvaez Scheel has been instrumental in connecting with families: meeting parents at bus stops, answering questions in Spanish, and guiding them through the enrollment process.
Through partnerships with organizations like Latino Alliance, staff and board members are participating in cultural sensitivity training, and targeted marketing efforts are underway to ensure Latino families know the Clubs are here for them.
“Communities are changing—and we must change with them if we are to truly fulfill our mission. The neighborhoods around our Vance Street Clubs have seen significant growth in Hispanic residents. Many families have not known about our programs simply because of language barriers or lack of outreach. Futuro Brillante ensures we’re no longer leaving these children and families behind. This support is helping us take an intentional, sustained step toward inclusion and equity,” said Maria Narvaez Scheel, Hispanic Outreach Coordinator.
How can the community support this work?
- Share the message that Boys & Girls Clubs welcome and serve Hispanic youth.
- Volunteer—especially if you are Spanish-speaking and want to help build connections and support at our Clubs.
If you would like to get involved with Futuro Brillante, please contact Maria Narvaez Scheel at mscheel@bgcsenc.org.
