BCM 2020 Impact Report
Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 23:18
Hasn’t 2020 been quite the year?!
While it has been a time of incredible challenge in our community and in the world, we have also seen God’s generous provision and faithfulness, over and over. With the shelter-in-place orders in March, our staff quickly transitioned to remote work and moved our programs online. We also created a Covid Family Assistance Fund. Thanks to gifts made by many friends of BCM, we were able to provide financial support to help our families with rent, groceries and other bills. June brought new county guidance, and we offered in-person summer programs, in addition to continuing remote spiritual programming. We are grateful for the incredible team of staff, interns, volunteers (both in person and virtual), prayer warriors and financial supporters who have made it possible for us to continue our mission during a time when academic and spiritual support for the youth of our community is more critical than ever. As we reflect on this tumultuous time, we hold on to the peace found in Christ and press on as messengers of hope and a future in East Palo Alto and Belle Haven.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
Our Community | Carmen
The biggest thing that sticks out to me about BCM is how God’s love shows up there. In a world that so constantly changes, BCM is like a little island, a village of God’s love. It’s honestly hallowed ground. BCM is different from any other program because it’s saturated in God’s love, and that love is tangible and visible. Everybody that serves at BCM is there because of their true commitment to show Christ and love kids. That’s hard to find. You can’t fake that! How could you go wrong when you start the recipe with God’s love?
Read more from a BCM Parent
We are growing spiritually!
Our programs: Bible Club, Vacation Bible School, StreetWorkz, LiT
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6
Bible Club really helped me understand who Jesus was in my life. Having faith and being a Christian doesn’t make your life easier, but it does mean someone is by your side. - BCM alumna
BCM Alumna | Carmen
Stephanie* was upset that her friends were gossiping about her. She vented about the situation for several minutes and then let out a big sigh before saying, “I guess I shouldn’t want bad things for them. I should just let it go instead of getting revenge. Like how we talked about at Streetworkz...you know, forgiveness and being like Jesus.”
Wow! Stephanie was dealing with a lot, and it would have been normal for her to become angry or bitter towards her friends. Instead, God was at work transforming her heart.
Read more about StreetWorkz
* Name changed for privacy
BCM Impact | Sofia and Maggie
We are gaining life skills!
Our programs: Kidsmart, KidSmart Summer Bridge, Create Studios, Create Summer,
LiT Academic Support
BCM has helped me succeed in school and develop the characteristics I need to achieve my goals.
- BCM student
95% KidSmart homework completion rate
116 students served
101 students served
Through the positive and engaging approach of the staff and volunteers, students opened up and became confident, showing initiative in the classroom and taking responsibility for their own learning. It was amazing to see this transformation happen in front of me. I knew it had to be God at work.
- BCM Volunteer
Read more about KidSmart Summer Bridge
75% middle school students express the meaning and importance of Jesus’ death and resurrection
BCM Volunteer | Rajesh
LiT students attended a series of 6 College Prep Workshops which assisted them in creating a college prep timeline and calendar, identifying goals and priorities for colleges, understanding types of colleges and requirements, career and degree exploration, college essay writing, admission changes due to COVID-19 and scholarships.
BCM Volunteer | Greg
Mario* came to us as a second grader, reading at an early first grade reading level in August. He had no confidence in his ability to read, but he did have a desire to become a better reader and worked hard every day in KidSmart, with the support of his classroom leader and volunteers. Mario was consistently encouraged and praised along the way as he showed increased interest in books and demonstrated rapid improvement in comprehension. Soon he was asking to read more challenging books and by mid-year Mario was reading at a mid-second grade level!
* Name changed for privacy
We are developing as leaders!
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
Developing Confidence
Jennifer* has part of BCM since elementary school. Known for being quiet, shy, and sometimes unwilling to participate, this year was an incredible year of growth for Jennifer! She joined the 8th grade leadership team and decided that one of her personal goals would be to improve her comfort and confidence with public speaking. She took on the role of giving the program announcements each week; this was a huge step for someone who was usually at the back of the room as a silent observer. Jennifer practiced and prepared each week, writing down what she would say and asking questions to clarify the announcements. Throughout the year she grew more and more comfortable coming to the front of the room to share updates, instructions or reminders with the rest of the students. Her smile when she finished showed how proud she was of herself! A couple of years ago, Jennifer barely talked to other students or responded to questions. But this year, Jennifer told stories, answered questions, and became much more willing to share her thoughts. BCM and the 8th grade leadership team helped Jennifer feel loved and at home and provided a caring space where she could challenge herself and find her confidence.
* Name changed for privacy
Congrats to BCM's 2020 scholarship recipients!
Yenifer Alas,
San Francisco State University
Violeta Alvarado,
San Francisco State University
Ashley Jack,
Dillard University
Stephanie Martinez,
San Francisco State University, graduate studies
Diamond Pearson,
Loyola University New Orleans,
graduate studies
Carmen Zurita,
Fresno Pacific University
Thank you!
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
Philippians 1:3-5
194 total volunteers
13,923 total volunteer hours
$202,718.88 dollar value of volunteer hours
Jennifer Alexander
Waniya Bryant
Paige Burgess
Jordan Dennen
Andrew Hartwell
Amy Joh
Kenne Johnson
Diana Liggs
Gene Lopez
Roberto Mendoza
Bernardo Quevedo
Kim Shimazaki
Leslie Tuakalau
Ariana Yee
Rolando Zeledon
Program Support
Roland Chan
Greg Corsetto
Esme Garcia
Ed King
Kimberly Lopez
Molly Medin
Chucky Mendoza
Angie Menjivar
Rajesh Philipos
Yasmin Philipos
Matt Pizzimenti
Claire Schmelzer
Hector Torres
Carmen Zurita
Church Partners
Abundant Life Christian Fellowship
Bethany Lutheran Church
Central Peninsula Church
Chinese for Christ Church San Jose (CFCC)
Community Baptist Church
Community Church of East Palo Alto
Hana Seed Church
The Highway Community
The Home of Christ, Menlo Park
Living Community Church
Lord's Grace Christian Church
Menlo Church
New Community Church
Palo Alto Vineyard Church
Spark Church
True North
University AME Zion
Valley Church
VIVE Church
The Well Church
Grant and Foundation Awards
Episcopal Impact Fund
Facebook and Facebook Local Community Fund
The Highway Common Good Fund
Jeremy Lin Foundation
Los Altos Town Crier Holiday Fund
Palo Alto Weekly Holiday Fund
Rebuilding Together
Transparent Fish Fund
Younger Family Fund
