Senior Bootcamp is now on Wednesdays from 5pm to 6pm. The Club will be closing early on Wednesday, November 27 at 5:30pm. The Club will be closed on November 28 and November 29 for Thanksgiving.

A Farewell Message from Chile Salazar

2/26/2023 | Mechilia "Chile" Salazar

To the wonderful residents of Ludlow:

It is bittersweet that I write to share the news that after having the honor and privilege of serving this community for nearly five years, I am leaving my role as President/CEO of the Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys & Girls Club to scale my efforts and my passion for helping youth to take on the role of Associate Director at Hope for Children & Families Foundation in Springfield. I will be leaving my position here in Ludlow at the end of April.

Since relocating my family from Boston to Western MA, I have grown to love Ludlow and its passionate leaders, families, organizations, and businesses who create such a strong sense of pride, heart and camaraderie. One thing I learned early on here is how our success is shared. Because of community support, our tremendous Board of Directors and staff;  I am so proud to share some of what we have achieved TOGETHER that has supported GREAT FUTURES for our youth and contributed to a healthier, stronger and connected community, impacting over 3,000 children and teens annually:

  • Distributed over $6k in scholarships to families in need in 2022 alone
  • Launched a new Strategic Plan to deepen our impact, reach more youth, teens, and the community at large
  • Launched a Sensory Saturdays program to be more inclusive of youth and families with different needs
  • Hired a new Teen Coordinator to enhance programs to attract older youth
  • Assessed and recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for being one of safest Clubs in the country
  • Kicked off a number of Capital Improvement Projects to benefit the community at large (including ball field renovation, outdoor SportsCourt with pickleball and basketball courts).
  • Launched MakerSpace – a new program area designed to help youth build, design and create STEAM-related projects.
  • Not to mention navigating a pandemic in the middle of it all!

The Club is needed today more than ever. As the Club continues to grow, the amazing team we call family here will continue to pivot as needed to be responsive to the evolving needs of our youth and community. The Club will remain relentless and resourceful in finding new and innovative ways to create opportunities for our future leaders.  While it will be hard to leave this wonderful community and friends I have made here, I feel good knowing that I’m leaving the Club in capable and caring hands with my incredible team here. The Club remains a pillar of the Ludlow community and I’m proud to have been a part of its success and impact on families here in Ludlow.

Sincerely,

Mechilia “Chile” Salazar

President/CEO

Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys & Girls Club

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