This past December, 826 Merced County residents took part in a survey conducted by Data for Social Good, sending a clear message: Boys & Girls Club of Merced County is essential and must continue serving local youth.
In 2024 alone, the Club served 3,713 members, with an average daily attendance of 315 youth across 9 sites, 5 communities, and 4 school districts. The scale of impact is undeniable. However, with the High-Speed Rail project set to take over the Club’s longtime home in downtown Merced, a big question remains —how do we protect this vital service?
The High-Speed Rail Authority needs to take primary responsibility for ensuring the Club’s relocation, but it will take strong collaboration and advocacy from Boys & Girls Club, the City, and the community to make it happen.
The survey shows how much the community values youth services and recognizes the important role Boys & Girls Club plays in Merced.
● Community Trust – Nearly 70% of respondents rated the Club’s reputation as “excellent” or “good,” highlighting its positive impact on local kids and families.
● Strong Community Support – 83.6% would support efforts to ensure Boys & Girls Club of Merced County continues its services in a new facility.
● Keeping the Club in Merced – 90% of respondents believe that Boys & Girls Club should continue to operate in the City of Merced.
● Deep Concern for Local Youth – Over 83% of respondents expressed serious worries about the negative impact that losing the youth center would have.
● Limited Alternatives – 78.4% of respondents do not believe there are many adequate or similar youth facilities in Merced County.
● Low Awareness of High-Speed Rail Impact – While many residents support the concept of High-Speed Rail, nearly 79.8% didn’t realize the project currently includes demolishing the McCombs Youth Center, or better known as the Boys and Girls Club of Merced County.
● Relocation Responsibility – Respondents agree that the High-Speed Rail Authority is most responsible for helping relocate the Club.
Behind these numbers are parents, teachers, community leaders, and others who see the impact firsthand.
One resident put it simply: “If it gets torn down, there will be an increase in youth disengagement, especially in these rougher areas of town.” Another emphasized, “Kids come first. They are our future. They need these resources that are vital and are lacking.”
These voices remind us why Boys & Girls Club matters. For just $20 a year, a child gets mentorship, enrichment, and a safe place to grow. That’s a small price for something that has made a big difference in the lives of so many local kids. But for every child who benefits, there are still more who need access. Addressing this challenge isn’t just about awareness. It’s about action and community support.
Boys & Girls Club and the City of Merced have partnered for decades to provide a safe, nurturing space where our youth feel welcome. That partnership led to the creation of the McCombs Youth Center in 2002, a place that has helped thousands of kids thrive. It shows that when Merced comes together, we can make big things happen.
With the High-Speed Rail impacting the Club’s longtime home, community collaboration is more critical than ever. The survey made it clear: our community believes High-Speed Rail has the greatest responsibility to help replace what’s being lost. Boys & Girls Club is committed to working with the City of Merced and the community so that we come out stronger—not with less, but with more opportunities for our youth.
This isn’t just about a building — it’s about protecting and expanding the programs that help our kids succeed.
Join The Effort
If there’s one thing Merced does best, it’s coming together.
On May 2nd, Boys & Girls Club will host its 31st Annual Gala Dinner and Fundraiser, a night to celebrate our youth, families, and the community that makes it all possible. Proceeds will help sustain the Club, ensuring it remains a lifeline for Merced’s kids, no matter where its future home may be.
Get your tickets online at www.bgcmerced.org and be part of this important cause. Every child deserves a safe place to learn and grow, and with the community’s support, Boys & Girls Club will remain a vital resource for generations to come.