For Immediate Release
9/21/20
THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF MALIBU WELLNESS CENTER ANNOUNCES THE ADDITION OF A NEW SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM
Wellness Without Walls
Building Resilience In Our Community is a program that provides individual & family support services in the comfort of your home, via phone or virtual during this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through our initial intake process, we can tailor the program to your needs addressing food, housing, employment, physical and mental health, as well as provide emotional support. This program is also meant to support Malibu seniors and those that work in the Santa Monica and Malibu areas. Services also include: mental health counseling, crisis intervention, healthcare resources, workforce development, assistance for domestic abuse/violence, and more.
The Wellness Center continues to provide and grow in alignment with the needs of the community at large with necessary support throughout trauma related challenges from the Woolsey fire to the current pandemic.
We Are Pleased to Introduce…
Peggy Zherdev, Director of Social Support Services at the Wellness Center, MSW, MPPA, ASW #95390
Peggy Zherdev is joining us as an associate clinical social worker trained to work with families and parents, for both in-home and outpatient settings. Peggy has over 13 years of experience working with federal, state, and county-funded programs. She has a Master’s degree in Public Policy & Administration as well as in Social Work, with a clinical emphasis. Peggy has worked extensively in the Los Angeles community providing families with support in parenting, accessing community resources, and understanding mental health. By building strong alliances among L.A. County community stakeholders, she has helped to build support for programs and policies that serve our residents. Peggy has also worked, and continues to volunteer, for the California Association for Infant Mental Health (CalAIMH). As a parent herself, Peggy knows it can be challenging to ask for help and is here to assist in navigating and accessing much needed support with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Making Social and Emotional Wellness Available to All SMMUSD Children, Families, and the Community at Large.
Wellness Center Referrals Made Easy
All counseling and support services are free to any SMMUSD child, their family, and the community at large. Students are often referred to the Wellness Center for support when their principal, academic teacher or BGCM personnel feels additional social and emotional support is needed. Boys & Girls Club membership is NOT required. Anyone can request services by filling out a referral form via our website or by contacting Wellness Staff directly. Once a referral is made, the student’s parent or guardian will be contacted and counselor placement will be made within 24-48 hours. To make a referral, visit the Wellness Center website “Forms” section here.
Hours of Operation
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, we aim to accommodate your busy schedules. Tell us about your availability and we will do our best to meet with you at a suitable time. Please note: Currently, our mental health services are all provided via Telehealth in order to keep you and your family safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn More by Visiting www.bgcmalibuwellness.org
or view our Wellness Center Brochure
About Boys & Girls Club of Malibu The BGCM provides a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, healthy lifestyles, as well as social and emotional wellness. The Wellness Center was established through a collective concern for a lack of accessible and affordable services available in our community. Through creative partnerships and collaborative relationships, we aim to make social and emotional wellness available to all, at no cost, and with no barriers to access. During the COVID-19 pandemic, to keep our clients & clinicians safe, we provide secure and confidential Telehealth appointments. We are also here to provide individual & family services that can help improve overall health, well-being, and daily lives.
In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. The BGCM was founded in 1999 by the founding board of the Malibu Foundation for Youth and Families and is a 501c3: 95-4774844. The BGCM relies on generous donations from the community to keep the doors open and make a lasting impact on the lives of youth. Please consider making a fully tax-deductible donation today. Donations can be made at www.bgcmalibu.org
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Contact: 310-457-6801 ext. 74141 · wellnessinfo@bgcmalibu.org
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