Building Brighter Horizons

Recently, the Club sought new partners to build support for new programs and services. Netwatch, based in nearby Lake Forest, Calif., was one of the companies that stepped forward, expressing its interest in helping support ongoing and new programs and assisting with ensuring the security of the Club’s multiple locations.  

Safety is a top priority for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast because creating a secure environment reassures Club families and partners that robust safety measures are in place to protect every child. With the support of Netwatch, which provides comprehensive services, including intrusion detection, fire protection, access control, video surveillance, and proactive video monitoring, the Club ensures that every child who spends time there is in a secure and protected space.  

“Our partnership with the Boys & Girls Club demonstrates our dedication to the local community and its youth,” said Kurt Takahashi, CEO of Netwatch.

“By empowering Club members to achieve goals they once believed were out of reach, we help build a strong foundation for their future.”

The organization’s YES Workforce Development program is central to its partnership with Netwatch. The program empowers teens and young adults entering the workforce to find livable-wage jobs by meeting the demand of companies that seek entry-level talent. By partnering with local companies, the Club works to provide members with a range of resources aimed at cultivating their professional soft skills to ensure they transition seamlessly into the workforce. 

As part of the program, Netwatch team members engage with teens exploring their career paths. Many members, who are often unfamiliar with opportunities in the security sector, get to experience the benefits of working in cybersecurity, physical security, or IT fields. Netwatch-sponsored events, such as lunch-and-learns and field trips to the corporate offices, provide students with a deeper understanding of the available career options and how these roles can lead to long-term, rewarding careers.  

Netwatch is committed to educating teens about these promising career paths having witnessed the value of hiring from within the community. Several Netwatch team members, who began in entry-level positions and progressed through the ranks, have visited the Boys & Girls Club to share their journeys, demonstrating what can be achieved with perseverance and determination. 

“These kids are so smart, but they often don’t realize the vast array of opportunities available to them,” Takahashi said.

“Many haven’t had the chance to explore careers beyond what they see in their immediate environment. Inspiring just one or two kids and helping them see what’s possible for their future can be incredibly powerful. The impact of that kind of inspiration can change their lives.”