Areas of Involvement

The SCV Jaycees are a dynamic organization with members committed to making the Santa Clarita Valley a better place to live, work, and play.  We are involved in Community Service Projects, Governmental Affairs, Individual Development and Training. 

Community Service Projects

Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund ~ Fight It! 5k!

The Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund (BMCF) supports patients 18-40 years old, currently undergoing cancer treatment.  It covers services to meet daily needs, such as home health care services, co-payments, temporary housing, rent, insurance, and food.  The goal of Brenda’s Fund is to help young adults in treatment maintain self-respect and minimize the stress of associated financial challenges. 

Brenda was diagnosed with breast cancer in her late twenties, when she realized that the health care system was not equipped to meet many patients' day-to-day needs through months of treatment.   As members of JCI Santa Clarita, Brenda and Kieran Wong founded the BMCF in February 2001.  Since then it has helped nearly 324 recipients, providing over $234,000 in support services.  In February 2004, Brenda lost her second battle against cancer.   However, the Fund and JCI Santa Clarita continue to realize her vision.

The Fight It! 5K runs annually in May and is managed by a committee of JCI members.   The 9th Annual Race will take place at Central Park in Santa Clarita.   We invite you to get involved today.   www.bmcf.net

 American Cancer Society – Relay for Life

Each summer JCI Santa Clarita takes part in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event.   Relay for Life is about celebration, remembrance, and hope.   By participating, we honor cancer survivors, pay tribute to the lives we’ve lost to the disease, and raise money to help fight it.  This amazing event brings together thousands of community members to raise money to help eliminate cancer as a major health problem.   Hundreds and hundreds of community members walk in a 24-hour walk-a-thon.  www.relayforlife.org

Santa Clarita Valley 40 Under 40

In 2009, The Signal newspaper launched a new publication - the SCV Business Journal.  To celebrate this launch, JCI Santa Clarita partnered with The Signal to produce the first SCV 40 Under 40.  The 40 Under 40 is an event that will honor 40 people living in the Santa Clarita Valley under the age of 40.  These people will be honored because of their professional accomplishments, with points for community involvement and political action.

The selection committee chosen to pick the 40 honorees includes members from such organizations as the Valley Industrial Association (VIA), College of the Canyons, Soroptimist, the SCV City Council and Chamber of Commerce.

Santa's Helpers

In December 2008, JCI Santa Clarita hosted its 10th annual Santa’s Helpers event.    The purpose of this event is to assist 200 families in need in our community during the holiday season by collecting gifts for their children who otherwise would not receive any presents, along with a special private event held at the Ice Station in Valencia.   

The kids are invited to come down where they will get to ice skate, have pizza and soda, make crafts, and even get to sit on Santa’s lap.  They leave with a bag full of wrapped gifts, batteries included, and smiles abundant.  The parents just need to show up the night of the event and the Jaycees take care of the rest. 

With donation boxes placed throughout the giving community of Santa Clarita, we are able to collect these needed gifts.  In addition, monetary donations will allow us to purchase gift certificates to Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and the mall for the teenagers (who can be forgotten during the holiday season).   

Governmental Affairs

Governmental Affairs gets involved with projects that deal with all areas of involvement with the local, state and national governmental process. Projects include town forums, debates, "Get Out The Vote", advocacy issues, as well as providing assistance to other civic organizations in the community.

Governmental Affairs meets quarterly to discuss issues that surround our local community, state and country.  Guest speakers include local government and environmental agencies that are considered experts in their fields. 

Individual Development / Training

ID (Individual Development) Nights

Come out for a night of individual development!  Typically this evening focuses on public speaking and is a great safe setting to hone your skills.  Game shows, such as “American Idol” or “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader”, keep the format fresh and are perfect for those who’d like to take the spotlight.  Additionally, guest speakers offer up their expertise and secrets to success in diverse areas.  As participants develop their skills, they will have the chance to participate in speech and debate finals with other chapters.  ID night will help participants learn the art of speaking, listening, and thinking which are vital skills that promote leadership. 

Emerging Leaders Program

Emerging Leaders is an intensive leadership training program for students that attend College of the Canyons (COC). The SCV Jaycees run the entire Emerging Leaders Program, providing trainers, content, organization and time.  They work directly with the College on implementation, planning and execution, where the SCV Jaycees provide trainings to local college students going through the Emerging Leaders Program. Emerging Leaders was designed to give college age students the leadership skills typically learned through the Jaycee program.

Trainings

The SCV Jaycees are fortunate enough to receive training by some of the people who are considered experts in their fields.  These trainings cover a variety of topics both professional and personal.  Paul Butler, Co-Owner of Newleaf (www.newlleaf-ca.com) delivers a range of training and development programs such as “Acquiring Business Acumen” or Steven R. Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.”  Additionally, Manners Coach, Louise Elerding will instruct on manners and personal appearance while dining.  These valuable trainings are offered exclusively to the SCV Jaycees.