PENINSULA CHARITY – Raising expectations
Mike Lansing, the executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of the Los Angeles Harbor, has increased the organization’s reach from serving 175 at-risk children 20 years ago to 7,500 today. Photo How Mike Lansing transformed the Boys and Girls Club of LA Harbor into a national success story Mike Lansing chooses his words with precision, describing his life’s work from his small office while the sounds of children playing lift from below. Across the street the Boys and Girls Club opens its San Pedro doors. It is 3 p.m. and children from ages 5 to 18 are coming here — for homework help, college preparatory work, art and science programs, musical instruction, recreation opportunities, games and dinner. “A myriad of different things are available every day,” Lansing says, his eyes bright and clear. He pauses, his hands held together. He is a deeply earnest man. “The key is every day. That is the defining factor — 2,300 youth served every day. Which is a lot different than Little League or other nonprofits that are open seasonally.” Lansing is the executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of the Los Angeles Harbor. The harbor chapter serves 15 locations including the San Pedro…
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