Helping Kids & Families Thrive

From Farmers’ Market to Brick & Mortar: How the Healdsburg Clubhouse Helped an Entrepreneurial Family Thrive 

Melissa Yanc McGaughey, an entrepreneur and mother, has become a well-known figure in Healdsburg, running two thriving local businesses. Her story of success and community connection is deeply intertwined with the support she and her family have received from Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin.  

Melissa’s roots trace back to Los Angeles, where she was born and raised. Her early life was steeped in a rich cultural heritage, with her grandmother being one of the first Filipinos in Los Angeles to own her own bakery. Initially pursuing a degree in geology, Melissa’s path took a significant turn when she decided to explore her passion for culinary arts.  

Melissa and her husband Sean’s journey led them to Healdsburg, where their entrepreneurial spirit took root. They began by selling their artisan bread at the local farmers’ market, a venture that quickly gained tremendous popularity. Their success at the market paved the way for the establishment of their two Healdsburg businesses, Quail & Condor and Troubadour Bread & Bistro, further solidifying their place within the community. 

As parents, Melissa and Sean are acutely aware of the need for reliable after-school care for their two children. Balancing their careers and family life, they found a crucial support system in the Healdsburg Boys & Girls Clubhouse for their older son Reid. The Club’s affordable pricing was a significant factor, but it was the quality of the programs that truly resonated. The Clubhouse offered a sense of comfort and familiarity, echoing the enriching programs she and Sean had experienced when they were kids. “The Club and its program felt so familiar to us both,” Melissa shared. “We love that our son is getting a similar experience.” 

Melissa explained how Reid’s involvement with the Clubhouse has been both immersive and flexible. It’s not simply an after-school program where kids “hang out” until their parents pick them up, but a place where they can meaningfully interact with others, learn, and find enrichment. The variety of programs—ranging from homework help to art programs—has allowed Melissa's son to develop new interests. 

"It's like, oh—do you want do homework, or do you want to do art? Or go play with Lego?” said Melissa. “There are so many options at the Clubs.” 

Melissa appreciates how her son explored his passion for art while benefiting from a safe, nurturing space that included interaction with diverse peers. This exposure to different cultures and languages has been invaluable for his personal development. 

“The diversity at the Clubs is very important to us,” said Melissa. “I was told by the Clubhouse Team that Reid was spending time with a child who only spoke Spanish, so he's often engaged with kids from different backgrounds. He also gets to interact with older kids older and he’s feels good about that —it’s great!”  

Because of the help the Clubhouse provides, Melissa and Sean can continue to develop their businesses and relationships within the Healdsburg community while knowing their son is in a safe and supportive environment.  

"Having my son at the Clubhouse allows me to get more locally involved, like joining the Chamber of Commerce and participating in events that benefit me both personally and professionally,” said Melissa. 

Melissa’s story captures what the Clubs seek to achieve: providing opportunities for local youth and their families to reach their full potential.  

“I have so much faith in the people and the programs,” said Melissa when asked about the construction of the new Healdsburg Clubhouse. “I trust and can always get behind projects at Boys & Girls Clubs.” 

By investing in a new Healdsburg Clubhouse, we're not just investing in physical space, we’re investing in the future of Healdsburg families, building a community where children and parents can reach their full potential. With your support, we can create a new Clubhouse that will empower countless more stories like Melissa's for years to come. 

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