What is it: Although Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio has been forced to open fewer sites this school year due to an unexpected loss in federal funding, four locations in Erie and Huron counties will remain open this fall.
Of the 49 Boys & Girls Clubs that operated in Northeast Ohio, only 27 will open this fall. More locations may be able to open later in the year if full-year funding becomes available, according to a press release from Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio.
In Erie County, Vermilion Sailorway Middle School, Vermilion Elementary and Sandusky Intermediate School locations will not be opening in the fall unless BGCNEO is able to get full-year funding for those sites, according to Ken Wood, director of communications for BGCNEO.
The Erie County locations that will remain open are
Sandusky Teen Center, 2112 Cleveland Road, and
The Regional Center for Arts & Academic Studies, 125 East Adams St.
In Huron County, the Clubs at
New London Elementary School, 1 Wildcat Drive, and at 16 S. Pleasant St. in Norwalk will open their doors.
When determining which locations to open, CEO Allen Smith said BGCNEO prioritized buildings it owns or controls, along with the Clubs funded either by local school districts or through multi-year federal 21st Century Community Learning Center grants, according to the release.
It costs a minimum of $120,000 a year to operate a Club, with the amount being greater for Clubs with higher membership.
Why is it important: While BGNCEO raised more than $700,000 in order to secure some Club locations, it was unable to close the $3 million gap that came from a loss of federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and leftover pandemic relief money, according to the release.
“Our goal has not changed – we want to serve as many kids as possible in Northeast
Ohio,” Smith said via the release. “We have been encouraged by the support we’ve received from the community during this difficult time and will continue to look for ways we can serve more youth in more places.”
How to get involved: Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe, fun place for kids ages 6-18 to go after school with a focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and leadership. To donate or to register for the fall, visit
www.bgcneo.org. There is no charge to join a Club.