GRAND RAPIDS — The Boys and Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids and Greenway will remain merged through 2025.
In a news release, the organization said it has inadequate staffing to support two separate Club sites, in addition to a budget shortfall.
Competition for state and federal funding, as well as a shift in focus from a major local funder, are among the financial issues the nonprofit is navigating.
“The hope is this merger will be temporary, and we will be able to open the Greenway Branch site again soon,” said Isaac Meyer, Boys and Girls Club Advisory Board president.
As the only non-athletic, non-religious after-school care program for youth in Itasca County, the Boys and Girls Club asserts it is filling a critical need in Northern Minnesota.
“Nationwide, families are facing a ‘childcare conundrum,’ as options for afterschool care are very limited,” explained Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland President Todd M. Johnson.
“With the loss of two significant funding sources, we are looking to the community for help in rebuilding momentum for our Grand Rapids and Greenway Clubs so that they may continue to operate as safe places where all kids find acceptance, support and friendship.”
The two clubs will continue meeting at Grand Rapids Middle School from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, with transportation available for Greenway and Cohasset students.
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Events this week include a Bemidji Symphony Orchestra concert and a school board candidate forum in Grand Rapids.
