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Press Room

Jan 7, 2009 | Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend

ECONOMIC DOWNTURN FORCES BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE BIG BEND TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE THREE CLUBS IN LEON COUNTY

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As of Feb. 1, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend will no longer operate three Leon County after-school and summer program sites, including the Frenchtown, Ft. Braden and Miccosukee Clubs.

Resulting from a lack of donations, rising expenses, and a delay in receiving committed funding, the Club closures are part of a proactive approach to ensuring the sustainability of the organization in future years.

The organization has faced tough financial times in the past year with costs of Club operations and transportation increasing, and funding sources falling drastically. In response, the organization has cut down on supplies and utility costs, merged Clubs, reduced full-time positions to part-time and not filled vacant positions.

“Club closures were the last resort, but that’s sadly what it’s come down to," said Buddy Streit, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend. “The most unfortunate part is that in hard times like these our Clubs are most needed for the families we serve, so closing these Clubs was a very difficult decision.”

Wherever possible, staff and children from the three sites will be transferred to other Clubs.

“We hope to serve these areas again in the future, but there are many factors that have to fall into place before that happens,” said Streit. “Additional, long-term funding sources and increased community support must be secured. We need the community’s dedication to change these children’s lives for the better. We just can’t do it without them.”

To learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend call 850-656-8100 or visit www.ThePositivePlaceForKids.org.

ABOUT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE BIG BEND

Established in 1992 to help curb local youth crime and delinquency, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend offers kids ages 5 to 18 a Positive Place to Go after school, where they can grow personally and academically in a safe and structured environment. Now operating 13 Clubs in Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson and Leon Counties and serving more than 7,000 members every year, the organization provides a compelling alternative to drugs, crime, gang activity and other negative influences affecting local youth today, and enables members to realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. As an independent affiliate of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend relies heavily on the generosity of local benefactors and direct support from public and private entities. To learn more, visit www.ThePositivePlaceforKids.org.