Kids clubs closing

VERMILION — A nationwide organization known for providing safe havens for children indicated it would start this school year with 22 fewer clubs in operation across northern Ohio, including in Erie County. Throughout the 2023-24 school year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio oversaw 49 active clubs, including those in Erie and Huron counties. Children, from ages 6 to 18, visit these spaces after school to, among other reasons, do their homework, stay active, eat healthy meals, learn valuable life skills and socialize with their peers. There's no charge for kids to join. But, due to a decrease in federal funding, club representatives don't have enough money to — at least, for right now — adequately staff and operate all 49 clubs this year. Club officials noted they needed to "close a $3 million gap" created by the unexpected loss of a family-specific fund along with leftover COVID-19-related relief dollars subsidizing operational costs. The organization "left open the possibility of restoring operations at some sites during the school year if funding, including a pending request from the state, becomes available," according to an organizational statement. Several local clubs are affected and, as of today, are not slated to open this year: • In Sandusky at Sandusky Intermediate School; Officials said this club will merge with the Regional Center for Arts & Academic Studies on East Adams Street, which is a part of Sandusky Schools. • In Vermilion at Sailorway Middle School and Vermilion Elementary School Others across Erie and Huron counties — namely the Sandusky Teen Center at Cleveland Road (U.S. 6) and Remington Avenue; the Regional Center for Arts & Academic Studies on East Adams Street; in New London; and in Norwalk — will remain open. Officials noted they faced "extremely difficult" decisions in determining which clubs would and would not open this school year. They based the closures on several factors, mainly determining how many kids they could best serve in the most efficient way possible. It costs a minimum of $120,000 a year to operate one club. For the clubs that are staying open, each should expect a decrease in staffing. "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," said Allen Smith, CEO of the regional organization. Smith encouraged families whose clubs won't reopen to visit bgcneo.org to learn more about nearby locations. It's also there where people can learn more about the organization and donate funds.