CLEVELAND — The mentors at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio call them "safe" and "loving" spots for children in the community. They are places where kids can learn, play, and eat either after school or when they are on summer break.
At least, that's how it is for now.
"We were able to take programming through the end of this school year and will be able to do so during the summer," BGCNEO CEO Allen Smith told 3News, "but when we get to fall, we have a shortfall.
The Federal government is set to cut $3 million in funding from the organization, one of the largest Boys & Girls Clubs in the country with about 9,800 members at 49 clubs in six Northeast Ohio counties. Smith warns there will be real consequences if funds
"We might be forced to shut down some of our locations," he said. "I can tell you in the Cleveland area and the Lorain area, places where we've had sites in schools, those places are at risk."
In the meantime, the nonprofit is working to fill the gap.
"We have a corporate campaign initiative that is happening right now to local businesses," Smith explained, "especially those who have not supported Boys & Girls Clubs in the past."
Today's economy presents a huge mountain for Smith and his team to climb, but they are working hard to reach the summit.
"Boys & Girls Clubs does all of this without cost or a fee," he noted. "We don't charge a family or young person to participate in any of our programs. We honestly believe we are the best thing happening for a lot of families.
"Clubs provide parents access to free, high-quality afterschool programs that ensure their child is safe, supervised, and engaged in learning. An independent national survey of Boys & Girls Clubs shows that kids in our program make positive changes — all of which benefit our community. These changes include increased graduation rates, improved academic scores, getting more involved in community service, and being less likely to do risky things like carrying weapons or using drugs and alcohol."
Of the 49 clubs operated by the organization, 36 are in Cuyahoga and Lorain County combined, and Smith says the loss of federal funds will most directly impact those locations.
"We are facing a difficult challenge, one that could have life-altering consequences for some of our most vulnerable children," Smith added. "Families across Northeast Ohio count on us to provide a safe place for their children at no cost. The prospect of having to close even one club, let alone several, is disconcerting. We continue to hope the community will rally behind our kids."
BGCNEO officials say the unexpected loss of the federal money has led to a budget shortfall. Additionally, many school systems — including the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and Lorain City School District — are reducing or eliminating afterschool programs.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio currently has clubs in 38 schools. Smith says they are looking "to serve as many kids in as many places as possible." The group typically reduces the number of clubs open during the summer by consolidating two nearby sites at one location, but by this fall, it is possible some clubs closed for the summer will not reopen.
BGCNEO has established a "Save Our Clubs" campaign donation page on its website.