Partnering for kids

The Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County saw an incredible year of growth in 2014.

With a membership that doubled to 1,425 and a 60 percent increase to 3,100 in the total number of youths served, the club is continuing to expand its services to the young people of Kootenai County.

The club announced Thursday that it will once again be rolling out its Partnership For Kids campaign.

Ryan Davis, executive director of the club, made the announcement during a spring party hosted for supporters in Coeur d'Alene.

"At the heart of our organization is a desire to positively influence the lives of the young people in our community," said Davis. "During the summer, we provide life-enhancing programs Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for just $20 per child. That's $20 per child for the entire summer, not per day or per week. A 10-week summer program is just $20 per child thanks to the amazing support of many local businesses in Kootenai County who support us."

The campaign includes yellow banners placed at supporting businesses, television ads, radio ads, social media and Coeur d'Alene Press ads showcasing the club's supporters.

Funds raised through the Partnership for Kids campaign go directly into the club's operating budget and allow the club to provide programs throughout the summer when kids are often without constructive activities, Davis said.

To participate in the Partnership for Kids campaign, visit www.northidahobgc.org/pfk or call (208) 457-9089.

Another big announcement comes on the heels of the Coeur d'Alene school board's recent approval of the final pieces of the agreement to allow the Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County to pursue building a clubhouse on the grounds of Lakes Magnet Middle School.

Coeur d'Alene School Board chair Christa Hazel said she is excited about the partnership.

"The vision of Boys & Girls Club will provide significant services and support for children in our community," Hazel said. "This is a unique opportunity and the school board has been unanimous from the start with full support of this project."

At this time, Coeur d'Alene youths are served by the Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County through an extension program located at Sorensen Magnet School. That site reached capacity within the first years of being open and has a long waiting list of youth hoping to gain access.

While working with the Coeur d'Alene School District, the club identified a growing need for programs in the Lakes Magnet Middle School area, and upon completion of the new facility, the club hopes to serve Lakes, Sorensen and surrounding schools including Borah, Bryan, Fernan and Winton.

"Our goal as the Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County is to provide services and programs to kids where they live - to have neighborhood-based facilities where kids can learn, grow and dream," Davis said. "It is our mission to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.

"We are so appreciative of the Coeur d'Alene School District's desire to partner with us, and we could not think of a better place to impact Coeur d'Alene's youth."

Coeur d'Alene schools Superintendent Matt Handelman said he and others at the district are excited to be launching into this partnership.

"This is a win for the district, a win for the Boys & Girls Club, but most importantly, a win for the children of our community," Handelman said.

Learn more about programs and activities offered by the Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County at www.northidahobgc.org or by calling (208) 457-9089.