The Boys and Girls Clubs of Kootenai County recently received a $250,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust for the Jordan Johnson Clubhouse expansion project in Post Falls.

This project is expanding the club by more than 5,000 square feet to help accommodate the growing demand for Boys and Girls Clubs in the area. The remodel includes an expanded teen center, nutrition center and kitchen, a conference room and community center, an expanded technology center and additional restroom facilities. 

“Our mission to provide a safe and nurturing environment for young minds to grow and thrive is more important than ever,” Boys and Girls Clubs of Kootenai County Executive Director Mark Kuhnhausen said in a news release. “Support from the community has always been the driving force behind our success, and while this grant is a huge step forward, we still need help to reach the final construction goal of $1.7 million.”

The newly expanded club opened in September. The capital campaign just needs $225,000 to reach that final fundraising goal, Kuhnhausen said.

"It turned out great and the kids are loving it," he told The Press. "So excited to be so close to the finish line!"

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Kootenai County works to change the lives of local youth by instilling in them a sense of competence, belonging and influence. Staff members drive them to graduate, to dream of their futures and to demonstrate good characters and healthy lifestyles. In addition to the club in Post Falls, the Duane and Lola Hagadone Club is in Coeur d'Alene. 

“Kids and teens are our community’s most precious resource, and we cannot afford to let any fall through the cracks," Kuhnhausen said.

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, based in Vancouver, Wash., and created by the will of the late Melvin J. (Jack) Murdock, provides grants to nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest — Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington — that seek to strengthen the region’s educational, social, spiritual and cultural base in creative and sustainable ways.

    The Boys and Girls Clubs of Kootenai County recently received a $250,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust of Vancouver, Wash., for the Jordan Johnson Clubhouse expansion project in Post Falls, pictured here. This project is expanding the club by more than 5,000 square feet to help accommodate the growing demand for Boys and Girls Clubs in the area.