FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 23, 2015
For Interviews or More Information:
Sharon Cleaver, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City
Phone: 816-462-0136 Mobile: 816-674-3721
Email Address: scleaver@helpKCkids.org / Web site: www.helpKCkids.org
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS BRINGS FULL YEAR PROGRAMMING TO OLATHE, KANSAS
KANSAS CITY, Mo – A ribbon cutting on Tuesday, September 29 will officially mark the start of year round programming for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City in Olathe, Kansas. Open Monday through Friday and on most school out days, the Clubs will serve boys and girls, kindergarten through eighth grade at the Center of Grace, Mission Campus of Grace United Methodist Church located at 520 South Harrison Street, Olathe, Kansas. The Boys & Girls Clubs have the capacity to serve 100 children and youth at this location.
There is an increasing need for youth development programming in Olathe, Kansas. The percentage of students in Olathe schools receiving free or reduced-cost lunches has risen in the past few years. The National Center for Education Statistics reports over 36% of students living in the 66061 zip code qualify for nutrition assistance.
Since 2012, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City has run its Atomic Blast Summer Enrichment Program at the Center of Grace Mission Campus, receiving capacity membership enrollment numbers each year. When the six week summer program ended, youth in the Olathe community were left with few options.
“Each day, after the school bell rings, our young people are at their highest level of vulnerability,” says Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City President and Club alumnus David A. Smith. “Our program gives youth a safe and productive place to spend their out of school hours away from the multiple risk factors present for so many of them on a daily basis. The Club is grateful for the partnership with Grace United Methodist Church, the Olathe School District and a host of community supporters for making this experience possible for our K through 8th grade area youth.”
“At Grace United Methodist Church, we continue looking for ways to expand opportunities to help young people in our community reach their potential,” says Rev. Dr. Nanette Roberts, senior pastor, Grace United Methodist Church. “God continues to bless our area with increasing populations of families with children. We celebrate this next step alongside the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City to continue the vision of a better and brighter future for everyone!”
The cost of Club membership is only $15 per child for the entire year. Membership includes a meals and a snack, homework help and tutoring, technology and internet safety training, character development and leadership training, sports, fitness and recreation activities and more. Limited scholarships are available on a first come first serve basis for families needing this assistance.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City or the ribbon cutting event, call 816-361-3600.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City.
For more than one hundred years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City has provided a fun and safe environment for youth, ages 5 – 18, to learn, play, meet new friends and grow. From tutoring and career exploration to sports, arts and community service, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City provides top-quality programs to nearly 1,000 area youth each day. Whether it is learning how an individual can make a difference in his/her community or learning how to play basketball – the Clubs strive to help youth feel important and put their dreams of a great future within reach. For more information, visit www.helpKCkids.org or www.facebook.com/helpkckids.
About Grace United Methodist Church.
Grace United Methodist Church has been part of the Olathe community for more than 150 years. In 1999-2000, the church became a two campus congregation with the main Worship and Education campus at 11485 S. Ridgeview Rd. and our Mission campus, Center of Grace, located at 520 S. Harrison. As a part of the Olathe community from its inception, Center of Grace United Methodist Church has taken seriously the call to partner with a wide variety of organizations to help create and sustain positive relationships that help make Olathe a great place to live.
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Sharon Cleaver
Director, Marketing
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City
Please take note of new address –
4001 Blue Parkway, Suite 102
Kansas City, MO 64130
Telephone: 816-462-0136
Fax: 816-361-3675
scleaver@helpkckids.org