It keeps kids active after school and puts students on a path to success, but now a major money source is coming to an end for the Boys and Girls Club in Wichita.
When the new facility near 21st street and Opportunity Drive opened five years ago, it received two major grants totaling $3.5 million to pay for operating costs.
One grant ran out last year. The other, an annual grant of a half million dollars, is ending this year. That is putting new pressure on fund raising efforts.
When school lets out for the day, many kids get off the bus and head straight into the Boys and Girls club in Wichita. It's a place to play sports, meet friends, work on homework and build character.
"The staff here they are always encouraging kids to do their best," said student Tyrell Brewer.
"We are packed full with kids. We have three grade levels with a waiting list," said CEO Jeff Jacobs. "What we say we are doing we are doing, it's just a challenge to keep raising that kind of money."
Jacobs is working hard to replace the grant money that is ending this year, but he has hope the community will meet the need on all levels.
"We obviously need money like any other not for profit," Jacobs said. "But it's time, talent and treasure. We are always in need of volunteers, especially those that can help in the academic learning center."
Even if money is short, Jacobs says future cuts will never impact the kids because he knows how much of a difference this place makes in their lives.
"If I didn't have this place, no telling where I would be," Brewer said. "Probably doing stuff I should be doing, so I think this is why the Boys and Girls Club is a good place for kids."
While Jacobs would love to get a big check, he says small donations go a long way. For example, a $25 gift can pay for three months of a child's membership fee.
