April 8, 2009 — The Boys and Girls Club in Christiansted reopened its doors Monday with 55 students registered again for educational and fun after-school activities. Due to lack of funding the doors had been closed in December 2008.
"We are looking forward and not back," said Julie Landreneau, executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virgin Islands.
The staff and volunteers were busy in the meantime, sprucing up and bringing the building up to code and restructuring programs.
"I'm happy it's open, and I can't wait to get into activities with other people," said 11-year-old Tyler Gumbs, a student at Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School.
Landreneau said efforts were focused on three areas since December. The club redeveloped the board of directors, getting 12 new members. The club also repaired plumbing and electrical systems and got new smoke detectors, bringing everything up to code.
Educational programs were restructured and focused on math and reading to meet requirements for a $125,000 21st Century grant the club was awarded.
The daily afternoon program begins at 2:30 p.m. with students signing in, getting a snack and having a general assembly with an inspirational message. Then they get down to business in the "Power Hour" and get homework done. If some students need extra help with a project or homework they get the extra attention from staff or finish up on computers. When homework is finished, they can go on to outdoor activities, the arts or play air hockey and foosball.
Individuals, local businesses and service organizations have made the reopening possible with donated equipment and labor to freshen up the facilities.
"It's cleaned up nice now, and I like the colors of the place," said Devon Farrington, 10, from St. Mary's School.
Due to the efforts of the St. Croix Foundation, the facility got fresh coats of paint in tangerine, lime and lemon colors with the floors done in purple. The Mid Isle Rotary Club has renovated the kitchen and, through another grant, came up with 12 new computers and recreational equipment. William R. Nash Plumbing donated fixtures and installation.
New programs include a mentoring program Saturday mornings for eight weeks beginning April 25 hosted by Generation Now, a local organization of young professionals.
The club is also launching its annual campaign in May with the goal of raising $500,000 for operating expenses and much needed repairs at all three club sites. The board has partnered with DNS, a nationally recognized firm that specializes in annual campaigns for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, to achieve its fund-raising goals.
"We also hope to have the Frederiksted facilities open for a summer program," Landreneau said. "Success depends on both the community and staff. Kids bring life and hope — they are our future."
For further information or to make a donation, contact Julie Landreneau at 778-8990 or [email protected].
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