Boys & Girls Club South Elgin Breaks Ground, Begins Construction
The Boys & Girls Club of South Elgin announced the commencement of the construction of its new 20,000 square foot Clubhouse at the village’s former public works building (735 Martin Drive in South Elgin). Slated to open later this year, the state-of-the -art facility will provide daily education, meals, and activities intended to 250+ K-8 children.
Among the chief priorities for the Club is the ability to provide warm meals for the students. In addition, volunteers and Clubhouse leaders and employees will work to ensure the programming remains inclusive of basic life skills such as culinary programs and garden programs focused on nutrition, as well as homework and after-school activities such as physical, emotional, and sensory education.
Cathy Russell, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of South Elgin said: “The Boys & Girls Club of South Elgin is committed to enriching the lives of youth in the surrounding area through its range of programs and initiatives. We see a need in South Elgin now more than ever.” She continued, “The COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertain and frightening times for kids and families. Exposed to empty shelves in grocery stores, a 24-hour mounting news cycle, school closures, and job loss leaving many families in a difficult situation, the anxiety felt by youth today is overwhelming.”
The Club is well positioned to prepare young people for 21st century success through its 26 plus years of experience serving at-risk youth in the Elgin area, dedicated social/emotional resilience trainings, mentorship programs, focus on skills development in STEM and the arts, workforce development initiatives, and its strong community partnerships in South Elgin.
Steve Super, the Village of South Elgin Administrator and the Boys & Girls Club of South Elgin Board Member said, “South Elgin is home to over 4,000 hardworking families, many of which rely on public and private services and programs to support their wellbeing. We are proud to welcome the Boys and Girls Club to South Elgin as the first major youth focused non-profit in the Village and look forward to enhancing the vibrancy of this great community.”
Major donors of the Boys and Girls Club of South Elgin include the South Elgin-based Hoffer Foundation and the Wayne-based Wisdom Family Foundation — each gifting $1 million towards the $4.25 million fundraising goal.
To learn more about the Boys and Girls Club of South Elgin, please visit: http://www.bgcelgin.org/southelgin
About Boys and Girls Club
Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
At the Boys & Girls Club of South Elgin, we believe that every child deserves a place to feel safe and connected —but most importantly, a place to belong.
With the help of professional and caring mentors, use of enriching programs, and support from community members, the Boys & Girls Club of South Elgin can provide such a place for kids to feel safe, connect with others, and build the skills and confidence needed to reach their highest potential.
More
Chicago Tribune: Boys & Girls Club of Elgin planning clubhouse in South Elgin, more after-school programs in Streamwood
Daily Herald: Boys & Girls Club gets massive mask donation in South Elgin
Daily Herald: Boys & Girls Club of Elgin gets $1 million donation to expand into South Elgin
Chicago Tribune: Wisdom foundation donates $1M to Boys & Girls Club of Elgin’s new South Elgin clubhouse project
WGN Radio: Interview with CEO Cathy Russell.