(LEWISTON, ID)—The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lewis Clark Valley today announced the expansion of its services to Pullman, Washington. The non-profit is part of a community effort in Pullman to fill the after-school programming gap resulting from the closing of the YMCA of the Palouse.
“When this closure occurred, families were stuck with little to no options. Serving those who need us most is a core principle of our Mission, and we are blessed to have so many great leaders in and around the Pullman community step up and help these families,” says Jon Evans, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lewis Clark Valley.
The Pullman School District, WSU Pullman, City of Pullman, and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lewis Clark Valley Board of Directors—along with many other community stakeholders—are supporting the effort to launch the Boys & Girls Clubs in Pullman. Among those supporting this new program financially are SEL and Dr. and Mrs. Schweitzer. SEL has committed $100,000. Dr. and Mrs. Schweitzer have matched that pledge.
Additional funding to support this program comes from:
- Bryan & Kathey Slinker
- Dave & Nicci Whitehead
- Dave Christy State Farm
- Eddie & Laura Schweitzer
- Francis & Heidi Benjamin
- Heritage Realty
- Joey & Kerry Nestegard
- John Cassleman & Shanell Cox
- Jonny Fisher DDS
- Kiwanis Club of Pullman
- Mary Schweitzer
- Nic Seeley & Stephanie Schweitzer
- P1FCU
- PJ Sanchez & Kelli Kamimura
- Ray & Pat Wright
- RE/MAX Home and Land Property Management
- Steffens Foundation
- Ted & Lisa Uhlenkott
- University Collision of Pullman
- Values & Vision Financial Advisors
- Washington State University Pullman
- Washington Trust Bank
- Whitman County Association of Realtors
This expansion will initially focus on providing after-school programming in partnership with Pullman Public Schools which will host the Clubs at Kamiak Elementary and Franklin Elementary, with bus services from Jefferson Elementary and Sunnyside Elementary.
“I am grateful that the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Pullman community are stepping up to help address the need for after school programming and support for students and families,” said Pullman Public School Superintendent Bob Maxwell.
An advisory group is working on this phase-one solution, as well as laying the foundation for a broader and more comprehensive program.
“We are truly blessed to be part of such a wonderful community that comes together to help our friends and neighbors in times of need,” said SEL Founder and President Dr. Ed Schweitzer. “When we heard that more than 60 families would soon be without after-school programming, we joined with others to see what we can do as a community. We are so lucky to have the Boys & Girls Clubs board of directors, Jon Evans and his fantastic team come forward with a solution so quickly.”
Registration information can be found on the Boys & Girls Clubs website, www.poweroftheclub.org . Parents/guardians can also reach out to Bobbi Jo Bruni at bbruni@poweroftheclub.org if they need help with registration and/or have any additional questions.
For those interested in supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs in Pullman, please contact Jon Evans, at jevans@poweroftheclub.org .