Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio may be forced to close many clubs

CLEVELAND (WJW) – A cut in federal funding is forcing the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio to consider shutting down a large number of clubs and the organization is asking generous Northeast Ohioans to help keep the clubs open as beacons of hope for young people. 

For decades, the 49 clubs spread across six counties have been providing out-of-school programs, ranging from a meal a day to sports to unique field trips, exposing children to a wide world of possibilities.

“We know that when kids attend the Boys & Girls Clubs, we know they are more likely to finish high school and we encourage them to get their homework completed, and that also helps with respect to them feeling good about school. They also get a chance to interact with positive role models and they get a chance to hang out with their peers,” said Allen Smith, the CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio.

But the organization is now sounding the alarm because of a critical budget shortfall.

Federal funding of the BGCNEO has been cut by $2.5 million, forcing the clubs to consider cuts in staffing, programs and the potential closure of clubs.

“A little less than half of our club could potentially close as a result of not having that funding and obviously on our end, we’re doing everything in our power to try to raise additional funds and to look at what we’re doing internally to cut expenses,” said Smith.

The clubs are asking potential donors to remember the track record the organization has built over the years of helping thousands of children.

In response to the funding deficit, organizations that include the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Guardians have already stepped up their financial support of the clubs. They are now hoping other corporations and individuals will consider making donations at bgcneo.org.

“We also have a link, Save Our Clubs, that you can click on and it can also direct you to how you can support,” said Smith.

If the gap in the budget cannot be filled between now and the end of June, supporters of the organization are concerned about what children will be missing if their local club is shuttered.

“We’re here to develop skills that help them and some of these skills are life skills. They’ll be able to utilize what they learn here at the Boys & Girls Clubs for the rest of lives,” Smith said.

As part of the fundraising campaign, the clubs will be holding their annual Race for Kids 5-K run and one mile walk on June 22 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.