State funding saves 5 Northeast Ohio Boys & Girls Clubs

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Five area Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio (BGCNEO) that were scheduled to close due to a loss of federal funding will now stay open.

BGCNEO CEO Allen Smith said the five clubs will help as many as 300 children.

Boys & Girls Clubs provide safe, fun places for kids ages 6-18 to go after school.

This brings the total number of Northeast Ohio area Boys & Girls Clubs to 32, down from the 49 they were able to operate last school year.

Previous coverage: Fewer Boys & Girls Clubs will be open in Northeast Ohio, due to loss of federal funding

The money to keep the additional five clubs open comes from pandemic relief dollars and unspent Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, said Smith.

“We are so thankful for this reallocated support from the state and our partners at the Ohio Alliance,” BGCNEO CEO Allen Smith said. “The governor and the legislature have been great partners with BGCNEO, and we’re grateful for this funding. As we have said all along, the goal has never changed – it is to serve as many kids throughout the region. This funding helps us do just that.”

The below clubs were scheduled to close, but will now be operational as of Sept. 16. Families can register for their spot now. There is no charge to join.

• Helen Arnold Community Learning Center in Akron

• Westwood Middle School in Elyria

• Huron Primary School in Ashtabula

• Westwood Elementary School in Wellington

• Elmwood Elementary School in Garfield Heights

To donate or register visit www.bgcneo.org.