The Mississippi Valley State University unit of the Boys and Girls Club of the Mississippi Delta plans to be up and running in mid-September.
"We are not closing our doors and have no plans to close," said Heather Ryan, acting executive director at the organization's main office in Grenada.
The office is putting together funding to start the fall program.
The Mississippi Delta Boys and Girls Club is an independent nonprofit organization that receives funding from donations, fund-raisers and grants.
Money for the program is also appropriated by the state Attorney General's Office. The organization must re-apply for grants every year to help keep the program operating. This is an ongoing process, she said.
"To maintain a staff, programming, supplies and equipment for the MVSU unit, it is estimated to cost $50,000," said Linda Henderson, unit director for the MVSU boys and girls club.
The club is also kicking off upcoming fund-raising events including a gospel explosion where church choirs compete for prizes. Other events include selling wrist bands and folding hands. People and businesses can purchase hands with their names written on them for display in the window of a local business.
The organization opened on MVSU's campus about four years ago. Dr. Roy Hudson, vice president for university relations, was an integral part of bringing the club to the campus, said Ryan.
"MVSU is committed to providing the leadership and support to sustain the Boys and Girls Club unit at MVSU," said Hudson. "Valley's in-kind support is in the form of providing space at our recreational facility."
Henderson said the program is one of the top youth service agencies.
"Kids from Itta Bena and Leflore Counties participate in our program. Here, they can find a safe haven with nurturing adults who care about their educational and personal growth," said Henderson. "Kids ages 6-18 can enroll."
The program will focus on five core areas: character and leadership, education and career, health and life skills, art and sports and recreation.
"We have also added a new computer lab with 14 new computers that students can use to complete homework assignments or educational research," said Henderson.
"We have a membership of 205. This summer, we had 125 kids participating," she said. "I am hoping to have at least 60 or more kids enrolled for September."
After-school programs will be planned for each weekday from 2:45-7 p.m. this fall. The plan is to to be up and running by Sept. 16, which is the Boys and Girls Club National Kids Day celebrated nationwide, Henderson said.
If a child would like to become a part of the program, the parents must come to the Lackey recreation center on campus, where the club is housed, and fill out the necessary paperwork.
"The Boys and Girls Club at Mississippi Valley State University is an integral part of our community service and outreach program," said Hudson. "As a unit of the Boys and Girls Club of the Mississippi Delta, we remain actively involved in the activities of the regional organization."
"Our primary objective now is to get our local board fully developed and actively involved in fund raising to support our local club," he said.
To make a donation, please call the club at 662 -254-0101 or donations can be mailed to the regional office at 128 Green St., Grenada, MS 38901.
