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“This is a place where they belong,” said branch director Shellica Trevino. “A lot of the kids have come for several years, and this has become like a second home to them.”
The organization offers a variety of programs including art classes, homework help, sports and games.
During the summer, crews:
• Transformed a nearby empty lot into a park that features a playground and soccer field.
• Built a gymnasium wall so that kids can work on homework without being distracted by noise from activities such as dodge ball and basketball games.
• Installed a fire sprinkler system in the 9,000-square-foot facility.
A grand reopening celebration is slated for today to recognize donors, thank supporters and give folks in the community a firsthand look at what happens at the Lacey Boys & Girls Club.
“I can’t thank everyone enough who contributed to the project,” Trevino said. “I know the parents, the kids, the staff – we’re just really grateful for the new space and the opportunities we’re able to offer.”
The club opened in 2005 in a portable classroom at Nisqually Middle School. About 35 kids turned out for the inaugural year, Trevino said.
In January 2006, the club moved into its current location – a former warehouse for North Thurston Public Schools.
“The entire building, at one time, housed surplus materials,” Trevino said.
Over the years, the Boys & Girls Club has slowly taken over the building. It added a second story for classrooms and a computer lab.
Cathleen Doctor, whose 9- and 17-year-old daughters attend the club, said she’s excited about the new park because it gives kids a chance to play outside after being cooped up in their classrooms for much of the day.
“I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “I think it rocks.”
Lisa Pemberton: 360-754-5433 lpemberton@theolympian.com
