Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis to Close Nine High School Sites

Children engaging in activities at the Boys & Girls Clubs in Memphis

News Summary

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis announced the closure of nine high school sites due to significant funding shortages from a COVID-19 relief grant. This decision will impact 49 employees and over 3,500 students. CEO Gwendolyn Woods called it a difficult announcement, as the organization has served thousands of children over the past three years. While the clubs secured additional funding to keep operations running for eight more months, ongoing financial challenges necessitate this transition. The closure raises concerns about the welfare of students in high-crime areas who relied on these clubs for safety and support.

Memphis – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis has announced the impending closure of nine high school sites due to a significant shortage of funding from a COVID-19 relief grant. This decision, effective May 24, will directly affect 49 employees and over 3,500 local students who participate in after-school programs offered at these sites.

The organization’s CEO, Gwendolyn Woods, has described this announcement as the most difficult the organization has faced, highlighting the pride they take in serving thousands of children over the past three years. As part of the transition, affected employees were reminded that they were hired under a three-year contract funded by the aforementioned grant and will be provided severance packages.

Despite the impending closures, the Boys & Girls Clubs were able to secure enough funding to keep the high school sites operational for an additional eight months after their funding contract expired. However, ongoing financial challenges have been evident, with the annual operating costs for the clubs surpassing $2 million. Unfortunately, no recurring revenue streams have been established that would allow for sustained operations at the high school sites.

In a move to respond to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Memphis allocated $9 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 to help organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs. However, despite these efforts, the financial support proved to be insufficient to maintain operations at all previously available sites.

Looking forward, the Boys & Girls Clubs will reallocate their focus towards enhancing programming and recruitment efforts at their remaining traditional sites, ensuring they continue to serve the youth in Memphis. Presently, the organization plans to maintain 11 operational sites, which include two high school locations at Craigmont and Melrose, with the capacity to serve over 4,300 club members.

The decision to close the nine high school sites raises concerns about the welfare of students in high-crime areas where these clubs were reported to contribute to crime reduction. The importance of these sites extended beyond mere after-school programs; they provided a safe haven for students during crucial hours after school. The absence of these clubs could potentially negate some of the positive impacts observed in those neighborhoods.

In summary, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis is poised for significant changes come May 24, as they must navigate the realities of financial scarcity while still striving to support local youth through their remaining programs. The closure of the nine high school sites marks a pivotal shift in their operational capabilities and highlights the ongoing struggles faced by non-profits in the wake of pandemic-related funding reductions.