Some Alaska Boys and Girls Clubs closing, but where?

WASILLA — Within two weeks, an undetermined number of Boys and Girls Clubs across Alaska could be closed.

Financial loses and a reduction of $2.4 million of the annual $8 million the clubs usually receive from federal funding will force many of the 45 statewide Boys and Girls clubs to shut down.

“I don’t see how to save $2.4 million without shutting down some of the larger clubs,” said Howie Marks, general manager of the Boys and Girls Club of Mat-Su in Wasilla.

Which clubs will be closed, it seems no one is certain.

“Two weeks is the timeline for determining where closures will happen,” said Alana Humphrey, chief operations officer for the state’s Boys and Girls Clubs.

The Wasilla chapter serves more than “75 different youths every day, with four employees and minimal volunteers,” Marks said.

However, Boys and Girls Club officials insist they will still remain an active presence in the lives of young people. Boys and Girls Club in Alaska serves as many as 11,235 youths through 45 clubhouses, seven athletic organizations and three childcare locations. Licensed child care centers help more than 180 youths, ranging in age from toddlers to young teenagers, should remain open since they are self-supporting.

John Oates, CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Alaska, acknowledges that, “It’s especially tough when we know that families need us now more than ever. Unfortunately, the need for a ‘Positive Place for Kids’ is so much greater during these difficult economic times.”

Jeff Lamb is a Valley school bus driver whose two children attend the Boys and Girls Club in Wasilla. He

“I had heard about the possible closures from teachers,” he said. If that happens, “it would affect my life, because my kids would not have a place to come after school where they can receive such a positive influence. It’s the kids who will suffer. Without places like the Boys and Girls Clubs that give kids active things to do, there is room for children to get in trouble.”

“It is a great place for kids and the people who work there are great to,” Lamb said. “If they do cut funding it will be up to the local businesses to sponsor the Boys and Girls Club.”

Contact Lanier Hutcheson at lanier.hutcheson@frontiersman.com or 352-2265.