Open House Scheduled Monday At Boys & Girls Club

Members of the public are encouraged to attend an open house at the new Potter County Boys and Girls Club on Monday, Sept. 12, from 5-7 pm. The first of what the organizers hope will be many community-based clubs in the county is located at the Coudersport Alliance Church Barn. Official club opening is Monday, Sept. 19, when boys and girls will arrive for their first after-school club session.

Mission of the organization is to “enable young people ages 6-18 to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” Volunteers and supporters have been meeting for two years to establish the organization. Boys and Girls Club provides a safe place to learn and grow; ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals; life-enhancing programs and character development experiences, hope and opportunity.  A wide variety of activities are offered, from video gaming to computer programs, hobby groups, life skills, education and career focuses, and the arts. The presence of such clubs in a community can help keep young people out of the trouble which can arise from lack of after-school structured activities and parental supervision.

Potter County’s club was awarded a $46,000 grant from the Integrated Children’s Services Plan to allow the hiring of Monica Fourness as a full-time executive director. She is responsible for the establishment of club sites and programs throughout the county, curriculum planning, program scheduling, volunteer recruiting and fundraising.  A local volunteer committee is headed by George Dubots, president; Amy Thompson, vice president; and Nancy Grupp, treasurer. Among others actively involved is Joy Glassmire, director of children and youth services for Potter County Human Services. The organizers are seeking more people to help, whether as board members or volunteers.

Financial support is also welcome. Contributions can be dropped off or mailed to Northwest Savings Bank, 302 N. East St., Coudersport PA 16915. Checks should be made out to Boys & Girls Club of Potter County. The club has its own Facebook page, entitled Potter County Boys and Girls Club. In the picture above, a number of supporters of the new organization gathered for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.