By Donna Thornton/News Editor
Last year, the Boys and Girls Club units in Gadsden shut down because of financial difficulties.
But the club, which has helped so many young people make successful stand in school and in their communities was not down for long.
A new Boys and Girls Club of Gadsden/Etowah reopened on Dec. 23, in the old Cory Middle School building on Raley Street in East Gadsden, and it continues to service the young people of the community.
The club’s new director, Quez Williams, is anxious to show the community all that the club has to offer, and hopes everyone will take advantage of the club’s Open House from 5 to 7 p.m on Feb. 13.
The club now serves 31 members four hours a day on school days, providing various educational, social and artistic programs to children ages six to 16. The club has a computer lab, activities room, homework room and gym.
Williams said the club is accepting more members. The fee is $5 per academic semester and $10 for the club’s summer program. He said there are a limited number of scholarships available for membership.
When the previous clubs closed, the Gadsden community was made very aware of the role the clubs had played in the community, especially during the summer months when the clubs provided a safe place for children while parents were working.
The Boys and Girls Club of Gadsden/Etowah is working to provide new opportunities to the children who become members and to the community as a whole.
Williams said the club has partnered with the Hardin Center for Cultural Arts to provide art activities to members. The center’s artist-in-residence, Parker Hunt, comes to the club to instruct members in a variety of artistic endeavors.The club partners with the Cherokee-Etowah-DeKalb Mental Health Center for Family Fun nights, with movies or other activities that can bring families together.
“We’re working really hard to serve the young people in the community,” Williams said.
“We have a really good team with our board and our support staff.”