Grand Traverse County
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Local Boys and Girls Club rebounds
Two sites reopened last year; a third may be on the way
TRAVERSE CITY -- A local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club has worked for nearly two years to rebuild itself after financial struggles forced it to close.
Now, the hard work is paying off.
After closing in 2006, the nonprofit Boys and Girls Club of Grand Traverse reopened two sites last year at Traverse City West Junior High and in Peshawbestown.
It is seeking funding to open a third this fall at Traverse City East Junior High.
Ken Rubin, regional director of the Boys and Girls Club of America, on Wednesday will visit the West Junior High location. His visit could result in more money coming to the area, local Executive Director Pat Lewallen said.
"He's been very helpful to get us funding," Lewallen said. "They're really looking for expansion into rural areas."
The nonprofit organization closed in 2006 after expenditures outpaced revenue, a problem compounded by mounting debts and building costs it couldn't afford.
The organization owed more than $75,000 in back payments for utilities, transportation, supplies and other operating expenses, board President Rod Brown said.
The last of those debts were paid in December, Brown said. The club continues to pay an existing, interest-free loan with Fifth Third Bank.
"We negotiated either a repayment plan or, in some cases, we were granted forgiveness in the form of a donation," he said. "In addition, the club held an auction and sold some things that we didn't need, and that went to pay creditors."
Several local organizations contributed start-up funding for the club to reopen, including the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Rotary Charities of Traverse City and the national Boys and Girls Club of America.
In addition, the band and Traverse City Area Public Schools allowed use of buildings at no cost, which provided the greatest savings, Lewallen said.
"We are just not in a position with anybody where we have to start paying rent and heat and electricity," she said. "It's just too much money to raise."
The organization now draws about 255 students in Leelanau County and nearly 260 in Traverse City.
Staff members eventually would like to expand further into Grand Traverse County, but say starting slow is the best method.
"We know a lot of it was start-up money, and we know we won't be able to get that much on an annual basis," Lewallen said. "None of them are indefinite, and we are continuing to work with all of those sources of funding for additional money."
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