On April 1, 2019, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the MonDak – Richland Unit moved into their long-awaited new home across from Central Elementary School in Sidney.
After receiving the historic Lonsdale Methodist Church, remodeling began to create a building full of fun and learning opportunities for up to 300 children. An addition to the church houses a welcoming reception area, staff offices, the board room, five spacious program areas, both teaching and commercial kitchens and a multi-purpose room for eating and recreation.
CEO Elaine Stedman is excited about all the new programs they can now accommodate, including music, cooking and coding. Expansion into teen programs for middle school age students is on the agenda, Spanish classes will be offered after the first of the year and expanded STEM activities will be added with the computer lab set up.
Capacity is 300 with approximately 100 kids attending on any given day. Current staff is sufficient but they will be looking for more employees and volunteers as numbers increase.
With the shift to 4 day school week by Sidney Schools, the Club will be adding all day Friday for at least K-5, and hopefully middle school ages, to their schedule. "We will be partnering with the school system for help with staffing that day," Stedman explained. They will also provide breakfast and lunch on Fridays.
As planned, the building is being used by other entities. A preschool for three and four year olds is held in the mornings. Little Guy Football and Girls Volleyball held end of the season parties at the facility. The Club also partnered with the Sidney Chamber of Commerce to offer Excel classes in December. "We're starting to be seen as a community resource," Stedman said. "That was our goal all along."
Stedman and the board were honored recently by receiving the "Board Gold Eagle" from Boys & Girls Clubs. "It is truly an honor," Stedman said. "There are very few in the nation."
Stop in at 201 3rd. Ave. SE, Sidney, call 406-433-6763 or visit their website [email protected] and see what a positive difference the Club can make in your child's life.
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