Doors to Boys & Girls Clubs of BH Reopening September 14th

Following a long absence due to the coronavirus pandemic, young people in the community will finally have a chance to return to their beloved Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor in a couple of weeks, as club officials announce plans for re-opening.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor announced Monday that they will reopen for a limited number of members on September 14th.

Given the state of the virus in the community and with guidance from local health officials, the Fettig Youth Campus will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm. The Joel E. Smilow Teen Center will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

Chief Executive Officer Brian Saxton says, “The safety and protection of the children and teens we serve is our number one priority. We are taking every available measure to keep our Club members, staff, and volunteers protected from the COVID-19 virus.”

On March 16, 2020 the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor closed its doors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past six months, Club staff worked remotely, focusing programming efforts on its Grab-N-Go meal program, the distribution of activity kits for kids, and virtual programming.

Club programming staff began returning to Club facilities on June 6th after Governor Gretchen Whitmer lifted the Stay at Home order. Club staff worked to prepare for the return of members by rearranging program space, working together to enhance virtual content, and simulating program delivery with social distancing requirements.

The summer Grab-N-Go meal program has concluded and the Club will begin serving meals to participating members on September 14th.

The Club team is now recruiting and registering members for its new program format. On Monday, August 31st, the Club began required parent orientation sessions, scheduled and by appointment only.

In addition, the Club has chosen to waive the $5.00 annual membership fee until January 1, 2021 for any young person who was a member in good standing over the previous year.

Upon reopening, the following precautions will take place to ensure the health and safety of both members and staff:

  • Curb-side pick up and drop off
  • Daily temperature checks and daily screening questions prior to entry
  • Masks for staff and members
  • Increased hand washing
  • Physical distancing measures for both members and staff
  • Additional sanitation efforts
  • Documented policies for action if a COVID-19 case is ever identified at the Club

The Club is inviting parents to learn more at the link below: https://www.bgcbh.org/parent-information and to follow the Club’s Facebook page and parent reach-out group for regular updates.

The Club hopes to resume programming at community-based sites later this year. Club leadership is monitoring the situation diligently and will continue to operate as long as it’s able to provide a safe environment for the community’s young people. The Club is advising Club members, families, and staff to continue to take all precautions recommended by the CDC and local health authorities.

Located at 600 Nate Wells Senior Drive, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor has served the youth of Benton Harbor since 1998. The Club provides after school and summer programs promoting educational and career development, character and leadership development, and healthy lifestyles for nearly 1,200 youth and teens each year at the Fettig Youth Campus and Joel E. Smilow Teen Center, as well as community-based locations in Benton Harbor and neighboring areas. You can learn more online at: http://www.bgcbh.org

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