The Boys and Girls Club of Rutherford (BGCR) opened on August 11 at 376 Hudlow Road, Forest City. The Carolina Foothills Foundation provided the seed money, the plan for the Club with a separate Board of Directors and obtained the charter from the national Boys and Girls Club. The Foundation is also allowing the BGCR to lease the former Carolina Event and Conference Center, as well as a newly constructed gym behind the conference center.
“We recognized a tremendous opportunity to serve children and families in our community,” Rita Burch, Carolina Foothills Foundation CEO said. “Many parents need quality after-school care, and many children can benefit from additional academic support, mentorship, and positive experiences.”
The goal of Boys and Girls Clubs around the country is to provide a safe, supportive after-school environment where young people can build life skills, achieve academic success, and develop into responsible, healthy adults. BGCR will provide a Power Hour to assist with homework completion, a STEM lab funded by Meta to encourage careers in science, technology, engineering and math, an art room, Triple Play which is a fitness program that teaches sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork, and Healthy Habits which is a program to encourage early health eating.
Boys and Girls Club of Rutherford will serve first through fifth graders in its inaugural year and plans to expand one grade a year moving forward. Cost is $35 per week, but the Club is offered to Rutherford County children on a sliding scale fee based on parent income. No child will be turned away based on cost. However, space is limited.
BGCR will be open for children from 230 pm until 6 pm Monday through Friday. Parents must provide transportation and commit to participating in the program at least three days per week to ensure that the programs are effective for their children.
Maggie McMahon serves as Executive Director of BGCR. She has held numerous leadership positions within nonprofit organizations and community service groups. Most recently, she served as Director of Operations for the Palmetto Council of Scouting America. Ozzie McFarland is the Club’s Program Manager. Ozzie was most recently the Athletic Director for Lake Lure Classical Academy. Maggie and Ozzie are currently hiring experienced Youth Development Professionals to assist with programming for the Club.
Boys and Girls Club of Rutherford is a nonprofit organization that will continue to be viable based on donations from individuals, churches, businesses and grants. The cost to participate will not cover operational costs, so it will depend on the community for support.
BGCR is accepting applicants on a waiting list. Parents may call 828-202-7171 or email: info@bgcrutherfordnc.org to request an application. Please visit Bgcrutherfordnc.org for more information of follow the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BGCRutherfordNC.
