Baker Youth Clubs may build new facility
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
Baker Youth Clubs has plans to build a facility of their own with a little help from a state Community Development Block Grant.
Bob Murphy of R.P. Murphy and Associates, Larwill, approached the Warsaw council during a public hearing regarding the grant application and the organization's project Monday.
Murphy asked that the city be the applicant on behalf of the BYC grant to purchase land and construct a building, which was approved.
If the $500,000 grant is approved, the BYC will provide $100,000 in matching funds.
The BYC is a not-for-profit 501(c)3, serving area youth since 1926.
Director Tracy Furnivall said building a new facility is important to the future of the club's programs. Currently they are housed in a multi-purpose building in Lucerne Park on North Park Avenue. BYC shares space with the Kosciusko County Boys and Girls Club and Senior Services. The building is leased from from the Warsaw Park Department.
Board member John Elliott said his children grew up at BYC and called the move a real opportunity to serve more community children.
Murphy said plans are to look for land near Boggs Park. Grant announcements will be made in November.
"This is exactly what we need to reidentify ourselves," said Furnivall this morning. "It's a huge plus for the whole community. Now we have two clubs serving the same kids.
"In a different part of town, we'll touch a lot more kids."
Furnivall, who became director in October, said the building will have three full-size basketball courts along with a section where other games can be played. There also will be a game room for pool and ping pong, a lounge area with television and a study room for homework.
"I grew up at Baker Youth Club," said Furnivall. "I starting going when I was 5, when it was at the old high school. It was a huge part of my life. When the opportunity came to be director, I took it. I want to impact kids' lives like mine was impacted."
All the BYC programs are free, and currently a free day camp is being offered - to 240 kids - from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
"We've never charged a membership fee. All the kids have to do is fill out a registration form with their name, their parent's name, address and signature."
He did clarify that lunch is served at the day camp and two hot dogs and a soft drink cost $1.
"It's a big thing," Furnivall said of the camp, "and growing each year. We have arts, crafts, games, go outside and use the park, go bowling, all kinds of summer activities."
Half of BYC's budget is provided by the United Way. Other funding comes through donations and fund-raisers. [[In-content Ad]]
Baker Youth Clubs has plans to build a facility of their own with a little help from a state Community Development Block Grant.
Bob Murphy of R.P. Murphy and Associates, Larwill, approached the Warsaw council during a public hearing regarding the grant application and the organization's project Monday.
Murphy asked that the city be the applicant on behalf of the BYC grant to purchase land and construct a building, which was approved.
If the $500,000 grant is approved, the BYC will provide $100,000 in matching funds.
The BYC is a not-for-profit 501(c)3, serving area youth since 1926.
Director Tracy Furnivall said building a new facility is important to the future of the club's programs. Currently they are housed in a multi-purpose building in Lucerne Park on North Park Avenue. BYC shares space with the Kosciusko County Boys and Girls Club and Senior Services. The building is leased from from the Warsaw Park Department.
Board member John Elliott said his children grew up at BYC and called the move a real opportunity to serve more community children.
Murphy said plans are to look for land near Boggs Park. Grant announcements will be made in November.
"This is exactly what we need to reidentify ourselves," said Furnivall this morning. "It's a huge plus for the whole community. Now we have two clubs serving the same kids.
"In a different part of town, we'll touch a lot more kids."
Furnivall, who became director in October, said the building will have three full-size basketball courts along with a section where other games can be played. There also will be a game room for pool and ping pong, a lounge area with television and a study room for homework.
"I grew up at Baker Youth Club," said Furnivall. "I starting going when I was 5, when it was at the old high school. It was a huge part of my life. When the opportunity came to be director, I took it. I want to impact kids' lives like mine was impacted."
All the BYC programs are free, and currently a free day camp is being offered - to 240 kids - from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
"We've never charged a membership fee. All the kids have to do is fill out a registration form with their name, their parent's name, address and signature."
He did clarify that lunch is served at the day camp and two hot dogs and a soft drink cost $1.
"It's a big thing," Furnivall said of the camp, "and growing each year. We have arts, crafts, games, go outside and use the park, go bowling, all kinds of summer activities."
Half of BYC's budget is provided by the United Way. Other funding comes through donations and fund-raisers. [[In-content Ad]]