Scott City residents discuss forming Boys and Girls Club

Scott City residents met Friday for their first official meeting in moving forward with forming a Boys and Girls Club for the town.

The plan has been in the works for awhile, with locals Marty Haas, Paul Schock and Heraleen Bowers leading the initiative.

The main idea discussed Friday was what should come first, finding the perfect director or the perfect location.

The Boys and Girls Club is an after-school program that helps children with their school work, provides food and allows children to interact and participate in activities with their peers.

A variety of locations were discussed, as was the option of collaborating with an already-formed Boys and Girls Club to cut costs.

All attendees expressed an interest in starting the club and gave reasons why they felt it was important.

"I have a heart on the school board for all the kids, but especially those who could flourish but don't have the exposure, too," Bowers said, starting the discussion.

Other members said local children looking for guidance, support, resources and just someone to believe in them all would benefit from having this organization in the community.

People attending the meeting varied from Scott City Chamber of Commerce members, school board members, school employees and employees of the city.

It also was discussed that Scott City is 65 percent rental families, and some attendees thought a Boys and Girls Club would help establish more pride among renters for their hometown. Some children feel they don't have anywhere in town that's "theirs," and members hope that the club could fill that role.

Schock said that from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. is known as "danger hour" for children who aren't properly cared for after school and, again, said that with an after-school club, they would have a safe and stimulating outlet to participate in.

The project is in the early planning, and at the next meeting plans will be formed on what kind of club will best fit the city's needs, as well as forming a steering committee to begin making decisions.

Bowers explained as far as funding goes, forming a new organization in Scott City would cost roughly $300,000, and collaborating with an already-existing club would cut that cost in half.

Bowers, Schock and those who visited the Poplar Bluff, Missouri, facility for Boys and Girls Club all said the facility was exemplary, and they hope to follow in its footsteps for Scott City's.

By January, organizers said the club could be in operation, but starting from the ground up it could take closer to 18 months.

The next meeting date has not been set, but those interested in getting involved may contact Bowers at Heraleen.Bowers@icl-group.com.

smaue@semissourian.com

388-3644

Pertinent address:

Scott City, Mo.