The Executive Director of the planned Boys & Girls Club of Manitowoc County says work is continuing on their starting site at 3651 Dewey Street, which formerly housed the Eye Care Place and Crossfit.
Bill Bertsche said the remodeled space comprises approximately 9,000 square feet.
“We are really excited about that and it’s really going to be a great thing for our community,” Bertsche said. “Having worked in the public schools for 20-years as a principal, I see such great need for that in our community, for the many who need something more from that time from 3:00 to 7:00.”
Bertsche explained that there’s more poverty, trauma and anxiety and kids who are struggling academically than ever before.
“We need more in our community to help support those students who have those needs. That’s what a Club is all about,” he explained. “It’s about providing a safe, affordable place for all the youth get all those supports.”
The educator/administrator spoke of the facilities that’ll be available in their southside location.
“The new club will have a youth-sized gym…at least two learning centers…an arts center…a STEM lab…and a kitchen” because as Bertsche explained “kids that are hungry can’t focus.”
A-C-E Building Services is the contractor and he says the organization is hiring staff members and signing up volunteers with a hoped-for opening in November.
To help out financially, visit BCGManitowocCounty.org, or, reach them by mail at Post Office Box 756, Manitowoc 54221-0756.
