Rhinelander Location
Why Now?
This generation of kids will have fewer opportunities than the one before due to the obstacles listed below.
Of the children in the Oneida community…
- Live in poverty (nearly 5,000 children) 15%
- Single-parent household 21%
- Eligible for free/reduced lunch prices 42%
- Considered proficient in reading (4th grade students) 44%
Our Vision
Recently Oneida County community members came together to begin brainstorming on how they could provide resources for families and youth who do not have a safe, positive, and fun place to go after school. Through much discussion and research, community members began the process of opening up the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwoods – Rhinelander. Our vision is to “provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.
We will be chartered under the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwoods -Antigo. The Antigo Club will provide guidance and expertise and we will share a Cheif Executive Officer, Director of Operations and Office Manager.
We will workunder the standards and compliance of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which operates more than 4,000 Clubs worldwide. Across the nation, Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe, fun, and positive place for youth to go more than 230 days per year for minimal fees. While at the Club, our members are provided with homework help, mentoring, sports and recreation programs, arts programs, access to computer technology, service and leadership clubs, and positive adult relationships.
Our Goals
- Raise $750,000
- Secure a building to accommodate for a cafeteria, gym, computer lab, art room, multi-purpose room, games room, and a dedicated teen space
- Grow the Board of Directors
- Hire a Full-time Program Director and Part-time Youth Development Professionals
- Open our doors to the youth of Oneida County by October 2021.
Meet Will
While Will’s mother was gone it was up to Will to complete his homework and feed himself. This situation resulted in Child Protective Services intervention through Social Services. When the investigation was complete, it was learned Will’s mother worked multiple jobs to provide for herself and Will. She had no choice but to leave him home as all the after-school programs were too expensive or not offered to children Will’s age.
Will was not doing well in school as he did not have help or support from an adult to complete his homework. Will was also on the verge of obesity because he was unable to prepare healthy meals for himself. Will loved basketball and wanted badly to play on a team, however with his mother’s work schedule and his experience of bullying, Will was not able to participate.
With your help, Will and many other youth who experience similar challenges will have a safe place to go after school with appropriate supervision, where bullying is not permitted, and a place of belonging is guaranteed. Will’s grades will improve as he will receive homework help and will be given healthy well-balanced meals. He will also be able to participate in the game he loves and enjoy it with his new friends. Will’s mother will not have to stress about her son and be able to continue to provide for her family.
Once established the Club will be open, at Central Elementary, Monday – Friday from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm and for extended hours during scheduled non-school days and the summer. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwoods- Rhinelander will only be serving youth in grades K-5 at this time.
Memberships will be open to all youth in grades K-5 at this time. The school year membership fee is only $25.00 per youth and $100.00 for the summer, but no child is ever turned away due to inability to pay. Fill out our scholarship form here.
How to Get Involved
Contact Steering Committee Chair Detective Sergeant Kyle Parish at (715) 493-5557 or kparish@rhinelanderpd.com
If you are interested in becoming a board member, please fill out the following forms and return them to Kyle Parish.
Follow us on Facebook to keep up on our progress!
How to Give
Your support is vital to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwoods – Rhinelander. Please make a gift today to support the life-changing services the Club provides. When you do, you’ll know that you aren’t just making a donation. You’re changing a life and making an investment the youth of Oneida County.
Mail the attached pledge sheet to:
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwoods – Rhinelander
Attention: Capital Campaign
P.O. Box 1463
Rhinelander, WI 54501