HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoys & Girls ClubWASHP ORT NGELES
A'
I N G T O N, U.S.A.
Council
June 8, 2016
Re: Boys & Girls Club of the Olympic Peninsula — Port Angeles New Unit Construction
To Whom It May Concern,
Port Angeles is a town with a population of approximately 19,000 and is commonly referred to as a
"working people's town." Unfortunately, the median wage for our workers in today's economy is
only $40,000. This means that many of our families rely on earning two incomes. And since 20% of
our population is under the age of 18 years old, these factors create an enormous need for adequate
afterschool care for our school -aged children.
The Port Angeles Boys & Girls Club meets that need by providing the children of our community
with an experience -rich environment. The club provide our children with after school programs which
include a nutritious meal, academic assistance, opportunities to engage with the community through
service projects, and positive adult role models.
The current club averages 120 children a day in a small facility similar to a duplex. Attendance has
increased by more than 20% in the past year and it continues to grow. This increase was due in part to
budget cuts by the City which forced City Council to make the tough decision to eliminate all Youth
& Family Programs, which included the afterschool program. These cuts caused a rippling effect
among childcare providers throughout the community, especially our Boys & Girls Club.
In order to accommodate the growth, the Port Angeles Boys & Girls Club is planning to build a new
facility which would allow the club to accommodate up to 300 children each day. It would expand the
current small teen center and provide a safe and welcoming environment for our youth.
The proposed $5 million facility will be a part of a major planned new development by the Peninsula
Housing Authority which was approved by the City of Port Angeles two years ago. It is exciting to
see this plan become a reality.
The new facility will provide jobs and revenue for our town. It will also provide a resource place that
can be included in our emergency management plan since it will have a gym and community kitchen.
I am pleased to offer my full support of the Boys & Girls Club of Port Angeles as it seeks to build a
new facility. The Port Angeles City Council urges you to help our children and our community
become a better place to live by providing any assistance that you can to help the Boys & Girls Club
fulfill its mission of providing a positive place for kids.
7Sine ,
ayor Patrick Downie
City of Port Angeles
Phone: 360-417-4500 / Fax: 360-417-4509 / TTY: 360-417-4645
Website: www.cityofpa.us / Email: council@cityofpa.us
321 East Fifth Street - P.O. Box 1150 / Port Angeles, WA 98362-0217