TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM STARTED TO HELP KIDS GET TO THE CLUB AFTER SCHOOL

In 1997 the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County opened their first facility in the heart of Garden City.  Its location in the center of a low-income residential area played a key role in its early success.  But today, more than a decade later, things have changed, and change brings new challenges.

Slowly, residential areas are being dispersed into lower-density, higher value and commercial zones.  When just 10 years ago 90 percent of our members could walk to and from the Club every day, today less than half do.  Transportation has become the biggest barrier to getting youth into a positive place after school.

To overcome this challenge, the Clubs have started an effort to pick up youth after school and transport them to the Clubs. This new transportation program will have limited availability to begin with, but will hopefully be expanded to as many schools as is feasible. 
Unfortunately, purchasing and operating busses is a very expensive venture, and the service cannot be provided at zero cost.  However, in keeping with the values of the Clubs, we have made this program as affordable as possible.  With significant discounts for youth who participate in the School’s free or reduced lunch program, in addition to multiple child discounts, we have tried to put transportation options within reach of all our families.

The cost for transportation is $60 per child per month.  As of the first week of school in 2008, nearly 20 families have already signed up for the service, with many more at other schools on a waiting list, showing the huge need for this kind of assistance.

We hope to expand this service to multiple elementary and middle schools in Garden City, as well as schools in Meridian by January 2009.  Through this program, we anticipate doubling the number of youth who receive regular access to a positive, safe place after school. 

For more information about the transportation services at the Clubs, call or visit the Club nearest you.