Lake Chelan Community Center, Boys & Girls Clubs launch youth partnership

CHELAN — The Lake Chelan Community Center is partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County to establish a new club site that will begin serving area youth in July, bringing expanded access to after-school and summer programming to the region.

The partnership will create the Lake Chelan Valley Boys and Girls Club, operating out of a dedicated space at the Lake Chelan Community Center located at 103 Bighorn Way. Programming will include academic enrichment, health education, arts, sports, and leadership development.

“This partnership with Lake Chelan Valley Boys and Girls Club directly addresses one of our community’s most pressing needs—accessible, high-quality programming for our youth,” said Maribel Cruz, executive director of the Lake Chelan Community Center. “By combining our resources and expertise, we’re creating a foundation for young people to thrive in a safe, supportive environment.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County, despite its geographic name, operates 26 sites across multiple counties in Washington, including Brewster and three clubs on the Colville Confederated Tribes Reservation. The Chelan site will help fill what organizers called a service gap for youth programming in North Central Washington.

“We’re thrilled to extend our reach to the Lake Chelan Valley,” said Bill Tsoukalas, executive director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County. “Our proven approach to youth development has made a positive difference in countless young lives, and we look forward to building meaningful relationships with this beautiful region’s children, families, and community leaders.”

Angela Collins will serve as area director for the Lake Chelan Valley Boys & Girls Club.

“Every community is unique, and we’re excited to work closely with Lake Chelan families to develop programming that reflects their priorities and aspirations for their children,” Collins said.

The new club will initially provide the following:

• After-school programming with homework help and academic enrichment
  
  
• Arts and cultural activities
  
  
• Sports, recreation, and health education
  
  
• Character and leadership development
  
  
• Summer programs when school is out
  
  

A grand opening is scheduled for Monday, July 7, at noon, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, club tours, music, refreshments and children’s activities. Collins added, “A wide range of youth programs designed to empower, inspire, and support the amazing kids of our community are at the core of the program.”

“This partnership represents an investment in the long-term strength and vitality of the Lake Chelan Valley,” Cruz said. “When we provide our young people with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed, we’re building a brighter future for everyone in our community.”