Fairhope, Alabama
NEW MEMBERS SOUGHT
The Fairhope Rotary Youth Club, 19128 Young St., held an open house recently to better-inform the community about the activities there and solicit new membership from all areas of town.
The mission of the RYC, a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation, emphasizes education, "to empower (low income and at-risk) youth to realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens ... ." Its Board of Directors receives financial support from both public and private sectors; the City of Fairhope owns the land and building.
Year-round activities offered there include sports, cooking, arts and crafts, games, computer lab classes, gardening, music, help with homework, reading and tutoring.
An After School Enrichment Program is conducted during the school year; the Summer Program, now in progress, includes field trips and other activities (movies, seminars, etc.). Summer Enrichment Academy is held during July -- this year at the Larry Newton School. The Academy is described as "a hands on learning program that prepares youth to return to school with the skills and confidence to be successful."
According to club Director Mark Stejskal, it is a misconception that the club exists only to serve the immediate neighborhood of mostly minority children: in fact, anyone (of any race) may join (ages 5 - 18) for the annual $10 membership fee, which allows full access to the club during the week. (Supplemental programs have
some additional costs.)
EXPANSION PLANNED
Stejskal displayed the plans for a $303K expansion of classroom space: a joint project with the city and various private donors. The 4,950 sq. ft. facility will consist of 4 classrooms and other administrative spaces; and a "safe room" for storms. Security will be improved as well.
The city has committed to give $50K annually for 4 years; and the Single Tax Corp. $100K (one time). A $100K grant from the Impact 100 Baldwin organization has been applied for as well.
The 3 area Rotary Clubs will jointly make up the difference and furnish it.
He said if all funding falls into place, construction may begin by early this Winter.
NEW MEMBERS SOUGHT
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| Rotary Youth Club |
The mission of the RYC, a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation, emphasizes education, "to empower (low income and at-risk) youth to realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens ... ." Its Board of Directors receives financial support from both public and private sectors; the City of Fairhope owns the land and building.
Year-round activities offered there include sports, cooking, arts and crafts, games, computer lab classes, gardening, music, help with homework, reading and tutoring.
An After School Enrichment Program is conducted during the school year; the Summer Program, now in progress, includes field trips and other activities (movies, seminars, etc.). Summer Enrichment Academy is held during July -- this year at the Larry Newton School. The Academy is described as "a hands on learning program that prepares youth to return to school with the skills and confidence to be successful."
According to club Director Mark Stejskal, it is a misconception that the club exists only to serve the immediate neighborhood of mostly minority children: in fact, anyone (of any race) may join (ages 5 - 18) for the annual $10 membership fee, which allows full access to the club during the week. (Supplemental programs have some additional costs.)
EXPANSION PLANNED
Stejskal displayed the plans for a $303K expansion of classroom space: a joint project with the city and various private donors. The 4,950 sq. ft. facility will consist of 4 classrooms and other administrative spaces; and a "safe room" for storms. Security will be improved as well.
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| Director Stejskal |
The city has committed to give $50K annually for 4 years; and the Single Tax Corp. $100K (one time). A $100K grant from the Impact 100 Baldwin organization has been applied for as well.
The 3 area Rotary Clubs will jointly make up the difference and furnish it.
He said if all funding falls into place, construction may begin by early this Winter.
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