The Youth Club of Cass County has decided to close after almost nine years of service.
It started as a Boys and Girls Club but later changed the name, as it could not come up with the budget to hire a director. It was named the Youth Club of Cass County and survived with an all-volunteer staff for several years.
They had a lot of simple ideas and loved the challenge and were determined to open a club. They knew that financing would be difficult. In a rural setting it was hard to get the program started on its own. Staff got involved with the Faith-Based and Community Initiative in Kalamazoo, where they received a lot of training, attended classes and continued to work hard to reach their goal. This was their first grant opportunity and they succeeded.
The Edward Lowe Foundation offered them their wonderful furnished “antique barn.” They talked to just about every person in the area who worked with kids, including agencies, clubs, churches, law enforcement; staff from the courts, lawyers and everyone that could help them provide a safe environment for the area kids to learn, socialize and have fun.
Over the years, they have received so much from the young people, and volunteer staff member Mary McFarland knows the club made a difference.
“We are very sad to bring this adventure to an end,” McFarland said. “lt was so rewarding and at times very difficult. We have accomplished so much and are thankful for all the experiences.”
When asked what they would miss the most, volunteers Deb Wiggins, Sharon Tubbs, Tony and Mary McFarland and Peg Yordv said it was having a place for the young people to hang out, character building exercises, discussions on moral issues, harvest festivals, hayrides, fishing, picnics, boating, basketball, dancing, music, lots of excursions, art proiects and working together learning how to solve problems, but most of all they stated they will miss the hugs and smiles and having fun together.
Volunteer Mary McFarland said they would like to thank the Edward Lowe Foundation and all the churches, businesses, local industries, area agencies, service clubs, families, friends and everyone that helped the youth grow and become responsible and caring adults.