KINGMAN – Kingman will soon be getting a new and improved after-school program center for youth through the philanthropy of Kingman Regional Medical Center (KRMC), in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley (BGCAZ).
The Clubs serve families and their children at 32 locations in the greater Phoenix area, as well Yuma. BGCAZ will enjoy a $1-lease arrangement for up to 25 years to operate in the entire east end of the commercial complex located along Airway Avenue at Burbank St., near the Kingman Academy of Learning.
“Having a safe place where youth can learn and grow is essential to building a healthy community,” said Krystal Burge, chair of Kingman Healthcare Inc., the nonprofit organization that oversees the operation of KRMC.
“We’re very thankful for the space they’ve (KHI, KRMC) allowed us with this lease. It’s very similar to what we’ve done with other municipalities and other school districts,” said Josh Stine, Vice President of external affairs and business partnerships for BGCAZ. “It wouldn’t be possible without the hospital stepping up and providing us the space to operate.”
Internet installation occurs soon and architectural assessment has already occurred before a contractor begins initial renovation of some 46,000 sq. ft. of space from multiple units that were previously independent of one another. Membership registration is already underway (www.bgcaz.org/kingman) and initial operation should commence by mid-December, if not sooner.
Four to five part-time employees will assist a full-time Branch Director, Program Director and a Coordinator, with additional staff possible depending upon membership growth over time. Burge, Jim Baker, Kari Jo Hill and Tom Price will head up a community advisory board.
“The Kingman Club will feature award-winning after-school and summer programs focused on everything from the arts and education to health and wellness,” a BGCAZ news release said. “There will be book clubs, along with e-sports, STEM, robotics programs and more. Academic support, sports and other activities also will be available.”
Stine said BGCAZ builds programs to help kids achieve academic success, character and leadership, healthy lifestyles and career and workforce readiness. He said technology, art and gaming rooms will be developed within the space and a gymnasium could be added in the future.
“This makes me so happy,” Burge said. “Josh and his group will bring quality and professionalism to our community and our youth.”
The respect is mutual.
“The people in your community that we’ve met, the individuals, you can tell how deeply they care about the community and that’s what makes this exciting,” Stine said. “I think this is going to be great.”
Staff will be on site by October to further the registration and enrollment process and establish a presence. “And they’ll be getting out in the community to spread the word about the Boys & Girls Clubs and what programs we’ll be offering.”
Kingman City Council member Jamie Scott Stehly is also pumped about the endeavor. “This is a really exciting update for our youth and the families here in Kingman that have really missed having a Boys and Girls Club and these after-school activities.”
Dave Hawkins
