This September, the Pullman Chamber is proud to spotlight the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Palouse, an organization that has had a tremendous influence on local youth and families in the short time it has been a part of our Pullman community. This spotlight is extra special, as the Boys and Girls Clubs organization is also our Business Member of the Month.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Palouse opened its doors in 2024, following the closure of Pullman’s YMCA, which provided summer and after-school care for children in the area. The YMCA’s closure left a significant gap in care options for local families, and almost instantly, community leaders joined together to find a solution.
Among the early champions of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Palouse was Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, which led the coalition to form the Boys & Girls Club in Pullman and contributed more than $100,000 to help launch club operations. Pullman Public Schools also played a crucial role in securing the program for the Pullman community, providing support and access to two facilities that are now home to Boys & Girls Club “clubhouses” where programming is based. Within a single week, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lewis-Clark Valley, which oversees the regional Palouse Clubs, expanded from operating two clubhouses to five.
“The Pullman community stepped up, made it happen, put the flag in the ground and said, let’s go!” said Tony Mastroberardino, director of resource development and marketing at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lewis-Clark Valley.
Today, the organization serves approximately 95 families with over 250 students enrolled in the Pullman community. Clubhouses operate at the Kamiak and Franklin Elementary Schools with transportation available from other elementary schools for more students to participate.
More than simply a child-care program, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Palouse provides its members with academic support, character and leadership development, and opportunities to build creative, social and athletic skills. Programming includes sports and recreation, games and team-building, activities, culinary education, STEM activities and more.
Mentorship is another impactful part of the Boys & Girls Clubs. Many Boys & Girls Clubs staff members were once Club members themselves, progressing to junior staff positions before pursuing careers in education and youth development. Others are college students studying education, social sciences and related fields.
“The best part about [working for the Boys & Girls Clubs] is that you learn how to be patient and understanding, which gives you a different perspective on the world,” said Area Director Cameran Green.
For the children participating in the Club programs, their experience has been invaluable. For Club members and sisters Ivy and Ida have found the Boys & Girls Clubhouse to be a welcoming, supportive, and fun place. Ivy especially enjoys arts and crafts and says, “The staff are nice and very funny.” Ida enjoys the sports offerings, which includes swimming trips during the summer, and popsicles during snack time. She likens her times at the Club to receiving “extra recess.” When asked what she would tell a friend interested in joining the Club, Ivy’s answer was simple: “You should definitely go, and I would love to see you.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Palouse offers after-school programming from 3-6 p.m., as well as summer programming that runs Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Membership costs $50 annually, with additional summer programming available for $100 per week and school-year care for $50 per week. The Club ensures accessibility for all families, maintaining a scholarship fund for those with financial need and committing to never turn a child away.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Palouse continues to grow, creating both safe spaces and opportunities for young people across Pullman. To further the Club’s work and expand its reach, community members can purchase a Blue Proud Supporter Flag for $300 to fly at their business or organization throughout September or make donations to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Palouse directly through their website.
Learn more and make a difference through the Boys & Girls Clubs today at https://poweroftheclub.org.
