| Lapwai Boys & Girls
Club Holds Grand Opening for its New Facility
On June 25, 2003, the Nez Perce Tribe
and the Lapwai Valley Boys & Girls Club in Lapwai, Idaho
celebrated the grand opening of their new Club. Club staff
and Board members welcomed nearly 300 tribal, business, and
community leaders; law enforcement, school, and other organizational
representatives; public and private funding partners; and
adults and children to the ceremonial opening and blessing
of the new facility. The 10,500 square-foot Club, which includes
a teen center, gym, education center, arts and crafts room,
and game room, hosts 250 registered Club members many of whom
come everyday to play games, learn, and use the computers.
Anna Calkins, Director of
the Lapwai Club for three years, is thrilled with the new
building as it gives the Lapwai Valley youth a place "to
hang out and have fun, but also a place to learn." The
new much larger facility, replaces the church the Club previously
rented since it opened in 1998. Now they have the opportunity
to serve more kids and with the new teen center, especially
more teens who will have their own space. The education center
has 10 new computers where they offer a homework assistance
program that not only provides help but also encourages education.
Bob Liming, Executive Director of the Boys
& Girls Clubs of the Lewis-Clark Valley and Michael J.
Penney, Executive Director of the Nez Perce Tribe are proud
of the partnership that exists between the Tribe and the Club.
Without the Tribal support and other state, federal, and local
community resources, the new $800,000 building would not exist.
It has truly been a collaborative effort. The Tribe also contributes
nearly half of the Club's $160,000 annual operating budget.
As one young Club member stated, "this
place is much better than the old Club, but we have fun at
either place!"
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