Jefferson County will be getting its first Boys & Girls Club soon as a part of the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver.

A task force of civic and community leaders, headed by District Attorney Scott Storey, started work on this project in 2007. Now, the work of this dedicated team is bringing the Club to life.

O’Connell Middle School in Lakewood is the proposed home of this partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, Jeffco Public Schools, government officials, and community and business leaders. 

“From the first time I visited a Boys & Girls Club and witnessed the impact they have on the lives of children, I have wanted to bring a Club to Jefferson County,” says District Attorney Scott Storey. “Through collaboration, commitment and community support we are making this dream a reality."

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver has been serving the metro area since 1961 and now operates eight facilities. They provide quality after school programs to over 9,000 kids ranging in age from 6-18. 

The Boys & Girls Club will provide quality programs at a nominal cost to families, using school facilities during after school hours. “A Boys & Girls Club will offer the youth of our community a menu of very positive life choices,” said Lakewood Mayor Bob Murphy.

Evaluations have proven that after school programs are cost-effective as a prevention tool when looking at school drop-out rates, juvenile crime and substance abuse, and other negative behaviors that ultimately cost taxpayers.

“The entire community benefits from Boys & Girls Clubs. We are fortunate to have an opportunity to make this investment in our children, helping to enable them to reach their full potential.” says DA Storey.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of metro Denver received a generous community challenge grant of $500,000 to help bring a Club to Jefferson County.  The challenge is to the committee and the community to raise $350,000 by May 1 in order to receive the $500,000. 

O’Connell Middle School near Belmar in  Lakewood is the proposed home of this partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, Jeffco Public Schools, government officials, and community and business leaders.  

Boys & Girls Clubs are an invaluable community resource, providing children and teens with affordable, quality youth development activities during their after school hours.

The public is invited to O’Connell Middle School on April 8, from 5:30-7:00 for punch and cookies and a tour of our Club‘s new home.

For more information, contact Kathy Luna at KathyL@BGCMD.ORG or (303) 892-9200 x107.