More than two dozen community members recently packed the library’s community room to voice concerns, share ideas and brainstorm potential paths forward for supporting youth and childcare services following the closure of the Boys & Girls Club of Bulloch County.
Attendees split into two groups for focused discussions before coming back together to share and refine solutions as a whole.
“This isn’t just about replacing what’s gone. It’s about finding ways to build a stronger, more supportive network for our kids and families,” said one participant and parent during the meeting.
Community impact
The Boys & Girls Club has long been a cornerstone for Bulloch County families, offering a safe and enriching space for children during after-school hours and summer breaks. The last day of operation will be Friday, July 25, 2025 leaving more than 200 children without a place to go and parents scrambling for alternatives.
This loss spurred community stakeholders into action. Nonprofit organization leaders, organization representatives, Greek life representatives, engaged members of the community and concerned parents convened to chart a new course for supporting local youth and to develop strategies for improving childcare access.
Community voices and ideas
One attendee emphasized that while resources like after-school programs and summer camps exist, accessibility remains a challenge for many families.
“We do serve low-income families through programs like CAPS, but there are hoops to jump through. We need to figure out how to remove those barriers so more kids can benefit,” the attendee said.
Several community members echoed these sentiments and emphasized collaboration. Participants proposed framing childcare and youth programs as economic development issues to involve local businesses and the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce in creating solutions.
Another participant underscored the need for a coordinated approach. “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but if we work together, we can create opportunities that truly meet the needs of our community,” they said.
Participants proposed several ideas:
- Establishing a centralized resource hub to connect families with programs, transportation and space.
- Mobilizing fraternities, sororities and alumni networks to provide volunteers and mentors.
- Building a pro bono network of grant writers to help secure funding for grassroots initiatives.
- Clearly defining community needs and costs to present actionable data to potential funders and partners.
Looking forward
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to keep the momentum going. Leaders agreed that collaboration across sectors — nonprofits, businesses, government and civic groups — will be key to ensuring every child in Statesboro has a safe, supportive space to grow and succeed.
“This is about more than filling a gap,” one attendee said. “It’s about building a better, stronger system for our kids and families.”
The collaborative energy sparked by this meeting offers hope that Statesboro will rise to the challenge and create lasting solutions for its youngest residents.
For those wanting to get involved, reach out to statesboroyouth@gmail.com or follow the Statesboro Community Youth Network on Facebook.