The sudden closure of the Boys & Girls Club of Bulloch County on July 25, 2025 left hundreds of local families scrambling. More than 200 children who once spent their afternoons in a structured, supportive environment were suddenly without care, and many working parents without options.
Now, as Statesboro grapples with how to rebuild a critical part of its youth support system, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia’s Statesboro branch has become a key player in the community’s response. With expanded capacity, newly added transportation, and income-based financial assistance, the Y is working quickly to absorb as many of the displaced students as possible, while calling on the broader community to help close the gap.
“We know our fees are higher than what many families paid at the Boys & Girls Club,” said a YMCA representative. “But we are committed to making our programs accessible through financial assistance, the CAPS program, and support from community donors. No family should feel they are alone in this.”
From Crisis to Action
The YMCA’s expansion comes in the wake of a difficult chapter for youth services in Bulloch County. The closure of the Boys & Girls Club followed years of financial instability triggered by the 2023 arrest of the Club’s former CEO and his wife, who also served as the bookkeeper. The fallout, particularly the loss of the Club’s 21st Century federal grant, created a budget shortfall that proved impossible to overcome. Despite extensive efforts by staff and the Board of Directors, the organization officially announced its permanent closure in late June, effective July 25.
“For many years, our Club has stood as a cornerstone of hope, opportunity, and support for the children and families of this community,” the board wrote in a letter to families. “This difficult decision was not made lightly.”
The impact was immediate. Within days, local leaders began organizing meetings to brainstorm solutions. On July 19, more than two dozen parents, nonprofit directors, church leaders, and civic stakeholders packed the community room at the Statesboro Regional Library to strategize. Some came as concerned residents, others as representatives of organizations willing to help, but all were united by a sense of urgency.
“This isn’t just about replacing what’s gone,” one parent said during the meeting. “It’s about building something stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive for our kids.”
Ideas ranged from forming a centralized resource hub for families to launching a grant-writing team to help local groups secure long-term funding. Several churches expressed interest in providing space or mentorship programs. Bulloch County Parks and Recreation offered to help support older students, particularly teens, who might not fit into traditional elementary-aged after school models.
But while long-term strategies take shape, the YMCA is offering immediate relief.
An Expanded YMCA Steps Up
In response to the community need, the YMCA quickly expanded its after school capacity by renovating space at the former Sallie Zetterower Elementary School cafeteria. Thanks to donations from private supporters and the Boys & Girls Club, the facility now accommodates up to 127 children, more than double its previous enrollment cap of 55.
Transportation was also a top priority. The Boys & Girls Club donated a bus to the YMCA, and the Club’s longtime driver was retained to ensure continuity and familiarity for the children. This allows the YMCA to provide school pickups across Statesboro, a vital service for working parents who can't leave the office to handle transport themselves.
Staffing has also scaled up. Former Boys & Girls Club employees were invited to apply for new group leader roles and were given priority in hiring decisions. The result is a staff team that includes familiar faces and benefits from a high level of training and certification.
“All of our staff are CPR and First Aid certified and trained in fire safety, child abuse prevention, and youth transportation,” YMCA officials shared. “They’re also required to complete 18 hours of professional development per year—nearly twice the state’s minimum.”
Cost, Accessibility, and Support
For many families, however, cost remains a concern. The YMCA charges $62 per week for members and $83 for non-members, plus a $65 registration fee. For parents used to the Boys & Girls Club’s monthly rate of $125, the weekly model may feel out of reach.
But YMCA leadership is urging families not to self-select out before exploring the options.
Financial aid is available through both Georgia’s CAPS (Childcare and Parent Services) program and the YMCA’s own income-based assistance program, which is supported through the organization’s Annual Campaign. That campaign relies on donations from members, staff, and local businesses.
Assistance awards are based on household income and available funds. Families must provide documentation and allow up to two weeks for processing. Awards last six months and can be renewed.
Community members interested in helping can go to www.ymcaofcoastalga.org, select “Give,” then choose the Statesboro Branch and the “Community Impact Campaign.” Donors can also specify in the notes section whether their contribution should go to a particular child or to the after school scholarship fund.
“Even small gifts make a difference,” YMCA staff said. “We’ve had families in crisis that were only able to enroll their child because someone in the community quietly stepped up and covered the gap.”
More Than Just Childcare
YMCA after school programs are not just about supervision—they’re designed with development in mind. The Statesboro branch follows the Georgia Afterschool and Youth Development Standards and is Quality Rated by the Department of Early Care and Learning. The curriculum includes enrichment time, outdoor play, and structured activities designed to engage kids across all five learning domains.
Importantly, the program is also screen-free and cell phone-free, with exceptions only for educational uses like tutoring or designated learning apps. This intentional design helps ensure that kids are engaged, interacting, and supported in a positive, focused environment.
Still More Work to Do
Despite the YMCA’s expanded capacity, there are still more children in need of care than there are spaces available. That’s why continued community involvement remains essential. At the July 19 meeting, Parks and Rec officials discussed the possibility of launching a program for middle school students. Local churches and civic groups are also exploring ways they can offer part-time programming, mentorship, or support services.
One parent put it best during the meeting: “There’s no single solution. But there’s a lot of passion in this community. And if we work together, we can create something even better than what we lost.”
The YMCA agrees—and they’re calling on the rest of the community to meet the moment alongside them.
“Childcare is a community-wide issue,” a YMCA representative said. “It affects our families, our schools, our workforce, and our local economy. But more than anything, it affects our children. When we invest in them, we all benefit.”
To apply for after school care, request financial assistance, or donate, visit www.ymcaofcoastalga.org. To stay informed about future solutions, follow the Statesboro Community Youth Network on Facebook or email [email protected].
