Home
Press Inquiries & Media Contact:
Whitney Guilford
202.904.0664
D.C. COUNCIL RESTORES FUNDING FOR JELLEFF RECREATION CENTER CLUB
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington (BGCGW) executes successful campaign to keep Club funded after initial reports that it had been removed from the D.C. budget
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 28, 2024 – Chair Phil Mendelson and the D.C. Council have restored funding for the oldest Clubhouse in the Boys & Girls Club Greater Washington system, Jelleff Recreation Center, located in Georgetown. Funding for Club operations was not included in the FY25 budget, leaving numerous questions and concerns from youth, parents, communities, local businesses, and Club staff. BGCGW immediately launched a campaign asking supporters to contact members of the D.C. Council, and urge them to restore funding, on behalf of the 1,500 youth that attend the Club annually. Many concerned stakeholders sent emails to the Council, recounting their personal experiences with the Club and emphasizing BGCGW’s pivotal role in youth development for children across all eight wards of D.C.
On the decision by the Council to restore funds, BGCGW President & CEO Gabrielle Webster had this to say:
“On behalf of BGCGW, I want to thank Chair Mendelson, Councilmember Brooke Pinto (Ward 2), and the entire D.C. Council for taking swift corrective action, ensuring our youth may continue to thrive under highly effective youth development programs that Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington has to offer. We are grateful for the exceptional advocacy of our members, staff, and supporters, and their fierce dedication to bringing this issue to the immediate forefront.”
The restoration of funding is the first pivotal step in ensuring the Club remains operational; BGCGW will now undergo a search for a temporary location while the building is closed during upcoming renovations.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington
The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington is to help boys and girls of all backgrounds, especially those who need us most, build confidence, develop character and acquire the skills needed to become productive, civic-minded and responsible adults.
BGCGW offers a variety of programs in character and leadership development, education, career development, the arts, health and wellness, sports and recreation. Find us online at www.bgcgw.org or on social media at @BGCGW.
# # #
