EVANSDALE - The Boys & Girls Club of Black Hawk County is expanding.

A new branch opened Monday at Poyner Elementary School with an informal ribbon cutting ceremony. The event was attended by parents, dignitaries and nearly 30 Poyner students in Boys & Girls Club T-shirts.

"Today I'm happy to celebrate after-school programming in the heart of Evansdale," said Mayor Chad Deutsch.

"The after-school programming is needed to engage youth together in activities," he added. "Our city has been committed to supporting youth education and activities."

Superintendent Gary Norris lauded the partnership between Waterloo Community Schools and the Boys & Girls Club.

"Schools could not do these things alone," he said. "We just do not have enough resources."

The club received federal 21st Century Community Learning Center funds awarded by the Iowa Department of Education.

"We were having some members (join) from the Evansdale community," said Executive Director Jason Barta. As the number grew, it eventually became difficult to transport students to the club at 515 Lime St. in Waterloo. About 42 children have signed up for the club so far.

Barta said the application was submitted in the spring with officials learning about the award during the summer. It is the third branch for the club, which also has a site at North Cedar Elementary School in Cedar Falls.

The competitive grants were awarded to organizations who wish to expand after-school activities in their communities. The grants emphasize partnerships between educational institutions, the community and other organizations.

The club, which targets children in third grade and up who would otherwise be home alone while their parents work, features drop-in services for members and a minimal fee to join. It will offer programming after school and on non-school days. Members will participate in programs that focus on the areas of character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation.

"We'll have after-school homework help available for those who need to complete homework," Barta said, as well as providing a snack and a meal through the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. The club will use space in Poyner's gym, media center, computer lab and commons area.

The five-year reimbursable federal grant could provide up to $428,350 to operate the club at Poyner. During the first three years, the club will receive up to $100,790 annually. Grant maximums are trimmed to 75 percent - or $75,590 - for the fourth year and 50 percent - or $50,395 - for the fifth year.

"Obviously, personnel is a large part of it," Barta said of programming costs. Funding levels during years two through five will depend on whether federal dollars are allocated at the current levels.

"Our ultimate goal is to be part of the community and stay out there past the grant," said Barta, meaning club officials will have to establish partnerships in the community to find funding. "Boys & Girls Clubs traditionally here and all across the country rely heavily on their communities to support them." Eventually, he would like to see a "full-service club" that would be in a free-standing building.

Diana Krusemark of Evansdale sent her son and daughter to the Waterloo club's summer program this year. She is glad to see the club starting a branch at Poyner and calls it "a nice alternative to Y Care," the after-school child care offered at the elementary.

"The location is great," she said. "It's only the second year that Jewett and Elk Run (elementary schools) have been together." The Evansdale and Elk Run Heights schools closed and were replaced by Poyner.

"There's still some blending there, so having that at the school is still a benefit," she said.

Krusemark's son is in middle school now, meaning she allows the siblings to be at home without a parent. However, the club membership allows some choices, especially for her daughter still at Poyner.

"She can either go home or (go to the Boys & Girls Club) if she needs some help with homework," said Krusemark. It also provides an option for students on teacher in-service days. "The Boys & Girls Club is going to be available, and that's not an option with Y Care."

Krusemark likes "the diversity of the kids, the diversity of the activities they do, and just the staff, I thought, was really great. It's a big focus on respect for yourself, for others, for your community."

After Monday's ribbon cutting, the children jumped right into some relay races and a game of tag led by the three Boys & Girls Club staff members who will be at Poyner daily.

"I loved the relay race," said third-grader Majda Suljich. "In second grade we had a race and in my class I was the fastest runner."

She called it a "really good idea" that "we don't have to go to Waterloo, we can just stay here." The club also gives her more opportunities to play with her peers.

"Because at home I don't really have much to do, not many kids on my block," said Suljich. "Plus, these are kids I know more, a lot better."

Contact Andrew Wind

at (319) 291-1507 or

andrew.wind@wcfcourier.com.