Ada County’s fastest growing city, Kuna began as a small farming community in the desert, made possible by several men with a vision that bringing irrigation water to that side of the Valley would work miracles. Their efforts and dreams laid the foundation for today’s Kuna--a great little town that has blossomed like a desert rose. Families have flocked to Kuna seeking lower-cost housing and a small-town atmosphere in which to raise their children. However, because most parents must commute to work, they face a gap in time when they are unable to supervise their children after school and during the summer. A Boys & Girls Club in Kuna is designed to bridge that gap.

Kuna demographics show that a Boys & Girls Club is a necessary addition to the community. While 4,964 children attend school in Kuna, community resources for youth are virtually nonexistent. With 40% of Kuna households earning less than $40,000 a year, private alternatives are too expensive for many families to afford. In 2007, juveniles accounted for 51% of arrests in Kuna; boredom and lack of supervision are obvious contributing factors. A new Boys & Girls Club will reinforce family and community values and lower the risk of juvenile crime and substance abuse.

Lifetime Kuna residents and successful farmers Lavar & Wilma Thornton and Duane & Judy Yamamoto, who have long since raised their own families, have stepped forward to rally the community to help build a Boys & Girls Club to serve Kuna’s families. Plans are in place to construct a 15,000 square foot Clubhouse, located within walking distance of Kuna’s seven schools, to serve at least 1,000 youth annually. $3.5 million is needed to construct a Clubhouse and provide the first year’s operating expenses.

      From the very first day the Boys & Girls Club opened in Meridian, it was clear that it would not be long before it would outgrow its small Clubhouse on Idaho Street. Donated by the City of Meridian, the building was intended to serve a membership of about 200 kids. Club leadership was astonished when nearly that many children showed up in the very first days. Clearly, the need for the affordable, high quality, after school services in Meridian was much greater than they had ever anticipated!

      Now, 5 years later and 1,400 members strong, the Meridian Club has maximized it's capacity in the old building and has had to turn away kids during the summer due to the inability to safely provide services in the 4500 sq. ft. Clubhouse. The desire on the part of Club leadership to fulfill the promise of never turning away children has necessitated securing a new facility.

      The Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County Board of Directors is pleased to announce the purchase of the Meridian School District Administration Building on the corner of Meridian Road and Pine Street. The 11,000 sp. Ft. building, located on almost 2 acres of land, is within walking distance of Meridian Elementary and Meridian Middle Schools. The new Clubhouse will open in the fall, and will allow for a diverse program to meet the social, recreational, and educational needs of children and teens. With construction in a few years of a new gymnasium, the new Clubhouse is sure to become "home away from home" for many future generations of Meridian youth!

Invest in the Future
The success of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada Country greatly depends on the generosity of our supporters. Youth membership fees are just $10.00 a year, so we rely on corporate and individual gifts, special events, and grants to operate. Thousands of youth need our services at the Clubs in Ada County. Boys & Girls Clubs ensure that our youth are safe while teaching them positive values - Clubs change kids' lives!
You can invest in the Foundation For Future Generations and help children succeed with the Boys & Girls Clubs. Donate now to help or call us at (208) 376-4960.

In-Kind Giving
In-kind gifts come in many forms and are always welcomed. From cars, to sports equipment, to professional services; in-kind gifts are always used to further our goal in giving the youth of Ada County the best facilities, programs, and positive relationships possible. A tax receipt is available for each donation.

Time
If you wish to help staff and Club members by sharing your time, please call the Club nearest you:
Meridian Club: Robert Weseman - Program Director (208) 888-5392
Moseley Center: Jacque Deahl - Program Director (208) 321-9157

There are many ways you can help. We'll be happy to welcome you and familiarize you with activities. If you have a particular skill, why not share it with a youngster?