BGCLPC is a nonprofit youth development organization providing afterschool and summer programming. In 2023, it will operate 8 Clubs throughout Michigan City, Westville, Kingsford Heights and La Porte. All services are offered completely free of charge to ensure accessibility. Due to high demand, BCLPC’s Clubs frequently operate on waitlist status.
Through its Great Futures Capital Campaign, BGCLPC seeks to construct a custom-designed Boys & Girls Club facility in Michigan City, in addition to launching additional Clubs elsewhere in La Porte County. Its long-term goal is to roughly triple the number of children served annually to 1,500.
Funds received from 1st Source Foundation will be used to purchase real estate in central Michigan City to house the new facility. Current plans call for a 35,000 square foot Clubhouse with efficiently designed entryway/atrium, full-court gymnasium, cafeteria, and spacious program areas for several different age groups - including a dedicated Teen Center. The facility will comfortably and efficiently accommodate up to 350 children per day.
“We are extremely grateful to 1st Source Foundation for their early support of our capital campaign and expansion efforts,” says Michelle Shirk, BGCLPC Chief Executive Officer. “Our new Club will allow us to serve many more children, as well as to better serve our tween/teen populations through program areas designed with their unique needs and interests in mind. This generous gift will allow us to take the first steps towards making our dreams for our community’s youth a reality.”
“The new facility is going to be an invaluable and extremely impactful resource for the Michigan City community,” says Matt Vessely, West Region President for 1st Source Bank. “Our young people deserve to have a space where they feel safe, supported and encouraged, and this new Clubhouse will bring all that and more to local families.”
“From growing up in this community to raising my child here and working here, I've seen the need for the Clubs' services from all angles,” says Lee Ann Killingbeck, BGCLPC Board President and longtime Michigan City resident. “I've watched other surrounding communities build these facilities and thrive. With generous gifts like this grant from the 1st Source Foundation, we will finally achieve our goal of bringing this wonderful asset to Michigan City. We couldn't be more grateful to have this support from a great community partner who also realizes the value in our Clubs.” Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County is a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a nationwide affiliation of thousands of autonomous Club organizations. For more information on current programming, please visit www.bgclpc.org.
