Boys & Girls Club of Southern Illinois to shut down

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois (BGCSI) is shutting down after nearly 20 years.

For nearly 20 years, the BGCSI provided safe, inclusive, educational spaces, best-in-class programming, and supportive adult mentors to thousands of young people.

“Regrettably, we have been put in the position that we will no longer be able to operate and will have to close our doors,” according to a statement from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois on Monday.

The Board of Directors made the decision after much discussion and exploration of feasible options that would allow for continued operation of the organization.

BGCSI will cease operations effective Friday, July 21.

During the closure, the BGCSI board plans to explore partnership opportunities within the community that will allow for reopening and securing long-term sustainability.

“We remain committed to our Club members, their families, and communities who have supported us for almost 20 years and recognize how much the children and their families need us,” according to a statement from BGCSI. “We want to provide hope and opportunity to the youth of Southern Illinois, just as we have to hundreds of children since we opened our doors in 2004. We hope that you share this vision and support us during this difficult time.”