From Roses To Basketball

If you have lived in East County for any length of time you are familiar with the Drake’s Seven Dees nursery on 165th and Stark. That location has ceased operation and the property been vacant for some time. However, a new enterprise has pushed out of the ground with a very large building—the Boys and Girls Club of Gresham. This 30,000 square foot building is now called home to the five school districts and their students for a multiplicity of programs. To find out more Imani Muhammad, senior director of programs East County, special initiatives was interviewed.
Q. This is an impressive building both from outside as well as inside. How was the funding provided?
A. The majority of the monies came from corporate sponsors, private donations, and fun raising. Out of a $9 million allocated for the project we still have a debt service of approximately $2 million. For our operational costs we had an auction and sit-down dinner at the Portland Art Museum which raised 500k. We also do an annual golf tournament. Donations from supporters is critical to our operation. We have also received some funding from state and federal agencies supporting our East County youth and their programs.

Q. How many clubs do you have in the Portland Metro area?

A. We have five clubs and two schools. We range to the west out to Hillsboro. During the school year we have after-school programs. The Gresham location is one of seven and our newest facility.

Q. What are the students able to do here?

A. We have a state of the art basketball court with six baskets. A major donor, Nike, Inc., was critical to the funding. We are looking for donors so that we can have bleachers for our sport spectators. We have classrooms where art, ceramics, pottery, and oils and water coloring are taught. There is a classroom dedicated for students to use computers and a game room. We co-op with Work Force Oregon to prepare students to get a job. A safe driving program is also part of the service we provide. Once a week we have a field trip. This week they will be going to OMSI.

Q. Give me an example of a first job for teens through Youth force.

A. We partner with the Timbers and Key Bank at Providence Park stadium for our students to have their first job. They are responsible for taking tickets and trouble shooting. For a majority of students, they will receive their first pay check. They see the value of work and reward.

Q. Is your facility open to rent to other groups?

A. We have private groups rent out our basketball court. The Red Cross had over 200 people for earthquake awareness training. Yes, our facility is available for outside groups to rent out, with qualifiers, of course.

Q. What measures do you take to protect the children in your facility?

A. All adults working with children have complete background checks. If they are not part of the staff they must have an adult escort. We take child safety very seriously. We have a ratio of one staff member for every 25 students.

Q. What are your hours of operation and costs?

A. Summer 7:30am till 6pm, Monday thru Friday; closed on the weekends. Costs are $50.00 for grades 1 to 6; and $5.00 for grades 7 to 12. The Boys and Girls Club is designed for development of our youth and not for daycare.

Q. What can our readers do to help?

A. We need volunteers. There are many needs like painting, cleaning, landscaping, helping out at events. As an example, there is the WinCo Foods Portland Open and we are in charge of the parking. Your benefit is a free ticket to watch the PGA tournament. You can mentor students, teach reading, and be a one-on-one tutor.

Q. Who do we contact for volunteering or making donations?

A. You can go on our website for both items www.BGCPortland.org or give us a call at (503) 232-0077. Whoever answers the phone will be delighted you called to offer your time, talent, and resources.