Bay Mills Boys & Girls Club awarded grant funds for building construction

BAY MILLS — Economic development continues in Bay Mills, this time with a project geared toward local youth.

The Bay Mills Boys & Girls Club received another round of grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Community Development Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages. The funds will allow the club to construct additional square footage on the new club building, which is scheduled to open later this month.

The BGC received $700k in grant funds, which will add 1800 square feet for programming purposes. Construction on the addition will begin Spring of 2023. BMIC will fund a portion of the project, contributing approximately $85k, with $20,000 cash amount from the Boys & Girls Club of Bay Mills with CCDF funds and $64,885 in-kind from BMIC General Revenue and Internal Service personnel.

According to Club Director Sandra Walden, the club has grown exponentially over the last two years and the much needed space will allow continued growth. The programs have been so popular the club has temporarily capped their summer membership enrollment and begun a waiting list, although this does not apply to teen activities.

The BGC offers tutoring, after-school programming, and summer activities to 200 youth each year. Membership is open to local youth ages 5-18 years old.

“The Boys and Girls Club is a vital component of our community, serving many families and youth in various capacities,” said Tara Parrish, grant writer for Bay Mills Indian Community. “This opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without all the talented members of our team. We look forward to all the great things Club will be able to do with this expansion. I am so proud of all the hard work that was put into this project. We have incredible things coming ahead.”

The BGC currently operates three sites — Brimley Area Schools, Bay Mills Club, and Sault Ste. Marie (CAMP), employing 31 individuals in total.

Anyone interested in learning more about the BGC or who would like to be placed on the summer waiting list can  contact Jennalee at 906-248-8577 or jsomes@baymills.org.