Chippewa Falls Boys & Girls Club Will Expand Health-Focused Programming Thanks To $17K Donation
Marshfield Clinic has invested $84K in Clubs across the state, including those in Chippewa and Barron counties
McKenna Scherer, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
Tens of thousands of meals and snacks are provided to local youths each year through the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley. Those services and other health-oriented programs will receive significant support thanks to a recent donation from Marshfield Clinic.
Announced on May 28, an $84,000 investment from Marshfield Clinic will go to six Boys & Girls Club organizations across central and northern Wisconsin. The Chippewa Valley Club network – specifically, the Chippewa Falls Club (650 Bridgewater Ave.) – will see over $17,000 of that total donation, according to Wisconsin Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs Director, Andrew Gussert.
Those dollars will expand healthy lifestyle programming such as increased access to nutritious food, strengthened mental wellness support and after-school and weekend programming, Chippewa Valley Center Director Jamie Hrastich said.
“We know that many young people face barriers related to food insecurity, mental health challenges and limited access to positive recreational opportunities, particularly in underserved and rural communities,” Hrastich said. “This investment helps us meet those needs in a meaningful and proactive way.”
Throughout Wisconsin, Clubs serve over 138,000 youths each year, across 189 sites and 77 communities – more than any organization outside the public school system, a recent media release stated.
The Boys & Girls Club of Barron County – located just outside the Chippewa Valley region – will also benefit from the recent investment, through a total of $15,000.
After meeting with organizational leaders of both Marshfield Clinic and the Boys & Girls Club, Executive Director Lori Zahrbock said those dollars will support the Rice Lake Club through the creation of mental health and substance abuse prevention programming.
“Programming will emphasize socialization, self-esteem, coping skills and overall wellness, helping children learn healthy ways to care for themselves and build resilience,” Zahrbock said, “rather than turning to substances to manage mental health challenges.”
“We are grateful for this partnership and excited about the positive impact it will have on the youth we serve,” she continued.
Throughout Wisconsin, Clubs serve over 138,000 youths each year, across 189 sites and 77 communities – more than any organization outside the public school system, a recent media release stated.
Marshfield Clinic representatives said the $84,000 total donation is an investment in holistic health, specifically in rural and underserved communities.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley has centers in Altoona, Black River Falls, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire and Menomonie. Learn more about the organization online at www.cvclubs.org.
