Club House, TOGETHER!’s long-valued, 20-year-old program for North Thurston grade schoolers and middle schoolers and their families is facing funding challenges. This year Club House received devastating news that the $400,000 funding from OSPI, Olympia Superintendent of Public Instruction, was not forthcoming. Major support has come from TwinStar Community Foundation. TOGETHER! is seeking additional community support and wants people to understand the importance of maintaining Club House at its usual capacity.
Club House has Engaging Settings for Student Successes in School and Life
The impressive curriculum explores language, culture, and identity via the in-house developed ARBOL curriculum. ARBOL stands for Aprender, Raices, Biculturales, Origen, y Lenguajes. Through ARBOL, students expand their cultural awareness through education, art, music, and more. “Families want to be a part. They reach out to the school district or to the site coordinator,” says Kahlo C. Flores M., co-executive director.
The multi-lingual program encourages students to find identity with culture through the varied activities. There are STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) activities in both English and Spanish. Students enjoy exposure to marine biology, culinary experiences, and a host of educational opportunities.
“It’s free. It’s for anybody and families with need of the program,” explains Kahlo.
TOGETHER! Club House Has 3 School Locations
Club House serves one elementary school, Lydia Hawk, and two middle schools, Chinook and Nisqually. Schools are chosen based on the percentage of students receiving free and reduced lunch and in need of academic support. The enriching programs match social and emotional experiences with peers and adults. “Through a strong partnership with North Thurston Public Schools, Club House serves hundreds of students and their families with not just before and after school programs, but also rental assistance, doctor fees, and utility costs,” explains Kahlo. Club House coordinates with families providing program materials, school supplies, books, and resources that include emergency services.
Talented, Energetic Leadership within Club House
It’s easy to be drawn to Kahlo’s warmth and vitality. What started as an internship during college, has evolved through leadership positions at TOGETHER!. It is easy to see Kahlo thrives on connecting with the youth and families they serve. “Since I was six, I played soccer and then collegiate soccer. Kids like that. I have also always been a musician. I play the trumpet and sing. My music and athleticism go a long way working with youth,” Kahlo says. Team sports provide a great foundation for collaboration, too, something TOGETHER! has always taken to heart. One way this looks is co-leadership, which TOGETHER! has employed for over a decade. TOGETHER!’s Co-Executive Director is Sierra Abrams. The two appreciate the synergy they share in covering the complex issues within Club House, including navigating funding challenges.
Valued Partner TwinStar Community Foundation Steps Up
TwinStar Community Foundation, a longtime TOGETHER! partner, generously stepped in with a major gift of $100,000. This is a significant bridge to close the funding gap.
“The TwinStar Community Foundation is proud to support TOGETHER! because of the type of work they do with our schools. Their Clubhouse program has been a staple in the North Thurston School District, where they empower underserved students by breaking down barriers and giving them a safe place to learn and belong after school. Because they partner with families in our community, we are excited to support TOGETHER! in keeping Club House going for a long time to come,” notes Amanda Stevens, TwinStar’s foundation and education development manager.
TOGETHER! is profoundly grateful to TwinStar Community Foundation for its leadership in supporting education and its deep investment in Club House during this time of clear need. “Thank you, TwinStar, for your unwavering commitment to students, your care for community, and your partnership year after year,” says the TOGETHER! team!
Club House Gifts Support the Following:
- Ensure hundreds of elementary and middle school students have access to these safe, supportive spaces, connection to school, and relationships with trusted adults.
- Help low income working families have continuity of care outside of school hours.
- Provide continued intensive wrap-around services including social/emotional and non-academic support such as coats and shoes, transportation, and health care access.
During the school year, Club House operates before and after school programming, depending on the locations. It also operates during part of the summer. Students at Club House gain skills both academically and socially.
Club House Generates Hope, Healing, Inspiration and Passion
Club House is more than an after-school program. The Family Liaison staff provides case management and direct support to help families with housing, food, hygiene, and employment. Since its inception, Club House has served nearly 10,000 students and families, making a profound difference in their education, wellbeing, and lives. “We will increase empathy and compassion as humans. Brilliance comes from the joining of the community,” adds Kahlo.
Be Generous with your Support of the TOGETHER! Club House
TOGETHER! is optimistic about filling this urgent budget gap. Until the OSPI opens financial applications next spring, the agency wants to continue to focus on what is most important: being a kid, exploring one’s identity and culture, learning, and growing while playing and thriving. TOGETHER! works at the intersection of education and public health for the betterment of the entire community.
Financial contributions can be made through Venmo (@together4kids) or PayPal (@togetherforkids). Mail a check to TOGETHER! at 1520 Irving St. SW, Ste A, Tumwater, WA 98512 and indicate Club House or Shine Together Campaign. You will make a lasting difference in the lives of children and their families to build a stronger, brighter future.
Support also means spreading the word about the program, attending an event like Gather Together Nights, or volunteering your time.
To learn more visit the TOGETHER website, Instagram and Facebook pages.
Help the students and families that Together! serves to shine and thrive in a people-powered way.
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