The Boys & Girls Club of the Heartland is set to make a major regional expansion with its new dedicated Regional Workforce Development Teen Center in Poplar Bluff. The 33,000-square-foot facility will be located on a newly annexed lot adjacent to Poplar Bluff High School.
CEO Chris Rushin explained the project has been in the works for a long time. The board of directors set the goal eight years ago of having a dedicated facility by 2025.
Previously, the BGC relied on common-use space at PBHS and the First United Methodist Church. Director of Development Terri McCormick said the drive to fundraise for the facility began after changing the local Boys & Girls Club’s name from “Poplar Bluff” to “Heartland” as a refocusing toward regional service in 2021.
“It’s been a goal that every director of Boys & Girls Club has ever had,” Rushin noted.
The fundraising goal was set at $10 million.
“That’s an incredible hill to climb,” he remarked.
Rushin wanted to personally thank Sen. Jason Bean for his efforts in making the new facility a reality.
“We’re so thankful for him in so many different ways,” Rushin said, “Sen. Bean’s leadership was absolutely incredible.”
He also commended state representatives Hardy Billington and Cameron Parker for their assistance. The new facility aims to serve youth from 26 regional high schools. Rushin hopes to bring individuals from each location in under 45 minutes. The club will coordinate transportation from smaller towns to larger hubs where kids can be brought to Poplar Bluff.
McCormick said last year’s college program supported roughly 30 students.
“We’re confident we could have as many as 120 be career-ready,” Rushin projected for the new campus.
COO Robbie Toth-Cosby listed a cafeteria, STEM lab, game room, courtyard, garden, gymnasium, conference facilities, and eight classrooms as key features.
“A lot of it is the life skills,” McCormick said, emphasizing the importance of bringing in as many teens as possible. “These are the skills that are going to make you successful.”
She said the critical ages of 12 and 13 are when kids start to fall prey to crime, drugs, and teen pregnancy.
“We had to redirect what our programs are,” she explained.
The club hopes to become the teen employment hub of Butler County. Rushin explained this comes about in part due to a close partnership with Three Rivers College. He said he received enormous support from local businesses looking for employable workers.
“That has been an amazing result of our teen program,” he noted.
Rushin stated the program led to fewer parent absences from work and better outcomes for participating students. He thanked the PB R-I School District for its support and coordination over the years.
Rushin remarked many of the smaller area schools do not have the same extracurriculars and opportunities PBHS has.
“We want to be an option for those kids,” he said.
With the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center constructing a new facility on the PBHS campus, a host of opportunities will be centralized in one location.
“This new facility is not just a building, it’s a place where youth can feel rooted and have a sense of ownership and belonging,” Toth-Cosby said.
Integrate Construction Partners and Lawrence Group Architects will break ground in July. The building is set to be completed in October of 2025, the 25th anniversary of BGC of the Heartland.
With a hilltop location next to the future I-57, the Rushin hopes the building will be a beacon of hope.
“Whenever people come through Poplar Bluff, they’ll learn we value the future of our children,” he asserted. “Everything we have done has been directed at this moment in time.”
McCormick said the capital campaign is not over. Rushin hopes to set future directors up for success with ample funds for maintenance and upkeep.
Those interested can contact BGC of the Heartland at 573-776-1690 for more information about donations. McCormick noted naming rights and sponsorship opportunities are available.
“Imagine getting $25 from just half of Butler County population. You’re talking half a million towards this project which is a huge contribution. Every dollar helps” she highlighted.