Boys & Girls Club needs staff, at capacity for after school care

The Boys & Girls Club of Poplar Bluff is searching for frontline workers, as well as funding.

Chief Executive Officer Chris Rushin announced the staffing needs Wednesday during the COVID-19 briefing held weekly by local officials.

He’s also searching for funding sources and donors to help pave the way to serve more of the community’s youngsters.

When registrations for the new school year opened, Rushin explained, 300 youngsters were signed up in the first 30 minutes.

More than 400 applications were completed on the first day. BGC enrolled 700 last year with an average daily attendance of over 400.

“The demand for services is ever present. The need is for the development of our children,” he said. “I encourage parents to continue to register their children.”

From this point forward, until more space and funding are available, the youngsters will be placed on a waiting list.

“We are getting ready for the 2020-21 school year,” Rushin said. “This is certainly a year like no other. We are going through trials and tribulations, as every other business or non-profit or club is going through.”

While Rushin is seeking qualified frontline staff, he said, “We do extensive background checks before we hire any staff.”

Anyone interested in helping may go to the group’s website, www.bgcpb.org, as soon as possible to turn in their application.

“Safety is our No. 1 job with our kids,” Rushin said.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Poplar Bluff provides a safe place to learn and grow in a fun and safe environment. Children build ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals through life-enhancing programs and character development experiences, which helps in building self-respect and positive self esteem.

Rushin explained, the pandemic has forced social distancing, cut down the ratio of staff to children and spread things out, but he stressed the group will “continue to abide by state licensing requirements and every safe precaution necessary.”

BGC, like many other not-for-profit organizations throughout the U.S., has canceled fundraisers. BGC canceled its largest fundraiser, the Taste of Town, and there have been cuts in federal and state funds, he said.

Rushin said by not having the Taste of Town, the BGC saw a net loss of $60,000.

“New grants are available and we are in the process of applying,” he said.

Rushin’s faith has been reinforced by watching churches and neighbors helping neighbors during the pandemic.

They have shown the “goodness in their hearts. It has given me hope, filled my heart. Poplar Bluff, Missouri and the United States, we will get through this.

“God has always taken great care of us. He knows our mission and He always has provided a way. We are going to find a way to make it happen every day.”

Continuing, he said, “We have an incredible board of directors and incredible partnership with Poplar Bluff R-I School.”

Anyone who wants to apply to help the BGC either by working or making a donation may go to the

BGC website or call 573-776-1690.