The Boys and Girls Club of the Heartland gears up for a milestone 25th anniversary with ambitious plans for 2025

The Boys and Girls Club of the Heartland has big things planned for 2025 including its 25th anniversary. According to BGCH Chief Executive Officer Chris Rushin, the Regional Workforce Development Teen Center by the Poplar Bluff High School is ahead of schedule.

“We have been very pleased with the progress of the building,” he affirmed.

Rushin said the concrete footers were poured before Christmas and the builders have taken delivery on the ceiling panels, steel, and some of the masonry. While the original completion date was slated for October 2025, Rushin said the structure could be open as soon as August.

However, he cautioned this will likely be subject to weather delays.

Rushin also applauded the continued growth and integration of BGCH across Southeast Missouri.

“We’ve been over the moon with our success in Malden,” he noted.

In this location, Rushin elaborated the daily attendance has grown from roughly 60 kids per day to well over 100. Across all locations, he said 500 youth attend the after-school program each day.

Rushin confirmed this is the largest attendance rate they have ever had. For BGCH’s 25th anniversary, he explained the club is conducting a fundraiser called the $25 in 2025 Challenge.

The donations are available in tiers from $25 to $100 to provide a club member with services from tutoring to meals. The challenge is to keep up the level of donation throughout the whole year.

Rushin reflected on the continued support from the community since BGCH started in 2000.

“Our state and government officials have been very good to us,” he affirmed.

Rushin also thanked the close partnerships with the Neelyville, Malden, and Poplar Bluff school districts. He hopes to see the cooperation between BGCH, Three Rivers College, and the City of Poplar Bluff thrive for many years to come.