“There are no constraints on the human mind, no walls around the human spirit, no barriers to our progress except those we ourselves erect.” – Ronald Reagan
By breaking down organizational barriers, three Eastside Pathways partners collaborate to create a stronger, more comprehensive system of solutions for some Bellevue kids.
Since 1994 the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue has operated the Eastside Terrace Clubhouse serving kids from Lake Hills Elementary, Stevenson Elementary, Odle Middle School and the surrounding areas by providing out-of-school education and recreation programs ranging from science, cooking, tutoring, tech skills and more. The Clubhouse was the first the organization opened in public housing through a ground-breaking partnership with the King County Housing Authority. In 2012, with financial support and partnership from the King County Housing Authority, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue opened a brand new facility at that same site which allowed them to expand their footprint 3-fold, from 1000 square feet to 3,000 square feet with a goal to at least double the average daily attendance.
The Club provides kids a safe place to go when they’re not in school, including summer. Professional staff provides them with academic support, help develop character and leadership skills and teach them to make healthy choices in their lives. They have the opportunity to go on field trips to museums, parks, lakes, soccer games and other special events. Kids are provided a healthy snack and even breakfast and lunch in the summer.
“Our partnership over the years with the King County Housing Authority has always been great and a model for others.” says Kathy Haggart, President/CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Bellevue, “And things got even better this past year with the expansion into the state-of-the-art Clubhouse these kids deserve.” (Note: King County Housing Authority is currently rebuilding the Club’s two other housing sites at Hidden Village and Spiritwood Manor. Both will re-open this year.)
Nearly six months ago the King County Housing Authority and the Bellevue School District teamed up on behalf of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue to provide access to information on how kids are doing in the feeder schools for Eastside Terrace. Looking at things like grades and behavioral changes, the partnership now has a measurable view into where programs are having an impact or even more important, where there are opportunities to further partner or make program improvements to make things better for the kids served.
“This is huge”, says Haggart. “We’ve always known that we make a difference in kids’ lives, but this gives us the quantifiable proof that donors, partners, and clients are looking for.”
Enhancing the programs and joining the partnership, the Bellevue Schools Foundation, was able to provide 18 new computers for the kids who need even more support in math, reading, and science. The computers include programs and curriculum the kids need to achieve academic success and they work on these targeted assignments while at the Club.
“The final goal of closing the digital divide for these kids and their families is to provide free internet access in the homes at Eastlake Terrace. This would further augment the programs and work the kids are doing in school and at the Clubhouse”.
As the partnerships and program continue, collaboration and alignment will remain critical components as the needs of the community evolve and change.
Written by Stephanie Cherrington, Eastside Pathways Operations Officer.