For years, the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine's Sagamore Village location was a safe haven for local children like Jacob and Anna Morgan, providing them with a range of enriching activities and a sense of community. However, the sudden closure of this club, along with another in Riverton Park, has left these young residents feeling lost and disconnected from the support system they once relied on.

A Cherished Community Hub Shuttered, Leaving Families Adrift

A Beloved Afterschool Sanctuary

Jacob, 11, and his sister Anna, 10, were regulars at the Sagamore Village Boys and Girls Club, where they would spend their afternoons engaged in a variety of activities, from arts and crafts to sports and field trips. The club provided them with a sense of structure, belonging, and security, as well as access to essential resources like meals and snacks. For these children, the club was more than just a place to go after school – it was a cherished community hub that fostered their growth and development.

Sudden Closure Leaves Families Reeling

The news of the club's closure, announced just before the start of the school year, came as a devastating blow to the Morgan family and their neighbors. Kayla Theriault, the children's mother, was caught off guard, having learned about the decision from her neighbors rather than through official channels. The abrupt shutdown left Jacob, Anna, and their peers feeling "sad, angry, and confused," as they grappled with the loss of a beloved institution.

Reasons for Closure Spark Debate

The reasons behind the closure have been a source of contention. While the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine's CEO, Brian Elowe, cited issues of "equity and access" as the driving factors, the Morgan family and other community members are skeptical. They argue that the decision was primarily driven by funding constraints, a claim that Elowe has refuted. The closure has left many families questioning the priorities and decision-making processes of the organization.

Challenges of Relocation and Transportation

The relocation of programming to the larger Cumberland Avenue facility has presented significant challenges for families like the Morgans. Kayla Theriault, who does not drive, is concerned about the increased distance and the inability to quickly respond to her children's needs if they were to have a crisis or emergency at the new location. The larger, more crowded environment has also been a source of discomfort for Jacob and Anna, who preferred the intimate, familiar setting of the Sagamore Village club.

Lasting Impact on Children's Lives

The closure of the Sagamore Village Boys and Girls Club has left a profound void in the lives of Jacob, Anna, and their peers. Without the structured activities, social connections, and sense of security the club provided, the children have become more isolated, spending more time at home or at the limited study centers available in their housing development. The loss of this vital community resource has disrupted the children's routines, social networks, and overall well-being, leaving their families to navigate the challenges of finding alternative afterschool options.

A Plea for Reinvestment and Reconsideration

As the community grapples with the aftermath of the club's closure, there is a growing call for the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine to reconsider its decision and reinvest in the Sagamore Village and Riverton Park locations. Families like the Morgans argue that the unique needs and challenges of these low-income housing developments warrant the continued presence of a dedicated, neighborhood-based club. The closure has highlighted the importance of accessible, community-driven programs in supporting the holistic development and well-being of children in underserved areas.