Following a successful fundraising barbecue on June 20 at the Jelleff Recreation Center in Georgetown, staff and board members received unexpected news regarding funding cuts to local Boys & Girls Clubs.
The D.C. Budget for 2026 has eliminated approximately $1 million in annual operational funds that were previously allocated to the four Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, with Jelleff set to receive around $610,000 of those funds.
Bob Stowers, the director of Jelleff, expressed his concerns to the Georgetowner, stating, “We hope the cuts aren’t a done deal.”
Several board members of Jelleff remained after a D.C. Council meeting on Tuesday to engage with council members individually, focusing on Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto, who has been a steadfast supporter of the center.
Robert Anderson from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington emphasized the need for community support, noting that a surge of calls and emails to Council members had a positive impact last year during the budget discussions.
“BGCGW is asking that community members rally again by contacting each Council member to advocate for the restoration of funding,” Anderson stated in an email.
“Last year, hundreds of calls and emails made a difference before final budget decisions were made. These communications must happen within the next 10 days to be effective.”
Council member Brooke Pinto also voiced her commitment to the Boys & Girls Clubs, stating, “The programming that the Boys & Girls Clubs provide to kids from all eight wards at the Jelleff Recreation Center are a vital resource and exhibit the best of after school programming in our city.”
She expressed alarm over the funding cuts, reinforcing her efforts to restore the vital operational funds, stating, “It is unacceptable that the funding was cut for this program, and I am working hard — as I did last year — to restore this funding. Our kids deserve safe spaces to play, and that is of paramount priority for me.”
The operational funding currently in jeopardy is distinct from the construction grants approved by the D.C. Council in 2023 for the renovation of Jelleff.
Demolition is scheduled to commence at the end of August, and the renovation project is expected to last about two years, enhancing the facility with an additional gym and amenities, while ensuring compliance with ADA standards.
Stowers reported that a contract will be signed with the Fillmore Arts Center, located next to Hardy Middle School, to temporarily house the Boys & Girls Club during construction.
The June 20 barbecue, hosted by John and Kim Snedden from Rockland Barbecue, successfully raised funds from approximately 80 donors, contributing towards necessary supplies and operational expenses for the club.
As the D.C. Council prepares for final budget votes in July, the ultimate approval of the District budget is pending congressional review.
The community’s involvement will be crucial in advocating for the restoration of funding for critical services that support local youth.
image source from：georgetowner
