REDMOND, OR -- The Boys and Girls Clubs of Redmond/Terrebonne is pulling its affiliation with the national organization. Executive Director Jenny O’Keefe tells KBND News the move is necessary to maintain current service levels. "The business model of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America really requires a significant investment from the local community; it equates to close to $250,000 a year, is what we would have to come up with from our local community. We’re a small town and we receive a lot of generosity and a lot of support, but that kind of business model just isn’t sustainable in a small town like ours." Although she points out, "Right now, funding is as stable as it’s ever been. We have 45-days cash in the bank, which is very solid for a nonprofit; it’s where we’ve been for two years."

O’Keefe says the nonprofit has evolved in the last two years, since its split from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Oregon. "There will be very little change in the day to day operations, aside from the name. We are going to be expanding our mission to include more entrepreneurial and experiential learning activities, more time in the community, more volunteer work." She adds, "Boys and Girls Clubs of America is traditionally an after-school club, and we will continue to be that for families; we just want to be more."

After contacting donors and others involved in their programs for decades, O'Keefe says she's received positive support from everyone, including former board members and the United Way. The new independent organization plans a celebration in early October to announce a new name and expanded programs.