¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý

CARBONDALE, Ill. (WSIL)-- The Boys and Girls Club of Southern Illinois announced they're working to reopen in Marion and Carbondale. 

This comes after the group halted direct services last June.

Now, the organization says they're launching a fundraising campaign with Glenn Poshard as the Fundraising Chair. 

The Organization CO-Chair Cordy Love says Poshard reached out to them to help with fundraising. 

“He believes in the youth of the youth of Southern Illinois,� Cordy says.

“I think it's something that we really kind of needed with someone, that one that knew the people to talk to.�

The money will help reinstate after-school activities, mentoring, and family support services.

Love says they need to get back to being a resource for the community. 

“I've seen it directly. I've also seen kids that look like me that need to find spaces that are gonna be safe, secure, and they can develop and grow,� Love says. “So I think just overall,  the impact of what the club does and the mission was truly important.�

A Board member Mariah Nelson, says they've heard about kids wanting to go back.

“Even my fifth graders like, I'll make fires. I'll do whatever I have to do.  Like, I'll talk to my teachers, like, how can I help you open the doors again? So, um, they really just found ways to thrive,� Nelson said.

Love adds they're looking to hire a new CEO, and are working with First United Methodist Church in Carbondale to hold space for their services.