Hayward, Wis. – Hello, my name is Melinda McKevett-Isham, and I am the Boys and Girls Club Chief Executive Officer of Lac Courte Oreilles. The Club is my home. My Club journey started as a Club kid, turned into a youth staff, cook, volunteer while my husband was in basic training, talked my husband into moving home and 6 years later I became the Program Director, quickly turned into the Unit Director and 6 short months after that became the CEO. I have enjoyed watching our youth grow into amazing young adults. I’m here today to ask you all to continue Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding of $7.3 million annually. The same amount received in fiscal year 2023-24 to allow after-school programs like Be Great, Graduate, and Wisconsin After 3 to keep having an impact.

Within these programs are Power Hour, Brain Gain, DIY STEM, NBA Math Hoops, and Career Launch that provide our youth with help improving their reading & writing skills, science, math, engineering, and technology skills. Our trained professionals focus on increasing academic achievement, school engagement, and career readiness while reducing juvenile crime and helping keep our youth off drugs, like opioids. We help build self-confidence in our members and show them that their voice matters. Clubs across the state provide a safe and fun experience so all young people can reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. This is our mission. We also provide tens of thousands of parents/guardians to continue to work while their kids are safe after school between the house of 3 pm to 7 pm. Boys and Girls Clubs are the largest provider of youth services, with 203 sites across 77 communities, serving over 125,800 youth in Wisconsin. Locally, serving 459 youth in the last fiscal year 2023-2024. On average, serving 70 youth members daily. I get to witness the impact programs like Be Great, Graduate, and Wisconsin After 3 have on our members, and it is truly rewarding every day.

I urge you to continue funding Clubs at $7.3 million in TANF every year into the future, the amount as last fiscal year 2023-24. I appreciate your time. Thank you.