Hayward, Wis. – Boozhoo. My name is Jessica Hutchison & I am here representing the Boys and Girls Club of Lac Courte Oreilles as the Vice President of the Board of Directors. I am also the superintendent of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School, a longtime partner of the Club, as it is widely known throughout the community. I am also the proud parent of two kids that were once Club members. As a recognized Boys and Girls Club of America, we are one year shy of celebrating our 30th year in existence and are proud to have been one of the first Native Clubs established in the entire country. Last year we reached nearly 500 Club members, with an average daily attendance of 70 children aged 6-18.

Each week night of the school year, and every week day of the summer, the Club provides an engaging, exciting & safe place for kids, with physical activity & games, opportunities to learn and practice Ojibwe cultural traditions, academic support & enrichment, & 1-2 meals for kids not just from LCO, but also the greater Hayward community. The Club has long served as a community center, hosting educational & cultural events for young and old, encouraging families to build relationships and to truly meet & know their neighbors.

This work is supported by TANF funding provided by the Department of Children and Families. The benefit of increased TANF funding will be felt not just by the CLUB members themselves through programs like BE GREAT, GRADUATE and WISCONSIN AFTER 3, but by the hundreds of working families who can be assured that they have a low cost, safe & engaging environment for their kids. The truth is, a vibrant & thriving Boys and Girls Club of Lac Courte Oreilles is good for the health, wellness & public safety of Sawyer County. Money spent supporting kids is never a bad investment. I ask that the 7.3-million-dollar TANF allocation from 2023-2024 be continued and in the next budget appropriation.

Miigwech for your time and consideration.