Boys and Girls Club of Salina
SALINA – Millie Moye’s longtime dream is to see a thriving Boys & Girls Club of Salina serving local kids and teens.
“As a mother of two, grandmother of three, great-grandmother of seven, and sister to 14 siblings, I have had the privilege of teaching thousands of students throughout my life,” said Millie Moye. “For over 20 years, I have carried a dream close to my heart: to establish a Boys & Girls Club in Salina, Kansas. I’ve shared this vision with my husband and anyone who would listen, fueled by a deep desire to create a safe space that offers mentorship, friendship, fun, and a sense of belonging.”
Millie’s enthusiasm for the project is contagious. In 2023, a local advisory group was established to transform her dream into reality. Group members include Millie Moye, Roy and Donice Applequist, Jon Blanchard, Heidi Brown, Gabe Grant, Annie Grevas, Nikki Kerwin, Greta Lagerberg, Brenda McDaniel, Nancy Presnal, Mike Schrage, and Phil Smith-Hanes.
Meeting the “basic needs” of youth is a guiding principle for Boys and Girls Clubs of America. The advisory group’s research indicates that many young people in Salina are struggling with a lack of stability and safety, academic success, sense of belonging, poverty issues, encouragement, support, and positive role modeling.
“From the data gathered in our community, we believe there is not only the need for additional support for our youth, but most particularly, from an organization that specializes in serving and supporting youth needs,” said Greta Lagerberg, an advisory group member and retired counselor for USD 305. “The Boys & Girls Club is a perfect fit. We are honored to be a part of doing the work to create a place for Salina’s youth to grow, for we know that today’s students will be tomorrow’s workforce and citizens.”
The Salina advisory group is working closely with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson to navigate the many steps to opening a successful Club afterschool and summer program for Salina students.
“This community group is so dedicated and driven to make something great for kids,” said Lance Patterson, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson. “I am happy that we can help make it happen.
With the opening of a fund, we are one step closer to changing lives in Salina.” Today the group is one step closer to a Boys & Girls Club in Salina. An organizational fund has been established at the Greater Salina Community Foundation. Group members are actively raising funds.
To make a gift for the 2024 tax year, interested donors are encouraged to postmark a check or give online at gscf.org before December 31. Gifts for the Boys & Girls Club of Salina Fund should note that they are “nonendowed” to ensure they can be used for operations and capital to establish a Club site.
The Greater Salina Community foundation accepts gifts of cash and check, as well as noncash gifts including retirement plans, stocks, cryptocurrency, life insurance, grain, livestock, closely held stock, real estate and tangible personal property.
“The Boys and Girls Club will be an investment in a healthier, more economically thriving community,” said Millie Moye. “For me, this is not just a dream—it’s a mission to leave Salina better for the generations to come.