Boys & Girls Club Resumes Operations
Courtesy of the Boys and Girls Club of Toombs County
The Boys and Girls Club of Toombs County is pleased to announce the resumption of operations following a temporary closure related to long-standing financial and operational challenges. The reopening on March 12 reflects a renewed focus on sustainability, transparency, and continued service to local youth.
Leadership acknowledges recent community concerns and emphasizes that the current administration and Board of Directors are actively addressing inherited financial challenges and implementing strategic measures to strengthen long-term stability. The temporary closure was influenced in part by obligations associated with the federally funded Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) administered through Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) Bright from the Start, related pre-k years. These matters reflect historical operational and funding challenges and do not involve misappropriation of funds or wrongdoing by current leadership or the present Board. Historically, the organization has operated through a combination of community support and federal reimbursement funding. Delays in reimbursements, combined with operational demands, contributed to financial strain during prior periods.
All current donations, grants, and contributions are dedicated strictly to daily operations and youth programming, including enrichment activities, academic support, and nutrition services. These funds are not being used to repay organizational debt but to sustain and strengthen services for children.
The organization also recognizes the support of DECAL and other partners during this transition. A structured repayment arrangement is in place, funded solely through reimbursement revenues tied to services provided, ensuring no additional direct payments are required beyond standard program reimbursements.
“We are focused on rebuilding with intention and strengthening the foundation of this organization,” said CEO Marcy Lane. “This is about sustainability, accountability, and ensuring we can continue serving children well into the future.”
The Boys & Girls Club extends sincere appreciation to community members, donors, and partners who have supported the reopening. The organization remains committed to providing a safe, structured environment where youth can learn, grow, and thrive.
At its core, the mission remains unchanged: to serve and uplift the youth of Toombs County and ensure every child has access to opportunity, support, and a safe place to grow.
“We are taking strategic, measured steps to return to full capacity at both of our locations,” remarked Lane. “Yes, it feels incredibly good to be back in the building, seeing the smiling faces of our children again—it truly warms my heart. But this moment is bigger than reopening our doors. This is about sustainability. This is about building something that will last.”
She continued, “In my first year as CEO, I have faced and worked through a number of inherited challenges. “While this season has presented significant challenges, we believe that adversity can create the opportunity for growth and transformation. Through faith, patience, and perseverance, we are rebuilding with greater intention and positioning our organization for a stronger, more sustainable future.”
First and foremost, we want to reaffirm that all donations, contributions, and grant funding received by our organization are used strictly for day-to-day operations and programming that directly benefits the children we serve. These resources support critical services such as enrichment activities, academic support, meals and snacks through our food program, and the continued operation of a safe, engaging space for youth. Importantly, donations are not being used to offset or repay organizational debt, but instead are dedicated to sustaining and strengthening current and future programming.
We also want to express our sincere appreciation to DECAL for their continued partnership and understanding during this time. Their support has been instrumental in helping ensure that we remain able to serve youth without interruption. A structured repayment arrangement is in place that is tied solely to reimbursement funds generated through submitted service claims for the children we actively serve. This means no additional direct payments are required from the organization outside of standard reimbursement processes.
Board Chair Clifford Hamilton, who assumed his role in January 2026, echoed the call for community support: “As we move forward, our focus is on sustainability through diversified funding and strengthened partnerships. We are actively exploring new fundraising initiatives and opportunities to secure the long-term success of this organization. However, we cannot do this alone. It will take a unified effort—from community members, leaders, and partners—to ensure we continue serving our youth at full capacity.”
The organization extends its deepest gratitude to the donors, partners, and supporters who stepped forward during this critical time to help reopen the doors.
“We are incredibly thankful for those who believed in our mission and stood beside us,” said CEO Lane. “But sustaining this work will require more than a moment—it will require a movement.” The Boys & Girls Club is calling on the community to rally together— through donations, partnerships, and active involvement—to invest in the future of its youth. “Community strength is not just a phrase—it’s a commitment. If local organizations like ours are not supported by the very community we serve, it raises an important question: where should those resources come from? This work is not about an organization—it is about the children and they are worth it.”
