The Tim Lee Club, located in Mt. Airy, will offer 100 elementary and middle school kids a positive place to go after school to recover from learning loss, get tutoring or participate in enrichment activities.
The new club was first inspired by the late Tim Lee, former Habersham Partnership for Growth (HPG) and Economic Development Council executive director. He wanted to find a way to serve children in the community and after touring the club in Gainesville, he began the process of getting a facility in Habersham County. Although he did not live to see the club to completion, his widow, Annette, is now on the advisory board.
Steven Mickens, Chief Executive Officer with Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier, said the property is “phenomenal” but there is still work to be done before the after-school program opens in August.
“It has the standalone club with the gymnasium and classrooms,” Mickens said. “And we want to build an industrial kitchen so we can offer our culinary arts program. We want to redo the gym, and really make it a little bit more modernized and lighten it up and brighten it up and paint it.”
He said they also want to build a new jungle gym and eventually add a walking trail.
According to a release, 57% of school-aged youth in Habersham County live in economically disadvantaged households, and Mickens said there are no affordable after-school care options in the community.
“Where Boys and Girls Clubs differ is that… there's no fee,” Mickens said. “There's a one-time $40 annual membership fee. That's the only cost that's associated with it.”
The Tim Lee Club has been a full community effort, with financial and logistical support coming from local government and the Board of Education, as well as many businesses.
More information about the Tim Lee Club can be found on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier website.
