Hidden Village and Spiritwood Manor Boys and Girls Clubs Expanding

Two Boys and Girls Clubs of Bellevue facilities will expand, as construction breaks ground this week on facilities at two federally assisted housing communities, the King County Housing Authority announced.

The popular programs help low-income youth at Hidden Village and to succeed in school, according to the agency.

According to its description on Bellevue Patch, the offers a variety of programs designed to enable youths to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens, including a homework help and tutoring program; cultural development programs; a drama program and a science-based program.

The $2 million projects at Spiritwood Manor and Hidden Village will be funded through property revenues and internal resources from the King County Housing Authority, which owns and manages the apartments and the center facilities.

“This initiative significantly expands our partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue,” said Stephen Norman, executive director of the King County Housing Authority.

“By providing access to high-quality after-school programs, programs coordinated with the Bellevue School District, we are providing very necessary resources to help kids with their futures and economic prospects," he said in a prepared statement. "A healthy regional economy depends on our ability to give every child the skills that will prepare them to successfully contribute in the marketplace.”

Construction is expected to be completed by spring 2013, according to a press release.

The two existing facilities will be replaced with larger, energy-efficient centers with classrooms, computer labs, multipurpose activity areas and art rooms, according to the agency's press release. Both centers will include kitchens providing after-school snacks and meals.

“We’re excited to be able to increase the educational and recreational opportunities for the kids living at these complexes,” said President/CEO Kathy Haggart, in a prepared statement.  “These new clubhouses are a tremendous investment in our youth and we appreciate the support we receive from KCHA. They have been a great partner with the club for over 15 years, ensuring that our kids have access to every resource available for them to succeed.”

“With this expansion, the King County Housing Authority affirms its commitment to supporting the success of families living in assisted housing at these locations,” said Bill Henningsgaard, executive director of Bellevue youth advocacy group Eastside Pathways, in a prepared statement. “We applaud both the Housing Authority and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bellevue for their innovative partnership which makes this possible.”

The King County Housing Authority has plans to build or expand youth facilities at seven Housing Authority properties, according to a press release. When complete, KCHA will have 17 after-school centers, operated in partnership with nonprofit providers and school districts, serving low-income households across King County.

Earlier this year, the in the Crossroads neighborhood. 

By the numbers

Hidden Village

78-unit family complex

How many kids at the B&GC: 60

New space: 4,646 square feet

Spiritwood Manor

130-unit family complex

How many kids at the B&GC: 50

New space: 3, 125 square feet

-- Information from King County Housing Authority