The Boys & Girls Club of the Blue Ridge could face significant financial strain due to potential funding cuts proposed in the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
The legislation threatens to eliminate 21st Century funding, which supports many after-school and summer programs focused on students’ academic success. This funding accounts for about 70% of the organization’s programming expenses.
The funding helps the club hire licensed teachers at six school sites to provide academic tutoring, enrichment activities and social-emotional development.
“Without the funds, these services would be drastically reduced—our ability to hire licensed teachers who provide quality after-school tutoring and enrichment for six of our school sites that we serve in Martinsville and Henry County,” said CEO Marisa Womack.
Womack said she’s hopeful the bill might change, but she remains uncertain about the final outcome.
“I do not know. I can’t call it,” she said. “We’re hoping that those advocacy efforts will be acknowledged and heard on a national level, I mean, you know, on the federal level.”
The club began receiving this funding in 2022. Womack noted they would try to fundraise to recover some of the lost funding, but replacing the full $1.2 million would be extremely difficult.
“The probability is not the greatest, but I’m still hopeful either way.”
Existing fundraisers—like the Duck Race and the Great Futures Gala—help, but they only supplement the current funding and don’t come close to reaching the $1.2 million goal.
The club has sent letters to parents, volunteers and supporters, and is encouraging local residents to contact legislators. They are also providing a digital advocacy link that connects directly to Virginia’s U.S. senators.
The Boys & Girls Club currently serves more than 450 local children, with enrollment continuing to rise.
“That’s just within the Martinsville–Henry County area,” Womack said.
Losing the federal funds would create a large gap that grants and local fundraising alone likely can’t cover. In March, Womack and other staff members traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate on behalf of the club and 21st Century funding.
“We went to the White House to advocate specifically for 21st Century funds, along with about 50 other Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation.”
Del. Eric Phillips, R-Martinsville, who serves as the current board president, is also actively advocating. The club is distributing advocacy materials to help raise public awareness and push for continued support.
Womack emphasized that the need for safe, structured after-school options is growing, not shrinking, and she urged the community to step up through advocacy, donations or volunteering.
“We want to help ensure that no child has to go home alone without support,” she said. “We truly believe that with public awareness and community backing, the program can be saved.”
