Boys & Girls Club, a lifeline for parents during teachers strike, plans fundraising gala, May 11

Known as an affordable, dynamic, and fun place for kids, the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton became a vital resource for parents in need of quality childcare during the 11-day Newton Teachers Association strike earlier this year.

The nonprofit club was able to help hundreds of member families during that time with free childcare because of the staff’s dedication and fundraisers like the Annual Gala coming up on May 11. At this year’s event, the club is aiming to raise $150,000 for its important work. The evening event will include dinner and auctions with the theme, “We are Here for You(th): Whatever it Takes.”

During the strike, resident Elizabeth Ibiloye said the club became a lifeline for her 7-year-old son, Ore. Like many parents, Ibiloye had to scramble to find trustworthy, affordable childcare for her second-grader.

She said, “It was a relief” to learn about the club from Countryside Elementary School’s PTO, and she soon joined. Membership for the entire year costs $0-$125 per family, depending on each family’s financial situation.

Ore usually attended Countryside’s afterschool program for part of the week, but all 15 nonprofit, in-school afterschool programs in the district were forced to shut their doors during the strike, after the administration closed all school buildings to student activities.

While at the club, Ore “was busy, well engaged … [and] had so much fun,” said Ibiloye. Because her child was happy in a stimulating and safe environment, Ibiloye was able to work and have peace of mind.

Ibiloye praised the different activities offered, including games, sports, and robotics. In fact, there were some days Ore did o’t want to leave when she came to pick him up, since he liked the staff and offerings so much.

Since they are now members, Ore happily returned to the club after the strike ended. Ibiloye said she would recommend the nonprofit and especially its staff.

“I found them to be very supportive, flexible, and kind,” she said.

Taking quick action

By the time the Newton Teachers Association voted on January 18 to go on strike the next day, David Sellers, the club’s executive director, had conferred with his staff about what could be done. Workers quickly said they wanted to help by providing additional programming hours to assist families.

“The team was very giving of their time,” Sellers said of his staff, noting many worked extra hours. “We care about these kids.”

Initially, they were unsure of the demand. However, it soon became apparent that the need was significant, with 178 new children joining. In total, 440 kids came to the club during the strike. In addition to staff working longer hours, high school students who were also impacted by schools being closed volunteered their time to help.

Sellers said the club used its summer camp as a model for the strike days.

“We’re very good at creating fun,” he said, noting kids participated in arts, athletics, STEM activities, and other programing.

As the strike continued, Sellers said they decided they “were going to stay open as long as it took,” although like many others, they were surprised it lasted more than two weeks.

“For kids that have underlying difficulties, that was a long 11 days,” he recalled.

Sellers said many of the kids who joined the club during the strike have come back to visit, and the club has also seen an uptick in interest for its summer camp program.

The facility offers programs for April vacation, Good Friday, and Juneteenth, among other days, for kids who need a place to have fun when school is not in session. The upcoming Annual Gala and other fundraising efforts are central to the club’s mission of keeping membership affordable for everyone in the community.

Sellers hopes that with new families’ positive experiences, more people will learn about the club and help it “to be less of the best-kept secret” in Newton.

The John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton is located at 675 Watertown Street in West Newton.