The Boys and Girls Club of Decatur is working to rebuild financial and volunteer resources that staff say have been declining for years.

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The Boys and Girls Club of Decatur is working to rebuild financial and volunteer resources that staff say have been declining for years.

Executive Director Brittany Harris said the organization is working to reverse a pattern of instability.

"I've taken over a club that's been failing for years," Harris said. "And so we are trying to change that narrative and change that to build a sustainable future."

Staff said the club has not had a sustainable source of funding in years and is uncertain what options will be available to youth in the area if more money is not raised.

"We don't know where they're going to go," Harris said. "The school district has already canceled [its] extended AA program. So clubs like us and the YMCA and others are like, we're all that's left for those kids who don't have anywhere to go. So for us, we don't know what the unknown is."

Program participants and supporters are asking the community to recognize the club's impact. Ya'hahn Reed, a current junior leader Supervisor at the Boys and Girls Club, credited the club with shaping his future.

"My future, my things in job readiness, financial responsibility, leadership and how to present myself professionally — my experience at the Boys and Girls Club has truly changed my life," Reed said. "The lessons I have gained here will continue to guide me as I work to reach my future goals."

The Boys and Girls Club of Decatur has served the area for more than 50 years. Dr. Isaac Zuniga, the chair of the board, is calling on the broader community to come together in support of the organization.

"The beauty of central Illinois is there's such a giving heart," Harris said. "The generosity that I've seen has been overwhelming time and time again. Understand that we are here to serve and be impactful collectively. When the collective comes together as a community, success can only happen."

In total, the Boys and Girls Club has set a fundraising goal of $750,000. For more information about the organization, visit its website. 

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.