The Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio have cut almost half of its after school programs in the region, after the Ohio legislature cut off federal funds it had previously provided. However, the Youngstown club is still holding on.

"We're not connected institutionally with Northeast Ohio so we don't face the same issues and struggles that they face," James Bird, Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown CEO said.

The local club did lose more than $200,000 in funding toward their Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program though, accounting for about one-fourth of their annual budget.

"That's a large amount of money but we have pursued and are continuing to pursue dollars that will make that up," Bird said.

Bird also plans to keep their club in the Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center open as well.

"We've had incredible experiences with kids who others might throw away or others might say they're too hardened, kids who have really opened up or broken down or have really said where they want to be different," Bird said. "So we do that a couple days a week with our staff who are particularly trained to work with youthful offenders and to really reach them," he said.

Bird tells 21 News the club makes sure those in the JJC know they have a place for them.

While there aren't any cuts planned, they are relying on their reserves. Bird said the loss also won't stop renovations to the club, like security cameras and roof repairs.

"We're going to add some things to the kitchen that we can use for class functions, this whole area will be renovated into like a teen lounge and a teen workforce development area," Bird said. "Also a graphic arts space will be created, offices are going to be moved to the back of the club, the gymnasium needs some work but we've gotta put that on the back burner," he said.

Bird doesn't know when exactly these renovations will take place, but they're expected to wrap up by May 2025. When they start the work, they're going to move their kids to another facility so that they can still open their doors and have their after school programs, beginning on September 9th.

Transportation from Youngstown schools to the Boys and Girls Club will be available to remove the burden and barrier of a lack of transportation for families.