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BUILDING CAPACITY<br />
Building Capacity is established as the ideal<br />
maximum number of youth a facility can serve on<br />
any given day. This is determined by taking available<br />
square footage, and including at least one ‘group’<br />
outside where feasible. This results in just 20 square<br />
feet per member. None of our Clubhouses were truly<br />
designed as kid facilities, and are primarily modular<br />
or annex space, built just beyond residential specifications.<br />
Imagine a 1,600 sq ft home with 80 youth<br />
ages 6-18 engaging in activities and programs for<br />
perspective; this is certainly not ideal, but we work<br />
to serve as many young people as we can within<br />
these limitations.<br />
FUNDING CAPACITY<br />
Funding Capacity is determined by several<br />
factors. What the building will actually hold takes an<br />
obvious priority, and is followed by a careful balance<br />
of community need, local support, and special funding<br />
that is sometimes only available to specific communities<br />
based on targeted demographics. Often,<br />
cooperative and collaborative endeavors also define<br />
how we can serve, as is the case in Mount Vernon—<br />
home to LaVenture, Mount Baker, and Mount Vernon<br />
Clubhouses. Thanks to engagement with the Mount<br />
Vernon School District, Community Action of Skagit<br />
County, Western Washington University, and Skagit<br />
Land Trust, the organization was able to secure 21st<br />
Century Learning Center funding, with a total value<br />
of more than $300,000.<br />
CURRENT ATTENDANCE<br />
Our Current Attendance is strong, and has<br />
grown by 100% in the last three years. In only their<br />
second year, the LaVenture and Mount Baker Clubhouses<br />
are quickly growing and are projected to reach<br />
capacity this Spring. All others are above funded<br />
capacity, which places significant strain on our professional<br />
staff and volunteers to deliver quality programs.<br />
As a result, waiting lists are established until<br />
additional funding can be secured to reach building<br />
capacity. In Mount Vernon, there simply is no more<br />
room for elementary age youth, and larger space is<br />
needed to reach those kids who need us most.<br />
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