Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast has received a $30,000 grant for the 2026-27 grant year to help moderate-income families cover the cost of after-school and youth programming, the organization announced July 23.

• The award comes through a partnership between United Way Emerald Coast and Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative. The money will fund membership scholarships for families in the ALICE demographic, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Those families earn too much to qualify for traditional assistance programs but too little to comfortably afford quality child care.

The grant is aimed at working families who fall into a financial gap, ineligible for federal assistance yet unable to absorb the full expense of after-school and youth programming as child care costs rise.

The scholarships will cover or offset membership fees for qualifying ALICE households at the Destin, South Walton and Riverside Club locations. The funding allows children at those sites to take part in the organization’s full range of programs, including academic support, health and wellness activities, leadership development and the arts. Families seeking scholarship opportunities at other Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast sites are encouraged to contact the organization directly.

“Every child deserves a safe place to belong, learn, and thrive, and no family should have to choose between paying the bills and giving their child that opportunity, said Shervin Rassa, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. “We serve more than 5,000 young people across the Emerald Coast, and this investment from United Way Emerald Coast and CHELCO means we can reach even more of the hardworking families who need us most. This grant is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when organizations come together around kids.”

Kelly Jasen, president and CEO of United Way Emerald Coast, said the organization was proud to stand beside the Boys & Girls Clubs.

• “At United Way Emerald Coast, we know that lasting change happens through strong partnerships. We’re proud to stand beside Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast as they help children and families thrive. Together, we’re creating opportunities for ALICE families, as this grant ensures more children can learn, grow, and reach their full potential,” Jasen said.

Emily Cowan, senior vice president of member services and external affairs at CHELCO, credited a cooperative member, Muriel Drebing, for making the funding possible.

“CHELCO is proud to support initiatives that strengthen our communities and expand opportunities for local families,” Cowan said. “While we are grateful to be part of this giving, we owe full credit to our member, Mrs. Muriel Drebing, whose generous and charitable spirit makes this impact possible. Her commitment to giving aligns closely with CHELCO’s cooperative principles and our deep concern for community, and we are proud to serve as a conduit for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast and the many deserving 2026-27 partner charities doing important work across our region.”

Families interested in learning more about membership scholarship opportunities can visit emeraldcoastbgc.org or call 850-862-1616.