Monday was just another day without The HUB for Langley Middle School students Madison Gabelein, Wyatt Ralph and Zach Murtha. Unfortunately, that day was mixed with some boredom.
“There’s not much to do in Langley without The HUB,” Murtha, a 12-year-old, said.
The three are among dozens of teenagers on South Whidbey affected by the closure of the after-school drop-in center in May due to a lack of funding. It’s the same problem that is keeping it from reopening, said Bruce Allen, president of The HUB board. The HUB, which has been around for 25 years and is typically open multiple days a week in the afternoon, offers kids a chance to unwind from a day of school with pool, video games, table tennis and free food.
Allen is certain the program will get back on its feet. He hopes that will occur by January.
“I guarantee we’re not going to stay closed,” Allen said.
Funding will be integral to its revival, Allen said. He said it costs $180 per month for a single child to enjoy the services of The HUB, which includes a free meal and all the activities offered inside. Connie Van Hook, a former treasurer who now volunteers, said anywhere between 20-30 kids utilize the program after school. With the funding of salaries for two employees — a manager and part-time assistant manager — the entire operation would cost almost $50,000 per year, Allen said.
The HUB is a little bit closer to reopening after a successful fundraiser with the Whidbey Island Association of Realtors two weeks ago, Allen said. Allen was asked to speak at an association meeting where he informed them of The HUB’s predicament. He concluded with an inquiry of how many people in the crowd would be willing to pay $180 or more to help fund the program. He walked away with just under $5,000.
Allen said he hopes to attend more meetings with various organizations on South Whidbey in an effort to generate interest and help raise money.
“I’m going to do more of that,” Allen said. “I think it’s a good way to go about it, actually.”
“As far as being able to open, no, we’re not there yet, not by a long way,” he added.
Murtha said he went to The HUB after school every single day last year. Though he lives in Coupeville, he would often take the transit to Langley to socialize.
“We would hang out a lot there,” Murtha said. “They would even give out free food.”
Gabelein said the social atmosphere in Langley has died down as a result of The HUB’s closure.
“They were open the first day to tell us they were going to be closed the rest of the year until we can afford to open it back up,” Gabelein said. “We we’re really bummed about that. Now, everybody just stopped coming to Langley.”
The HUB closed once before in 2010 prior to the end of the school year, but was able to reopen with the help of South Whidbey residents and the HUB’s board. Allen said the goal is to find a sustainable means of funding The HUB and raise enough money so it can be open five days a week. He also is looking for more members on The HUB’s board; it currently has five members, but he is hoping for nine total.
Allen said Brandon Turner, vice president of The HUB board, will craft appeal letters and meet with South Whidbey businesses to garner more interest. Langley United Methodist Church, which allows The HUB to operate rent-free in its basement, is also hosting a benefit with renowned British poet David Whyte on Oct. 18. Tickets are $20. The public is invited to attend and the proceeds will benefit The HUB. People can also donate online at www.thehubafterschool.org/.
