Crook County approves $10,000 grant to Kids Club after director outlines need and outcomes

The Crook County Board of Commissioners approved a $10,000 contribution to Kids Club on April 1 after the nonprofit’s executive director detailed program operations, affordability and reported educational outcomes.

Ashley Thrasher, introduced herself as executive director of Kids Club and told the board that the locally based after-school program serves kindergarten through fifth-grade students at all three Crook County elementary schools, runs afternoons and a seven-week summer program, and averages about 175 students per day with just over 200 enrolled. Thrasher said the program touches more than 600 families annually and employs 17 part-time staff with one full-time director.

Thrasher described Kids Club’s approach — predictable routines, zero screen time during program hours, enrichment activities and tutoring — and said those elements support academic engagement and family stability. She provided cost comparisons, saying a center-based program typically costs hundreds of dollars per month per child while Kids Club charges $115 per month per child and offers free care for families with three or more children. Thrasher also cited a tutoring initiative that began in 2022: in the cohorts she described, 85% of targeted early readers reached grade-level proficiency by the end of the school year.

Following the presentation a commissioner proposed contributing $10,000 to the nonprofit. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote; Commissioners Hermick, Crawford and Barney were recorded as voting in favor.

County officials noted the program’s braided funding model — tuition, grants, corporate sponsors and private donors — and a partnership with the school district that provides space and coordination. The board did not attach special conditions to the payment in the meeting discussion recorded on the transcript; staff will implement the disbursement through the county’s usual grant/contribution process.