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Gate Youth Association announces $2.3 million expansion and May groundbreaking plans
Summary
The Gate Youth Association reported serving up to 150 kids daily and announced a $2.3 million building campaign supported by a $1 million local donor and $500,000 from a Portland foundation; the group expects to break ground in May and invited councilors to an April 10 gala.
Monmouth 'Monmouth, Oregon'
Ben Mubita, executive director of the Gate Youth Association, updated the council on a building campaign that would expand the organization's youth center and programming. "We were given a million dollars," Mubita said, and he added that a Portland foundation provided $500,000 toward the project. He described a $2.3 million plan that will add offices, classrooms, a new game room and a cafe-style eating area to serve after-school and lunch programs.
The Gate reported program growth from about 50 kids per day early in its history to roughly 130'150 students now, with about 250 different high-school students participating weekly in lunches and other activities. The center provides meals (17,000 meals last year across programs), mentoring (about 35 kids currently), and several workforce-oriented clubs.
Funding status and timeline: Mubita said the group had raised $1.9 million to date, had a Murdoch grant application for $225,000 pending with a May decision, and planned a local fundraising target of $200,000 (half achieved so far with $100,000 raised in the last three months). The organization said it hopes to break ground in May and named Dolki (builder) and Facet Architects as project partners; the annual gala is scheduled for April 10.
Why it matters: the Gate provides a large portion of after-school and youth-meal services in Monmouth and its expansion would add mentoring and classroom space to meet increased demand. Councilors praised the program and thanked the organization for its service.
Next steps: the Gate will continue fundraising and complete grant decisions this spring; the council and public were invited to the gala on April 10 to learn more about programming and volunteer opportunities.
