Former J.C. Penney space could become new home for Marshfield Boys and Girls Club

MARSHFIELD – In June 2025, the Boys and Girls Club launched the Marshfield community’s first program at Grant Elementary and later transitioned to Lincoln Elementary.

Now, they want to have their own location.

At Lincoln Elementary, they accommodate around 60 to 70 youth per day, while last summer at Grant, they served over 90 kids.

Every day they offer these kids a healthy snack, homework help, programs like STEAM and Cooking Club.

“We exist to provide youth with a safe, supportive place outside of school where they can learn, build confidence, and develop life skills and realize their full potential,” stated Danielle Belsky, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club.

“As proud as we are to serve so many club members, we know were only reaching a fraction of the youth in Marshfield who need that safe, dependable place after school and during the summer months,” stated Belsky.

Because of this, the Boys and Girls Club has launched a capital campaign to create a permanent standalone Boys and Girls Club right in Marshfield at the old J.C. Penney’s location in the mall.

This space consists of 30,000 square feet of standalone Club site, designed to serve up to 300 youth daily; a huge jump from the now 60 to 70 youth per day at Lincoln Elementary.

The central location will help eliminate transportation barriers.

“Key spaces of this new building are going to include a STEAM space, encouraging creative curiosity and innovation. A sports and activity area promoting healthy teamwork in positive recreation. A kitchen and café to ensure every child has access to healthy food each day,” stated Belsky.

On top of all that they will also have a readiness classroom and a trades garage where you can explore career pathways and develop hands-on skills for their future.

There will also be wellness and care spaces, including laundry and hygiene resources.

“Meeting basic needs helps children focus on learning and thriving,” stated Belsky.

The full cost of getting this off its feet is $7.6 million, with $4.7 million already raised — which is 62% of the cost — thanks to Legacy Partners like Everett and Dolores Roehl, Tom and Bonnie Umhoefer, Nelson and Jameson, Nasonville Dairy, John and Annette Vandehey and Staab Construction, along the board members themselves.

$1.75 million is needed for the building purchase alone — $4 million for the renovation of the facility, 1.2 million for a two-year operating reserve, $500,000 for furniture, fixtures and equipment, and many more costs to make this a long-term sustainable space, said Tiffany Halan, co-chair of the capital campaign committee.

Along with the donations already given, there will also be a $2 million match grant driving the momentum of the campaign.

This means that all donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $2 million.

“This campaign provides the foundation resources and stability needed to serve youth for generations to come,” stated Halan.