New Club at Lowell Elementary

Three years ago, local media reported that students at Lowell Elementary, located in an affluent neighborhood of Capitol Hill, experienced some of the highest rates of youth homelessness in Seattle. After reading this news, the team at the nearby Rotary Club sprang into action.

“We saw it as a community where our services could contribute to resolving a need,” said Area Director Patrick Carter. “It’s close to our Rotary Club, and some of our kids also attended Lowell.”

Rotary staff were so moved by the news and the students’ needs, they committed to spending two days per week at Lowell. They ran outdoor activities and spent time with the kids. The school was excited for the partnership, and they quickly identified where Club staff could provide the most value to kids.

The Moraine Foundation first awarded the Clubs a one-year grant to help cover youth development time at Lowell, then renewed the grant for another two years, recognizing the important role the Club is playing for the school community.

In the spring of 2019, the City of Seattle formally awarded Boys & Girls Clubs of King County the right to run before- and after-school programming at Lowell.

Today, the Club operates before- & after-school programs five days a week at Lowell. There is also a bus that goes from Lowell to the Rotary Club, so kids can access all resources at both Club sites. Whether they’re joining a Rotary basketball team or in need of individualized support, kids are getting essential care, safety, and mentorship.

Thank you to Max Dammeier for contributing to this article, and to Max Dammeier, Liam Dammeier, and Bennett Dammeier for their financial support to the Lowell site.