ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Following Boys & Girls Clubs of the Asheville Region’s debut this September, two significant expansions to afterschool programming in Asheville will come to the region in 2027 and beyond.

The nonprofit organization provides youth programming to the Asheville area, including academic support, youth sports and creative activities, at no cost to families.

The inaugural BGCAR program kicked off on Sept. 8, 2026, at Woodfin Elementary School through a partnership with Buncombe County Schools. The Woodfin Elementary program serves kids from kindergarten to 4th grade between the end of the school day and parents’ work days.

“For our students, the hours after school are an important extension of their day,” said Miranda Wheeler, principal of Woodfin Elementary. “We are thrilled to have Boys & Girls Clubs here at Woodfin and have seen a positive response from our families. We’re excited about what this partnership can add to the strong community that surrounds our students.”

Next, BGCAR will work with the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville to provide youth programming for kids at Pisgah View Apartments. BGCAR programming is slated to begin at Pisgah View in early 2027. The nonprofit is currently seeking input from residents to understand what programming would serve the community best.

“Children should be able to find a safe place in their communities to learn, grow and discover what they can do,” said Ella Santos, CEO of HACA. “By bringing Boys & Girls Clubs programming directly to Pisgah View, we’re removing barriers for families and giving young people more opportunities to build confidence, form meaningful relationships and see a bigger future for themselves.”

Finally, BGCAR has purchased 150 Westwood Place, a 36,000 square foot property that was formerly home to Oasis Church. The West Asheville site, which sits on 2.66 acres, will be the future home of a flagship Clubhouse for the nonprofit. Plans for the space include academic, sports and recreation, arts, leadership and workforce development programs.

Asheville-based architecture firm ARCA Design will lead the design and renovation of the property into the BGCAR Clubhouse over the next several years.

“Westwood is an investment in a long-term resource for Asheville’s young people and families,” said Gretchen Miller, founding CEO of BGCAR. “We want to build a place that belongs to this community, and we’re going to work closely with the surrounding neighborhoods and schools to bring that vision to life.”

For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of the Asheville Region, visit www.bgcar.org.