In 1999, a group of Willits parents and teachers gathered to meet and discuss the horrifying incident of youth violence that had taken place at Columbine High School in April of that year.  At several community meetings, parents discussed whether and how youth violence could be prevented by providing a higher level of guidance and expanded recreational opportunities to youth.  In 2001, a shocking episode of youth violence here in our own community reinforced the conviction of a few people that more should be done to keep kids safe and out of trouble.

            On October 28, 1999, the first organizational meeting was held at the Willits Library meeting room.  Sixteen people attended, including two people who became founding members of the Willits Boys and Girls Club, which was later renamed “Willits Kids Club.”

            The Willits Kids Club was incorporated in March of 2000.   Our program started with a one-day per week after school program and expanded from there.  The effort to build a youth center was helped along when the City of Willits secured a $500,000 grant from the state of California.  Other grants were obtained, and an architect was hired to design a youth center for Willits.  The Willits Kids Club youth center is currently under construction.  Willits Kids Club now provides after school programs to an average of 170 kids per day at three school sites in Willits.

            The primary goal of Willits Kids Club is youth guidance.  Our hope is that by providing quality after school and summer programs for kids, we will make a radical difference in the lives of a few kids, and be a positive influence in the lives of many, many others.