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U.S. Helping to Fund New Youth Center

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An effort to build a new home for the Capistrano Valley Boys and Girls Club moved a step closer to reality as Congress agreed this week to provide $500,000 in federal funds for the project.

The federal funds were promised because of efforts by Rep. Ron Packard (R-Oceanside) to aid in club construction, according to city officials.

The club, on El Camino Real, will make its new home on Camino Del Avion near the city’s new $6-million Community Center, which is set to open later this year.

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The club building is expected to open around the middle of next year and will serve nearly 2,000 children ages 6 to 17, according to city officials.

The city pays the Boys and Girls Club to run after-school youth programs and teen activities.

In August, the club received approval from the city to begin building an 11,000-square-foot structure, including a 5,000-square-foot youth activities room.

Just before that approval, the organization received a $100,000 donation from the Junior League and $300,000 from an anonymous contributor. The two donations allowed the club to expand its plans by 5,000 square feet and hire an architect and fund-raising campaign coordinator.

The club aims to raise $2.2 million for the project and is now halfway there with the anticipated $500,000 in federal money, according to club Executive Director James L. Williams.

The $500,000 is included in an appropriations bill awaiting final approval by President Clinton.

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