The idea for an afterschool program for our youth originated with the 2003 Fort Atkinson Community Foundation’s Board of Directors led by Chairman Ted Batterman. Mr. Batterman and directors sought out a project where they could proactively identify and meet a need in our community. They quickly settled on a youth development project for afterschool hours, namely a Boys and Girls Club.
In 2005, after two years of study and collaboration, the first Club site opened at Purdy School and attendance exceeded expectations. The club continued to grow in response to the significant demand for afterschool childcare during the hours of 3 to 6 p.m. A second site at Luther Elementary School opened in 2008, followed by the Rockwell School site in 2010, and the Barrie School site in 2015.
In 2018, after much study and deliberation, the organization made the decision to reorganize as a stand-alone club to better coordinate operations and focus on our local youth. It rebranded as BASE – Badgerland After School Enrichment – Club and it continues to provide critical afterschool care at all four elementary schools.
BASE Fort Atkinson is a nonprofit organization, and it depends heavily on fundraising to keep providing services to our community. We wish all who are attending their annual Harvest Dinner fundraiser at Kutz Dairy LLC. this Saturday a fun evening and BASE a successful event. We thank everyone at BASE for all you do to keep this impactful program growing in Fort Atkinson.
If you would like to donate to this vital community program visit https://www.basefortatkinson.org/donate.
Comments