The stretch run may be among the most difficult in any endeavor.
The Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson City is in the "home stretch" of its capital campaign to build a new facility, according to Stephanie Johnson, executive director.
As of Thursday, the campaign had raised $1.9 million of the $2.2 million goal to construct a 16,000-square-foot building on a site provided by Lincoln University.
Although the campaign received grants from the Mabee Foundation and from Ameren Missouri, Johnson said the majority of contributions have come from the Jefferson City community.
And a virtue of that community connection is the opportunity for supporters to share the story of the local Boys and Girls Club.
"I think there's been a perception in the community for a long time that we're just babysitters," Johnson said. "The capital campaign has really given us the opportunity to get out in the community and really talk about what we do and the great programs that we have. We are really working to impact the lives of youth."
The local organization's web site lists program and activities, including:
A Power Hour to provide tutoring and assistance with homework.
Both Passport to Manhood and SmartGirls programs to help young people navigate the challenges of growing up.
A Garden "N Grow program conducted in partnership with the Master Gardeners and HyVee.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of America site outlines programs focused on: education and careers; character and leadership; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and more.
More information about the club and its capital campaign is available at bgcjc.com/light.
The campaign to raise money also has served as conduit to spread more information throughout the community about the mission of the Boys and Girls Club.
And that knowledge has prompted the community to reciprocate and advance the campaign to the difficult, but doable, home stretch.