"Is this for real?" Daniels-Mardak Boys and Girls Club closing as new school year begins

MILWAUKEE -- A Milwaukee Boys and Girls Club is closing, leaving parents scrambling. Many said they had no idea this was about to happen.

The below letter was sent to parents and guardians of members of the Daniels-Mardak Boys and Girls Club, located near 35th and Hampton:

The Daniels-Mardak Boys and Girls Club serves 300 children each day. It's closing permanently, and some parents said they just found out on Wednesday, August 16th. Boys and Girls Clubs officials are working to ease their fears.

"I saw it on social media, and I said 'is this for real?'" Danielle Hall said.

"Permanently closing on August 25th. Really?" a parent said.

"They just threw the paper to me and didn't explain anything in it," a parent said.

The doors are set to close just as a new school year gets underway -- and parents are scrambling.

"I don't know.  I'm going to try and find other places, but this is kind of a short notice," a parent said.

Vincent Lyles, president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee said they're closing the club that's been open since 2004 due to an issue with their lease. Boys and Girls Club officials are encouraging parents not to worry.

We've been working through this for awhile, and we were at a point now where we are figuring out what's next, and again -- kids first.  We have 49 locations in the fall, so there is plenty of room, plenty of clubs and we have a great staff," Lyles said.

The organization is extending office hours and working to help parents find new clubs for their kids.

"In our minds, it's really about looking out for the kids, and we want to make sure those kids who are currently attending Daniels-Mardak Club have a place to go," Lyles said.

Staff members are being relocated to other clubs.

If your family is being impacted by this closure, Boys and Girls Club officials will work with you. You can call them at 414-267-8100 or stop by one of their clubs.