HELP SUPPORT THE WORK OF ECR
ECR has been serving youth and families since 1978. We provide free in school, after school and out of school programming for K-12th grade as well as help families connect to various resources.
Occasionally we'll test out new programs, the best way to stay updated about ECR offerings and news is to subscribe to our newsletter!
Click the "⋁" icon to the right of the categories below to find the programs available.
Our Elementary programs are open to all Ely area youth in K-5th grade. They are facilitated by ECR staff and background-checked volunteer mentors from our community.
Our goal is to provide a safe environment for elementary age kids to learn and thrive. We strive to make opportunities for healthy peer and adult connections through enrichment programs and structured support. In doing this we aim to create teachable moments that translate to important foundational skills.
Contact: Lauren Porthan - lauren@elycommunityresource.org or Grace Klein - grace@elycommunityresource.org
Fill out the ECR Elementary After School Program Application and read the ECR Elementary Handbook.
The Wolf Pack Afterschool Program provides a structured environment for students to work on homework with adults and peers, get one-on-one or small group tutoring, participate in enrichment opportunities and much more! An afterschool snack is provided.
We split into three age groups: Kindergarten and 1st grade, 2nd and 3rd grade, and 4th and 5th grade, each with their own assigned classrooms that they meet in each day.
When: Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays, 2:50 pm - 5:00 pm
Wednesdays, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Washington Elementary School
Resources: Application and Program Handbook
The Summer Enrichment Program provides our youth with engaging activities and opportunities. This program introduces a variety of outdoor skills, such as fishing, foraging, gardening, earth art, and so much more! This program collaborates with local organizations to introduce our youth to the amazing people and places in our community.
The 1-5th grade students are split up into afternoon and morning groups to cater to all ages. Both groups enjoy weekly themes and field trips.
When: June - August, 4 days a week
Where: Ely Rec Center & ECR's Children's Garden
ECR is there to support students and teachers throughout the school year. We will meet with different classrooms and students throughout the week to ensure that our support is felt throughout the school. We help students feel confident and prepared for the school day.
Support includes:
Assistance with completing homework or class projects
Working on reading skills
One-on-one check-ins
In school support also allows us opportunities to see if there are additional resources we can offer students their families.
When: During the school day, Monday - Thursday
Contact: Brenda Olson - brenda@elycommunityresource.com
Through the Mentor Program, we connect youth ages 5-18 with positive, caring adult role models.
Mentor (the adult) and Mentee (the student) pairs have unique relationships formed through shared interests and shaped by what they want to do during their time together. Each pair typically meets one to three times a month based on the Mentee's needs. Mentor relationships are recommended to be committed to for at least a year, but they can be longer if desired.
Occasionally, we have Mentoring Program group events where Mentor and Mentee pairs can all hang out together.
Adults are required to pass a background check before being accepted in the Mentorship Program and paired with a Mentee.
Examples of what Mentors can do:
Help with college prep or job applications
Help with homework and study skills
Teach new activities or skills (or do ones together they both already know)
Be an additional trusted listening ear and offer guidance
Mentee (Youth) Application - Get connected to a Mentor who will be an additional trusted adult.
Mentor (Adult) Application - Positively impact an Ely Area Youth by spending meaningful time with them engaging in their interests and hobbies.
Contact: Ryan Stewart - ryan@elycommunityresource.org or Grace Klein - grace@elycommunityresource.org
ECR has consistently had a presence during recess and lunch hours throughout the years! We fill in the gaps when school staff need extra support and students are struggling socially or emotionally. We assist recess aids with transitions, de-escalating situations, encouraging group games, and tending to students' needs.
We also supply the Elementary school with all winter gear and other clothing that students might need to keep or borrow throughout the seasons!
When: Recess, Monday - Thursday
Our Middle and High School programs are completely free and open to all Ely Area Youth in 6th-12th grade*. They are facilitated by ECR staff and background-checked volunteer mentors from our community.
Note that some of our clubs are seasonal. Make sure to check the dates!
Contact: Ryan Stewart - ryan@elycommunityresource.org
During After School Homework Help students in grade 6 - 12 can get free help with their homework. Students aren't required to stay the whole hour.
When: Mondays - Thursdays, 3:30 pm - 4:30pm
Where: The school's ECR Room
Contact: Brenda Olson - brenda@elycommunityresource.com
In Arcade Club, we'll be building arcade games, testing them, and modifying existing games using coding.
When: November 11, 2026 - February 24, 2026
Wednesdays, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Ely Rec Center
Ely Youth Alliance is student-run organization that unites all youth of differing identities and backgrounds to build community and organzie around issues impacting them in their schools and communities. All are welcome! You can also check out Volume 1 of zine, GAZE.
When: Mondays during lunch
Mondays after school, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Where: The school's ECR Room during lunch
The ECR building across the street from the school
We have a pretty established group of kids who enjoy playing tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons, Kids on Bikes, and Daggerheart. You are welcome to bring your own games to play during game club or to use games from the Rec Center.
When: Fridays, 3 pm - 5:30 pm
Where: Ely Rec Center
Improv club is an opportunity to practice spontaneity, comedy, and storytelling on the fly. Its a theatrical practice of just making things up as you go! Its a very fun club that involves playing games and making up characers and scenes. If there is interest we may have a public preformance!
When: March 3, 2026 - May 26, 2026
Wednesdays, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Ely Rec Center
ECR is there to support students and teachers throughout the school year. We will meet with different classrooms and students throughout the week to ensure that our support is felt throughout the school. We help students feel confident and prepared for the school day.
Support includes:
Assistance with completing homework or class projects
Working on reading skills
One-on-one check-ins
Locker-cleaning assistance
In school support also allows us opportunities to see if there are additional resources we can offer students their families.
When: During the school day, Monday - Thursday.
Contact: Brenda Olson - brenda@elycommunityresource.com
*Key Club is open to Ely Area Youth 7th-12th grade.
Key Club is a student-led, international organization whose goal is to encourage leadership through serving others. Key Club is supported by Ely Kiwanis Club. Our motto is "Caring - Our Way of Life"
Key Club projects have included:
Trick or Treat for UNICEF - Start strong Zambia and Project Eliminate
March of Dimes
The Thirst Project
Crafts for the nursing home and assisted living residents
The Heart Project for the American Heart Association
Disaster relief fundraisers
Highway clean-ups
Helping fellow students and families
Other projects that drive students' passions
When: Thursdays during lunch
Where: Memorial High School ECR Room (near the Memorial Gym)
Contact: Jill Swanson (Key Club Advisor) - jill@elycommunityresource.com
Through the Mentor Program, we connect youth ages 5 - 18 with positive, caring adult role models.
Mentor (the adult) and Mentee (the student) pairs have unique relationships formed through shared interests and shaped by what they want to do during their time together. Each pair typically meets one to three times a month based on the Mentee's needs. Mentor relationships are recommended to be committed to for at least a year, but they can be longer if desired.
Occasionally, we have Mentoring Program group events where Mentor and Mentee pairs can all hang out together.
Adults are required to pass a background check before being accepted in the Mentorship Program and paired with a Mentee.
Examples of what Mentors can do:
Help with college prep or job applications
Help with homework and study skills
Teach new activities or skills (or do ones together they both already know)
Be an additional trusted listening ear and offer guidance
Mentee (Youth) Application - Get connected to a Mentor who will be an additional trusted adult.
Mentor (Adult) Application - Positively impact an Ely Area Youth by spending meaningful time with them engaging in their interests and hobbies.
Contact: Ryan Stewart - ryan@elycommunityresource.org or Grace Klein - grace@elycommunityresource.org
Outdoor Club is an opportunity to get outside after school and practice outdoor skills like fire building, canoeing, shelter-building, etc. We also do seasonal overnight trips! Come learn a skill, develop leadership, and make friends.
When: September 9, 2026 - November 4, 2026
Wednesdays, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Ely Rec Center
Community, support, and advocacy programs for parents and caregivers.
The FAB is made up of caregivers who represent different parts of our community. They provide guidance and support to ECR and help create programs that support parents and families in Ely.
When: 3rd Monday of each Month
Where: Ely Community Resource
Contact: Ryan Stewart - ryan@elycommunityresource.org
A space for meaningful connections centered around new parents (children under the age of one) and expecting parents. Together you'll talk about the transition of parenthood as well as hear from guests who specialize in early childhood, postpartum health, and partner communication. Those that register ahead of time can utilize free child care onsite.
When: Monthly
Where: Happy Days Learning Center
Contact: director@happydaysely.com
Circle of Support is a social and mutual aid group for caregivers of individuals with special needs. The purpose is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space to share experiences and celebrate successes as well as network opportunities and resources for local families. We are in the process of planning our meetings. Reach out to Brenda Olson for more information and current meeting dates.
Contact: Brenda Olson - brenda@elycommunityresource.org