NORFOLK, Neb. -- The Salvation Army Corps and the Boys and Girls Club of America celebrated a historic first Wednesday.

Gathering at the Salvation Army building in Norfolk, a packed room witnessed a ribbon cutting for the New Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Norfolk.

The first of its kind in the Midwest, the program is a collaboration between the Salvation Army and the Boys and Girls Club of America.

The goal of this club is to provide a safe place for the area's growing youth to ensure they have the support needed to thrive.

"Our goal, again, is to make sure that every child that has to go home to an empty home, or that needs help with their homework or needs someone to help them if they're struggling with different things, different stressors in life, that they come to the Salvation Army," Salvation Army Major Jesus Trejo said. "The Salvation Army has always been a safe place."

The Salvation Army hopes this new club will be a positive influence on all who participate, helping children with academic success, build character, develop a healthy lifestyle, and be good citizens.

"We hope that our members will take what they learned here, and go home and use that in their homes and educate their siblings and their families that they contact every single day," said Lindsey Eisenhauer, programs director for the Salvation Army of Norfolk. 

The Salvation Army's first after school is expecting ten participants for their first day, with more expected to come later.

Each participant can expect a warm meal and a snack as well as a support group of workers and volunteers looking out for the area's growing youth.

"We want people to trust us with their kids," Trejo said. "We've done all of our due diligence and we're just excited to love them and (bring them) into the kingdom of God."

The Salvation Army said they can serve up to 25 club members during this first session, but they plan to expand to 100 club members once they move buildings to a larger location. 

For now, the program is completely free, but will require payments for their summer program, and fall program later this year.

The Salvation Army said parents wanting to enroll their child in the program should reach out to them by visiting their website, calling their phone or even stopping by in person.