(Editor's note: This information was provided by a City of Akron news release.)
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve
will renovate 3,800 square feet of the Joy Park Community Center into dedicated club space for homework and programs, an art and music room, game room, technology lab, and teen lounge.
The announcement, made by Akron Mayor Donald Plusquellic and teen representatives of current Boys & Girls Club members on Monday, is the result of a lead gift from the LeBron James Family Foundation and a partnership with the City of Akron. The Joy Park Community Center is located at 825 Fuller St. in Akron.
Construction is scheduled to be completed by June 30, with the club opening to new Boys & Girls Club members at the beginning of the 2011- 2012 school year. The new site will also add four new positions within the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve's organization -- one full-time site director and three part-time youth development staff.
"We are excited to have this opportunity to bring our proven Boys & Girls Club programs to more young people who need a safe place to learn, play and grow," said Executive Director Teresa LeGrair. "We anticipate being able to serve 100 to 125 children and teens at this new facility."
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve is to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The clubs provide a safe place for children and teens to belong when the school day has ended, where they receive help with their homework, enjoy a hot meal and participate in fun, enriching programs that focus on academics, art, computers, fitness, good character and healthy habits.
Boys & Girls Clubs emphasize the importance of staying in school, keeping out of trouble, and making good decisions that will help lead to a successful adult life.
In addition to the soon-to-be-built club at the Joy Park Community Center, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve operate three other sites in Akron: the Arlington Club for children 5 to 10 years old; the Annex Club for those 11 to 12; and the Eller Club for teens 13 to 18. Outreach programs include iStrive - Northwest Akron, an afterschool program for children in the Zahn/Thurmont neighborhood, an in-school program for adolescent girls, and as a provider for Akron After School in 20 elementary schools and three middle schools.
Membership is available to any school-age child; the clubs are open every day after school from 2:30 to 7 p.m. and during the summer from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
To find out how to join a Boys & Girls Club, call 330-773-3375.
