Teens have a new safe place where they can socialize, play games and study after school this fall.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County has announced the opening of The Club Teen Center, the West End Bank Charitable Foundation Professional Development & Training Center and renovations to the existing Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation Boys & Girls Club.
The three facilities are in the 1900 block of West Main Street in Richmond, and represent $300,000 in building improvements.
The Club Teen Center features gaming areas, computers and lounge space for club members ages 13-18. Contributions from Wayne County Foundation, Mayer Management and Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation made the project possible.
“With a priority to serve and retain more teens, we knew we needed a more appealing space,” BGCWC Chief Executive Officer Alicia Painter said in a news release. “Teens want their own place where they can engage with their peers.”
Serving over 300 youth ages 10-12 annually, the adjacent Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation Boys & Girls Club underwent renovations to create a STEAM room, where youth can focus on science, technology, engineering, art, and math, and developed a new space for a senior game room.
That club opened in 2017 thanks to support from McDaniel, a late trustee.
In addition, the administrative facility is designed to host training opportunities and meetings for BGCWC’s 85 staff members.
“[These facilities] mark the beginning of a new chapter, a milestone that represents investment, growth, and endless possibilities for our children, teens, and staff in Wayne County,” Painter noted. “We are so grateful for the youth we have the opportunity to serve, the dedicated staff on our team, and the ongoing support of our board of directors, trustees, and community partners and members. Great things happen when committed and passionate people come together.”
A version of this article appeared in the October 4 2023 print edition of the Western Wayne News.