Sen. Akshar Announces $100k for Major Repairs and Upgrades to the Boys & Girls Club of Western Broome Family Center

For Immediate Release:

July 17, 2017

Senator Fred Akshar joined Boys & Girls Club of Western Broome Executive Director Rick Materese, staff, children and club members to announce $100,000 in funding for much-needed, major repairs to the Endicott facility.

“One of my first visits after being elected in 2015 was to the Boys & Girls Club of Western Broome,” said Senator Fred Akshar. “Thousands of our community's children come through these doors every year to enjoy a safe place for education, recreation and personal growth. I asked what could be done to help them continue providing opportunities to young people in our community and these much-needed repairs and upgrades were at the top of the list.”

Funding will go toward repairing the Boys & Girls Club's swimming pool, installing a security system to help protect community members using the facility and toward fixing the facility's deteriorated roof. Heavy snow and rain often leads to various leaks throughout the building, which disrupt programs and if not repaired, could eventually become a safety concern.

The Boys & Girls Club of Western Broome has been serving the community since 1963, providing low-cost recreational services including fitness, aquatics, personal development and education to community members of all ages. The Club aims to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Each year, 2,000 - 3,000 children and over 1,500 adults and seniors take part in the various activities available.

Boys & Girls Club of Western Broome Executive Director Rick Materese said, “These repairs will help continue the programs that serve hundreds of youth and adults in our community by keeping our facility safe.”

In addition to their own programs, the Boys & Girls Club of Western Broome Family Center also houses Life Is Washable, Inc., which provides activities, programming like the Magic Paintbrush Project and facilitated workshops for thousands of individuals of all ages diagnosed with a developmental disability (e.g. autism, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, cognitive delay, etc.)

Life is Washable, Inc. Executive Director Jennifer O'Brien said, “Our programs welcome over 5,000 participants a year, our new home allows us to expand our reach and impact. This incredible investment goes beyond just the bricks and mortar of a building, it positively impacts both of our organizations as we serve our communities.”

“I've said often that all anyone needs to be successful is opportunity,” said Akshar. “From my experience in law enforcement and traveling the 52nd Senate District, I know that many children are left at home with no adult care or supervision. The Boys & Girls Club helps provide thousands of kids with the opportunity to enjoy a supportive, nurturing environment where they know someone cares about them. That environment may not always be available at home.”

Funding for the project was included in the Economic Development Assistance Program Senate Resolution passed in June. The grant will be administered through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).

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