Who's Who Of Hartford Celebrates Boys/Girls Club Facility's Opening

Boys & Girls Club of Hartford

HARTFORD, CT — A local organization that aims to empower, educate, and aid Hartford's youths recently celebrated a new and modernized headquarters.

The leadership team of the Boys & Girls Club of Hartford Nov. 12 was joined by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, CT House Speaker Matt Ritter, Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, state Sen. Doug McCrory and CT Department of Economic and Community Development Deputy Commissioner Matt Pugliese, members of the Lapenta family, and other community leaders, and alumni for the rededication of the Joseph D. Lapenta Northwest Boys & Girls Club, part of the Boys & Girls Club of Hartford.

The clubhouse at 1 Nahum Drive in Hartford badly needed renovation.

It had little natural light and outmoded program space.

The renovations included new STEAM and classroom spaces, a music room, a refurbished teen
space, and a brighter entranceway filled with natural light.

The upgrades were made possible with the support of a $4.4 million state grant and a $1.1 million grant from philanthropist McKenzie Scott.

“The renovated and improved clubhouse with upgraded facilities will ensure that Hartford youth have access to the programs and resources they deserve,” said Blumenthal. “

"Boys and Girls Clubs open new futures and expanded opportunities for young people, and I will continue to fight for federal resources for them.”

In her opening remarks, club director Dawne Gittens noted how excited she was to welcome the community back to a clubhouse that has been part of the Northwest neighborhood for more than 50 years.

“The Boys and Girls Club of Hartford provides a safe space for kids and teens to play, learn, and thrive. The challenges our families have faced in recent years have only driven the demand for welcoming and supporting spaces for our young people,” added Bysiewicz. “It is such an honor to participate in the grand reopening and welcome the community into this newly renovated space. I am confident that this investment will have a positive impact for generations to come.”

Boys and Girls Clubs fills the gap between school and home, providing welcoming, positive environments in which kids and teens can have fun, participate in life-changing programs, and build supportive relationships with peers and caring adults.

Investment in the Northwest neighborhood, including the addition of multi-million dollar affordable housing and renovations to Weaver High School, has attracted new families to the area and heightened the demand for the services offered at the club.

With these renovations, the club will be better equipped to address the neighborhood’s needs, including serving meals to all Club members daily, providing academic and career readiness
support, and offering safe spaces and enriching programs during both the school year and the summer.

"The reopening of the Northwest Boys & Girls Club marks a significant milestone and a step forward for our community. This renovated space will provide Hartford's youth with the resources and opportunities they need to dream big and achieve their full potential,” said Arulampalam. “The City of Hartford is grateful for our partnership with the Boys and Girls Club in service to our youth and is excited to see the positive impact it will have on our families for years to come."

For more information on the Boys & Girls Club of Hartford, click on this link.

For a photo gallery of the grand opening ceremony, click on this link.