Meriden's 'Beat the Street' Community Center awarded grant

Beat the Street, a nonprofit organization serving underprivileged children and young adults throughout Meriden, has been awarded a $10,000 Community Connections grant by Wells Fargo. The organization, founded in 1994, seeks to make a profound, positive difference in the lives of young people whose circumstances put them at risk of falling far short of their true potential.

“We truly appreciate the support Wells Fargo has provided,” said Larry Pelletier, Executive Director of Beat the Street Community Center. “We will use this grant to support our Career Explorer and Development Program.

Beat the Street serves more than 600 at risk children, teens, and young adults ranging in age from 4 – 24 years old, the majority of whom come from low-income households. Programs such as the Career Explorers help harder-to-reach youth stay connected to their community and provide the support network needed to achieve success in high school and beyond. Programming includes:

• Health and Fitness programs such as boxing and hip-hop dance.
• After school programs geared towards academic and career success.
• Community building projects such as a community garden.

Under the Community Connections program, Wells Fargo team members are able to nominate a nonprofit organization that has had a positive impact in their local community during the past year. They may include organizations serving underprivileged youth, community development or other public interests.

“Our local branches see which nonprofits are out in the community making a difference every day,” said Wells Fargo DistrictManager Kim Chamberlain. “We use this as an opportunity to celebrate and say thank you to Larry and Beat the Street for all of the value they have provided to Meriden over the past year, whether that's making sure local kids have a gift this holiday season or helping them succeed in school."

“Beat the Street has gone above and beyond for Meriden, and they have made tremendous partners throughout the city,” said City Councilor Miguel Castro, who represents the city’s Area 1. “This grant and partnership is going to allow them to continue their good work in the city.”

“Many of our Wells Fargo team members also volunteer or are impacted by Beat the Street in some way,” said Chamberlain. “We’re proud to help Beat the Street continue serving Meriden’s youth whenever we can.”

Attendees at the grant presentation ceremony included State Rep. Hilda Santiago, Meriden City Councilors Cathy Battista and Miguel Castro, Wells Fargo’s Chamberlain and her team.