The Arts for All Program at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence (BGCL) recently received a significant boost, due to a generous grant from Bruce Hauben and Joyce Brinton through the Helen G. Hauben Foundation (named for Bruce’s late mother). The goal of the comprehensive arts initiative is to promote the creative potential of youth members, while addressing academic, social, and cultural issues.
The grant from the Littleton residents will underwrite writing workshops hosted by BGCL, in partnership with the Phillips Academy Andover Teacher Network of the prestigious Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference at Middlebury College in Vermont. During the school year, two day-long workshops draw nearly 150 youths to the Club on a Saturday to explore forms of creative expression, including lyrics, poetry, sculpture, and advocacy.
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In addition, BGCL hosts Slice of Bread Loaf, a two-week writing, arts, and performance program. Created by Lou Bernieri, executive director of Andover Bread Loaf, the program for elementary school children takes place during the first two weeks of summer vacation while older kids participate onsite at Phillips Academy. The Slice is staffed by trained high school writing leaders from the BGCL.
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The grant will also purchase books for kids to take home and use in the Club’s Homework Room. Twice a week during the school year, volunteers Diane Bourgeois and Laura Jordan read to children, or have the children read to them.
Hauben and Brinton began supporting the BGCL general operating fund in 2009, after the couple became acquainted with the Club through Board member Linda Kistler of Carlisle.
“We’re big proponents of literacy because Joyce and I were fortunate to grow up in homes full of books, and we started reading for pleasure as very young kids,” Hauben said. “We’re well aware that if this habit begins early, it leads to independent research and other important life skills. The better start that kids can get, the better off they and society will be when they’re adults.”
“We’re very appreciative to Bruce and Joyce for their generosity,” said Markus Fischer, executive director of BGCL. “Their focus on literacy will introduce a new world of creative writing and arts to our youth members, and unlock potential within them.”
About the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence
The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence provides a safe, after-school haven for more than 3,400 youth (ages 7 to 18) to come for hot meals, homework help, fitness and nutrition programs, college and career planning, and lasting personal relationships. The club offers critical programs that focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and community involvement at two locations: the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence at 136 Water St., and the Beacon Boys & Girls Club at 71 Duckett Ave. For more information, visit www.lawrencebgc.com.
