On October 5th, 2023, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell celebrated the Grand Opening of the new Community Center & Café with 230 guests in attendance.
The club also celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Teen Center, which will be named by the Richard & Susan Smith Family Foundation.
Some highlights from the night:
• Staff and Club members from the Education, Nutrition, Athletics, Pathways, Youth Services & Enrichment, Music Clubhouse, and Makerspace departments shared their programs and achievements with guests in 7 memorable showcases.
• Club alumna, current Makerspace Lead and Merrimack College student Sophie Begba Ndjan spoke of her experience as a former Club kid who learned and grew from her experience and is now working to help kids and teens gain skills and confidence as Club staff once did for her.
• US Congresswoman Lori Trahan talked about the wholesome relationships she had built with Club Teens as well as her investment and advocacy for funding workforce development programs in the new Teen Center, the groundbreaking ceremony of which was held on the same day.
• Lowell Mayor, City Council, and City Manager reinforced their commitment to Believe & Become and stressed the importance of such a project to the Greater Lowell community.
What was on display on October 5th was the power of joy, laughter, and a community coming together to cherish the collective effort that goes into materializing new pathways for future generations to learn and grow.
The momentous celebration occurred in the vibrant, colorful space that once housed an empty pool and repurposed locker rooms. Soon, Club kids and teens will use the new Community Center & Café for program activities, performances, and, within the next 18 months, the club’s Nutrion Team will be able to serve 450+ meals at once.
