Buffalo – Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera was joined today by a slate of local elected officials to announce that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo have been awarded $150,000 for capital improvements to their John F. Beecher Clubhouse (180 10th St.) and their Butler Mitchell Clubhouse kitchen (370 Massachusetts Ave.).

The John F. Beecher Clubhouse will receive $100,000 for renovations to its outdoor playground, while the Butler Mitchell Clubhouse will receive $50,000 for kitchen upgrades and its afterschool dinner program.

Each year, Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo serve 1,600 youth through programming and workshops.

Of that population, according to Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo:

• 97% Qualify for a free or reduced lunch
• 50% Live at or below the poverty level
• 63% Live in single-parent homes
• 68% represent disadvantaged populations
• 84% Say the club provides a sense of belonging

The goal and mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo is to provide a haven for at-risk youth that sets them up for future success through utilizing teams of mentors and life-enhancing programs.

Since 1926, Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo has been at the forefront of youth development, working with young people from disadvantaged economic and social backgrounds. The organization provides more than a place for youth to gather after school — it offers a refuge that allows young adults to develop with the necessary skills and sense of self to succeed.

The Boys Club was established in 1926 by the Rotary Club of Buffalo, with the intent to create a youth agency that would provide after school programs and guidance. The first club still resides at 282 Babcock Street and is the largest club owned and operated by Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo. In 1986, the Board recognized the need to include girls and reincorporated as Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo.

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “The Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo provide an invaluable service to our city’s youth population, whether it’s creating unique and varied programming or training adult mentors to look after the next generation. I am very proud to announce this funding that will make the organization’s long-term goals and vision that much closer to reality.”

Shari McDonough, Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo, said, “The Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo is truly honored and humbled by this gift from the New York State Assembly and Assemblyman Jon Rivera. Having the unique opportunity to repair and enhance the playground on Tenth Street is something we would not have been able to do without this heartfelt support.”

Buffalo Councilmember David Rivera (Niagara District) said, “I can’t thank Assemblymember Rivera enough for securing funding for capital improvements to the John F. Beecher Clubhouse and for updates to the kitchen at the Butler-Mitchell Clubhouse. Ensuring that our children have safe places to be when school is not in session is of the utmost importance but, so is making sure they are fed wholesome, nutritious meals. I am so pleased to see this funding being used for improvements to these two buildings that serve our West Side youth.”

Buffalo Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski (Fillmore District) said, “As a former member of the Boys and Girls Club, I know how vital these institutions are to a community and the kids who are involved with them. I am grateful that Assemblymember Rivera was able to secure this funding to improve two sites in the city of Buffalo.”