About 100 people joined Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield in February to break ground for its new teen center at 804 W. Catalpa, adjacent to the Grant Avenue Parkway.
The Risdal Family Teen Center for Great Futures will be a two-story facility dedicated to serving middle and high school youth with intentional after-school programming in six core program areas: education, workforce readiness, the arts, character & leadership, health & wellness, and sports & recreation.
The center will be a hub for local youth, featuring a gymnasium, dining space and kitchen, games room, innovation space, art room, technology center, esports lounge, dance & fitness studio and more. The center will also include a health clinic and a dedicated space for providing free mental health services.
Through this new project, BGCS anticipates doubling its current reach among middle and high school aged students, serving 1,000+ youth. As one of the only after-school providers in Springfield that intentionally serves teens, BGCS is dedicated to creating positive outcomes such as improved grades and attendance, improved social and emotional skills, and equitable access to opportunities.
“Serving the kids who need us most is our mission and this community project does just that. There are so many middle and high school students that need safe, empowering spaces to go after school,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield CEO Brandy Harris. The Risdal Family Teen Center for Great Futures is being created with teens, for teens and I am so thankful to be a part of it.”
The capital campaign goal for the teen center is $12 million, which includes three years of operating reserve. BGCS received $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from the City of Springfield and $2 million from the Greene County. In addition, more than $3 million in private donations has been raised. The center is anticipated to open in early 2025.