The Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville has announced plans to create a new 33,900-square-foot building adjacent to the current Community Center that will assist in keeping up with the rapid growth the Club has experienced in recent years.
Plans for the new building, which were unveiled during the Ladies Auxiliary Auction Feb. 27, include a new gym, a dedicated cafeteria, outdoor green space and the ability to expand programming for the Kindergarten to 12th grade youth served. The new facility allows for the Club to increase program space, which the Club says is of great necessity, given the growing membership numbers at the current Club.
“The current club does not afford us the space and ability to provide for the community like we strive to,” said Bryan Mills, former Club Kid, CEO of Community Health Network and a Capital Campaign Cabinet member. “We do not want to be forced to underserve our youth or turn even one child away because of lack of space.”
Since 2010, the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville has seen a 22 percent increase in membership. The new facility will immediately provide the ability to impact 53 percent more youth.
“There is a great need within our community for the services offered at the Club, therefore, it is imperative that a new facility be constructed, which will allow the Club and its members to build and grow,” said Jerry Collins, who serves as the co-chair of the Capital Campaign.
A Capital Campaign to raise $6 million for the new facility has been underway since February 2015, and to date, nearly 70 percent of the funds needed to complete the project have been secured. The auction marked the announcement of this project to the public, with the hopes that continued community support will be given.
The main section of the current Boys & Girls Club – which served as the original Noblesville High School –houses the after-school and summer programs and was built in 1910. The current building is no longer able to keep up with the growth and needs of the Club members and there is no room on the existing site to expand the Club again.
“We are excited for this project to get underway,” Executive Director Becky Terry said. “Having one centralized campus with the ability to create more program space and add green space will give us the environment to provide additional programs and serve the youth of our community on a larger scale. We appreciate and thank the Capital Campaign Cabinet, Board of Directors and the Club Staff for all of their support and efforts.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville offers a variety of programs that focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles and good character and citizenship. Members have access to a tech center, homework help, one-on-one tutoring, leadership training, self-esteem and anti-bullying training, domestic violence prevention, cooking, healthy eating and exercise classes, drug and alcohol prevention and recreational and competitive sports leagues.
In 2015, 927 children participated in education programs, and 1,200 youth enjoyed the programs focused on character and leadership, while 6,265 healthy and nutritious meals were served through the Meals to Members program.
“You look at what the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville provides, and it essentially helps create the next generation of healthy, engaged leaders,” said State Senator and Club Alumni Luke Kenley, who, along with his wife, Sally, serve as honorary chairpersons of the Capital Campaign. “With all that our community and states faces, we need programs to build our youth in a compassionate and caring way like the Boys & Girls Club does.”
The building project is directed by CORE Planning, Axis Architecture will serve as the project architect and The Hagerman Group will be the general contractor on the building. If interested in contributing to the capital campaign, contact Becky Terry at 773-4372 or [email protected].
Submitted press release.
