Aaron’s and Progressive Leasing Complete 27th Keystone Makeover in Massachusetts

Aaron’s and Progressive Leasing surprised teens last Wednesday with a newly renovated Keystone Teen Center at the Boys & Girls Club of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Through a partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), Aaron’s and Progressive Leasing have completed 27 Keystone Teen Center makeovers to date. With input from BGCA, teen members and club officials, Aaron’s associates spent last week painting, decorating and furnishing the club’s multipurpose space. On Wednesday, local Aaron’s associates and Club officials unveiled the new space, which is now equipped with new technology, sectionals, tables and chairs, sound systems and fresh paint. Teens can enjoy the redesigned areas dedicated to leadership development, study, lounging and games. “The Boys & Girls Club provides a safe and encouraging space for Pittsfield teens to achieve their goals and own their futures,” says Chief Executive Officer of Aaron’s John Robinson. “On our 27th Teen Center renovation, Aaron’s is proud to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of America by providing these Massachusetts teens with the resources and technology that will allow them to excel as leaders in their community.” Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer attended the surprise unveiling and addressed the crowd. “The Boys & Girls Club is an integral part of our community. For decades, generations of youth in Pittsfield and throughout the Berkshires have found the Club to be a safe and nurturing place where they can soar to their highest potential,” says Tyer. “I am thrilled to see the recent transformation as I know it will further add to the energy and vibrancy of the Club’s Keystone Program, providing more young people with the tools to achieve their dreams.”

In 2015, the Aaron’s Foundation announced a three-year, $5 million national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Keystone Program, helping teens develop their character and leadership skills in hopes of helping them reach their potential and creating positive change in the community. Keystone Club teen centers provide members ages 14-18 an environment in which to plan and participate in activities that focus on community service, academic success, career preparation and teen outreach. “Teens who participate in Boys & Girls Club programs see improvements in grades and graduation rates, preparing them for greater success as young adults and giving them the confidence needed to succeed,” says Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires Joseph McGovern. “With the support of Aaron’s, which has provided a state-of-the-art space for our Club with new technology and furniture, our teens will learn and develop the skills that lead to successful futures.” The 26 previous Keystone Club makeovers have included Boys & Girls Clubs in cities such as Cincinnati, Las Vegas, Chicago, Hartford and Miami. The makeover at the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires includes an additional in-kind retail donation valued at $28,000.