Through an ongoing partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Aaron’s and Progressive Leasing surprised teens last week with a freshly revamped Keystone Teen Center at the Union Street Clubhouse of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester.
With input from BGCA, teen members and club officials, Aaron’s associates spent last week 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 Union Street Boys & Girls Club provides a supportive environment for Manchester teens to achieve their goals and grow into leaders in their community,” says Chief Executive Officer John Robinson. “Aaron’s is proud to continue to work alongside the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to provide the necessary resources and technology that will instill and foster confidence in these teens.”
Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig attended the unveiling and addressed the crowd. “The support and guidance of the Keystone Club program has a tremendous impact on these teens and they are so deserving of this amazing gift. It was wonderful to see firsthand such an impactful renovation provided by Aaron’s to the Teen Center, which helps set our teens up for success. I am grateful for Aaron’s commitment to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and to families across Manchester.”
In 2015, the Aaron’s Foundation, Inc. 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 to plan and participate in activities that focus on community service, academic success, career preparation and teen outreach.
“The Manchester teens who participate in Boys & Girls Club programs are given the confidence necessary to achieve success in the future,” states Boys & Girls Clubs of Manchester Chief Executive Officer Diane Fitzpatrick. “The support Aaron’s has provided through the new state-of-the-art technology, furniture and appliances will help us further our mission and help our teens grow into confident, successful young adults.”
The 27 previous Keystone Club makeovers have included Boys & Girls Clubs in cities such as Pittsfield, Cincinnati, Las Vegas, Chicago, Hartford and Miami. The makeover at the Union Street Clubhouse of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester includes an additional in-kind retail donation valued at $25,000. Keystone teen members of the Union Street Clubhouse of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester said the program inspires them to take ownership of their choices to build the lives they deserve.