NEW LONDON, CT – On Thursday, May 12th at 4:30 p.m., The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of New London will hold its grand opening at The Salvation Army located at 11 Governor Winthrop Blvd. in New London.
In 2019, the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Connecticut merged with the New London Salvation Army. The partnership between the two nationally affiliated organizations was a perfect fit for the city’s at-risk youth.
Regular programming for the youth includes games, educational support, tutoring and homework assistance in partnership with the school district and the city’s recreation department. During the school year, the club will run after-school programs that focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, character building, citizenship, arts and music. In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Boy & Girls Club program was forced to shut down.
Shortly into the pandemic, The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club staff came up with creative solutions on how they could still engage the children. They met virtually, as well as in large outdoor spaces. The time was also used to come up with a renovation plan for the outdated space that was being used for the Boys & Girls Club.
The new space includes a computer lab, brand new tables and chairs for homework and games. There’s an air hockey table and a basketball shooting arcade, as well as a reading nook.
Joining us for the grand opening will be members of the Connecticut Sun women’s basketball team. They will be on hand to show the children a variety of basketball drills. In attendance will be Morgan Tuck, former UCONN basketball player and current Director of Franchise Development for the Connecticut Sun. Also in attendance will be Connecticut Sun players Jasmine Thomas and Natisha Hiedeman.
“We provide a safe environment for our kids and inspire them to be productive, caring, and responsible citizens,” said Yanira Rosario, Program Director at The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of New London.
“The Boys and Girls Club is like family. It’s a safe place where youth and families can get resources. The staff go above and beyond to understand and connect with each child,” said Jenny Alvarez, a mom of one of the children in the program.
The evening will also feature food, games, face painting and much more!
