YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – For a year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Youngstown moved programming to various locations while its building on Oak Hill Avenue underwent renovations.

It will reopen Monday with more amenities for young people. Board members, supporters, community leaders, club alumni and elected officials gathered Thursday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to reopen the space and to tour the renovated building.

“Now we have a dedicated computer lab and a maker space, and we also have a dedicated art room, which we didn’t have before,” said Edna Edmonds, the organization’s operations director. “And our teens have a newly renovated teen room.”

Another space enables children and teens to experiment and work in digital arts. 

“Our kids have made albums. They make movies. We have photography classes,” Edmonds said. “And so now they have a space where they can really turn that work around and see it very quickly …”

A new, well-lit entrance way that improves visibility for parents dropping off their children, better natural lighting, staff restrooms and more open space for children to play games are among the renovations.

James Bird, executive director, said the club isn’t about the building, it’s about the lives of the children served and their futures.

The club was established in 1969 by the Youngstown Rotary.

“The Rotary Club of Youngstown donated $50,000 so that kids can be registered to come here if they’re unable to pay, and [the Rotary Club] continues to be involved in the effort, from the beginning of the club opening to now,” said 

Samantha Turner, chairwoman of the board and the city’s 3rd Ward councilwoman.

She said Thursday was more than a ribbon cutting.

“Today represents the renewal and the commitment of unwavering belief in the future our young people deserve,” Turner said. “This building may look new, but what it stands for has always been a part of our community: safety, opportunity and hope.”

RT Vernal, a board member, thanked private donors and others involved in the project.

“Your generosity throughout the years has helped us improve our club and provide a safe and nurturing place for the kids,” he said, adding that the work isn’t done.

The board plans a backyard project outside of the building, providing more activities for children.

Mayor-elect Derrick McDowell said he returned to Youngstown from Alabama at age 14 after his brother’s murder. He got involved in the Boys & Girls Clubs.

He referred to the club mission, which is to enable young people, “especially those who need us most,” to reach their full potential.

“I needed this space when I was 14 years old,” McDowell said. “I needed it because it was one of the safest spaces. I don’t know who created it, but I imagine that there was a team just like this who put it all together for someone like me who needed it most.” 

State Sen. Al Cutrona of Canfield, R-33rd, presented Turner with a recognition certificate for the club. He also pointed to the latest state capital budget, which he sponsored, that included funding for the club.

“I look for the next opportunity, because this is an opportunity for our children, for our babies, to be able to prosper – for their community to be able to engage with them,” he said.

During the renovation, the club used space at the Salvation Army and at Southside Academy to serve students. The club provides programming for children from age 6 to 18 both after school and during the summer. The renovated space is large enough for 150 kids. 

“So when school’s out, club’s in – that’s our motto,” Edmonds said. “So we’re always open. We’re always here to serve families.”

Pictured at top: Samantha Turner, board chairwoman of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Youngstown, and James Bird, executive director.