Boys and Girls Club to receive $500K grant

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board plans to administer a $500,000 state grant to the Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown for a multitude of improvements through 2021.

Development designs shown to board members during a Monday committee meeting include athletics fields and courts, outdoor play areas and other green space across the club property along Market Street, between the intersections of Glenaven and Chicago avenues. The project also would expand parking.

“We’re looking at enhancing the overall club experience. That comes with making our outdoor space more functional for programming and adding some attractions to our outdoor space to be able to utilize it for club programming,” Germaine McAlpine, the club’s executive director said Monday. “When we have some kids, when the weather permits, we can get them outside, and we can get them active.”

The total cost of the expansions is $983,524, paid through the state’s $500,000 Community Resiliency grant – which became a $20 million state budget line item under former Gov. John Kasich – and a local match from the club. The state grant was redirected from another Boys and Girls Club in the state.

“It’s an outstanding project,” said Duane Piccirilli, board executive director. “Honestly, we can’t be happier working with the Boys and Girls Club. I think they’re an oasis for our community.”

The Western Reserve Port Authority and Campbell City Schools are also each looking to launch projects with $500,000 in Community Resiliency funding, Piccirilli said.

The board plans to approve support for the project during its full board meeting Feb. 25, Piccirilli said.