The Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (BGCAA) will celebrate the Grand Opening of the Annapolis Gardens Club on March 1st, 2011. The Boys & Girls Club at Annapolis Gardens represents the sixth Club for BGCAA which was started in 1988 and serves over 8,500 members and youth a year in Anne Arundel County.
The Annapolis Gardens Club has been made possible thanks to a partnership between Landex Development (“Landex”) and the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (“HACA”) which redeveloped Annapolis Gardens and Bowman Court public housing sites into a new development. The community offers 150 rental units which serve families earning 60% and below the area median income. This revitalization has significantly improved the physical, economic, and social environment of the Annapolis Gardens community by providing attractive, decent, safe and affordable housing in an area that has been plagued by crime and urban decay.
“We are excited by this opportunity to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizen” said Martin Blake, BGCAA Director of Operations, referencing the Club’s mission statement. “Landex has made a tremendous commitment to this neighborhood and we consider it a privilege to do the same for its kids”.
As part of this development BGCAA will be providing comprehensive programs and services for the youth living at Annapolis Gardens. The Club will be housed in the newly renovated community center which consists of classrooms, a gaming area, computer lab and a designated reading/quiet area.
The key elements of the program includes:
- Creating a safe haven away from negative influences;
- Providing access to comprehensive, well coordinated services that meet the needs of the youth living at Annapolis Gardens;
- Providing educational support, increased awareness of career options and goal setting skills and a future vision of life beyond subsidized and public housing.
Franchaze Waters, a former Club member and future staff member at the Club, had this to add “The Club will provide the community with a safe, positive and stimulating environment to explore learning while experiencing academic and personal success. The staff will guide and inspire the youth, strengthen their sense of self-esteem and help them to accomplish their hopes and dreams.” Ms. Waters was was raised in Annapolis Gardens.
To see former Club members return to the area to help mentor and inspire today’s youth is why the Boys & Girls Club lives by the motto that “Great Futures Start Here”. Starting March 1st Great Futures Start Here…in Annapolis Gardens.
