We proudly celebrated the opening of our newly renovated Teen Center—an exciting milestone for our Club and, more importantly, for the teens we serve every day.
We were honored to welcome community leaders, partners, and supporters to our Genesee Street location to help us mark the moment. Speakers included Malik Evans, Mayor of the City of Rochester; Cynshei’ Wilson, District Director for Senator Cooney’s Office; Vinnie Esposito from Empire State Development; Raymond LeChase from LeChase Construction; and Kyle Taylor from SWBR, along with our own leadership team. Their presence was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to support its young people.
At the center of this project was one simple idea—listen to our teens.
After talking with our members, it became clear that our Teen Center needed to evolve to better reflect who they are and what they need. This renovation wasn’t just about updating a space—it was about creating an environment where teens feel comfortable, supported, and inspired.
Today, that vision has come to life. The Teen Center now features new flooring and walls, upgraded computers and gaming equipment, a dedicated movie space, and enhanced areas for career exploration and job development programming. Every detail was designed with our teens in mind.
“This Teen Center is more than just a new space—it’s a reflection of what our teens told us they needed to grow and succeed,” said Dwayne Mahoney, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester. “When young people have access to a safe environment and meaningful programs that support their development, it opens the door for them to build confidence, explore their interests, and prepare for their future. That’s exactly what this space is designed to do.”
Why Spaces Like This Matter
For many teens in our community, having a safe place to go after school isn’t just important—it’s essential.
At the Club, we see every day how much it matters for young people to have a space where they feel welcomed, supported, and understood. A place where they can be themselves, build relationships, and try new things without fear.
That’s what this Teen Center represents.
It’s a space where teens can connect with mentors, develop real-world skills, and explore what’s possible for their future. Through programs focused on career exploration, leadership, and job readiness, we’re helping them take the next steps with confidence.
This isn’t just about the space—it’s about what happens inside of it.
A Community Effort
This project would not have been possible without the support of our partners and community.
We are grateful to Empire State Development, the Finger Lakes Economic Development Council, and Governor Hochul for their commitment to investing in Rochester’s youth and strengthening our community.
We also want to thank LeChase Construction for being an incredible partner throughout this process. Their team made what could have been a complex project feel seamless, and their dedication helped bring this vision to life. We are equally thankful to SWBR for their thoughtful design, creating a space that is both functional and inspiring for our teens.
Finally, we extend our appreciation to the many supporters who believed in this project and helped make it a reality. Your investment in our youth is an investment in the future of our community.
The opening of our Teen Center is more than a renovation—it’s a reflection of what’s possible when we listen, collaborate, and invest in young people.
We’re excited for all that’s ahead.