Renovations Will Allow Center to Better Serve Teen Community in City's Southwest Quadrant

NYS Investment Bolsters Continued Agency Workforce Development Programs Supporting the Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

Empire State Development (ESD) marked the completion of a $560,000 upgrade to the Boys and Girls Club Teen Center in the City of Rochester. The updated Genesee Street facility will serve as the central hub for teen programming at the Club, providing a safe, supportive environment where young people can develop essential life skills, build confidence, and prepare for adulthood. The renovation will not only allow the center to better serve the teen community, but will also expand their workforce development component New Yorks State's $112,000 investment in this important project, facilitated by a grant from the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council (FLREDC), was first announced on site by Governor Kathy Hochul in March of 2023 during a stop at the center.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "By investing in our communities, we are supporting the next generation of New Yorkers and ensuring that families can live, learn, and succeed together. This project will help the young people of Rochester secure meaningful opportunities for growth. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, and thanks to the dedicated work of the statewide Regional Economic Development Council initiative, New York State continues to create safe spaces that are empowering children to flourish and thrive."

The Teen Center updates included new floors, walls, computers, gaming equipment, the addition of a movie space, and room for implementing the program's career exploration and job development programming. The project was additionally supported by local foundations and individual donors.

Founded in 1971 at the old Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) campus in the Third Ward, the agency moved its headquarters to its current location at 500 Genesee Street in 1980 to better serve area youth. The organization offers over 30 quality youth development programs that are designed to develop character and develop life-enhancing skills.

"This Teen Center represents more than just a new space-it's a commitment to our teens and their future," said Dwayne Mahoney, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester. "We are creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and succeed in a safe and supportive environment."

The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council (FLREDC) is a public-private partnership aimed at developing long-term strategic plans for economic growth in the nine-county Finger Lakes region. It focuses on creating jobs, driving private investment, empowering stakeholders, reducing poverty, supporting startup businesses and strengthening workforce development among other priorities.

Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Co-Chairs Bob Duffy, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and Monroe Community College President Dr. DeAnna Burt-Nanna said, "The FLREDC is dedicated to supporting the next generation, helping them to succeed. These impactful updates to the Boys and Girls Club's Teen Center in Rochester will bolster those efforts, working to create significant opportunities for young people here, resulting in a brighter future for all of us."

The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of the State's approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, 10 Regional Councils were established to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom-up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources.

State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, "The Boys & Girls Club Teen Center has bettered the lives of countless youth in our community, empowering those of all backgrounds to achieve their goals and build a better future. It's only right that we support them in this mission, which is why I want to thank Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for their leadership on this project which will mean better outcomes and better resources to ensure the success of teens throughout our community."

State Assemblymember Demond Meeks said, "Providing a safe and supportive haven for our teens is a top priority, and these renovations at the Boys and Girls Club Teen Center make that vision a reality for the Genesee Street community. This project represents a vital collaboration between the state and local partners to ensure our young people have access to high-quality resources right in their own neighborhood. With enhanced programming and modernized facilities, we are empowering our youth to build confidence and pursue their goals in a space designed specifically for their success. This $560,000 investment is a testament to our ongoing commitment to strengthening the social fabric of the Southwest Quadrant."

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, "Investing in our youth is an investment in the very future of Monroe County. These renovations to the Boys and Girls Club Teen Center will strengthen an already vital support system that has been a keystone of the area for over 40 years. The new space will expand opportunities, inspire growth, and empower our young people to thrive and succeed. Thank you to Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for delivering this critical funding and reaffirming their commitment to our community's next generation."

City of Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said, "The transformation of this space is a meaningful milestone for our community, and everyone served by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester. Thanks to the generous commitment of Governor Hochul, New York State, local foundations and private supporters, the new Teen Center will be a cornerstone for learning, growth, and achievement for generations to come."

For additional information about the Rochester Boys and Girls Club, visit: https://bgcrochester.org/.

For additional information about the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, visit: regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

Accelerating Economic Development in the Finger Lakes

Today's announcement complements "Finger Lakes Forward," the region's comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing. More information is available here.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

Contact:
Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055
Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313