WPRI: Boys & Girls Club of Northern RI receives $850K grant for renovations

CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WPRI) — Sen. Jack Reed and Rep. Gabe Amo delivered $850,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Rhode Island Monday for an upcoming renovation project.

The money will help pay for a new gym floor, roof repairs and improvements to the clubhouse at the Boys & Girls Club of Cumberland-Lincoln, which serves more than 2,600 youth each year.

“Every dollar invested in the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Rhode Island makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children and our community,” Reed said, adding that the federal earmark will “support critical renovations and expansion to ensure no child is turned away because of a lack of space or programming.”

“The Cumberland-Lincoln Clubhouse is a place where all kids are welcome,” he continued.

Boys & Girls Club of Northern Rhode Island President and CEO Gary Rebelo thanked the lawmakers for their efforts.

“We look forward to creating an even more vibrant and supportive environment where our members can thrive,” Rebelo said.

Reed and Amo secured the funding through the fiscal year 2024 appropriations law.

The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Rhode Island must complete federal compliance documentation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development before the funding can be expended.

The Boys & Girls Club of Cumberland-Lincoln is special to Gov. Dan McKee, who attended the club as a child and eventually served as its president. His father, James McKee, also helped found the club back in 1956.