During its 34th annual auction gala held Saturday, Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri announced its plans to build a 30,000 square foot teen center near downtown Sedalia. The Bold Vision, Bright Future Campaign aims to raise between $5 and $6 million locally for the center, which will focus on workforce development and academics for junior high and high school students.
“Boys & Girls Club has been serving school-age kids in Sedalia and the surrounding area for many years and I’m very excited that we’re growing our services to better impact teens,” said Capital Campaign Chair and BGC Board Member RJ Lindstrom. “I’m proud to be part of a great organization that is taking a large leap forward to make Sedalia and even better place to live and raise a family.”
Plans for the project began in early 2022 and included a six-month planning phase to study the viability of building a teen center. The Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors voted to approve the campaign in Spring 2023 and the campaign team has been working diligently since raising funds. The teen center will be located on nine acres of land on Third Street, across from the Katy Depot.
“This is the perfect location for the teen center,” said BGC Interim Executive Director Barry Henderson. “It’s within walking distance on the Katy Trail to Smith-Cotton Junior High School and is close to many neighborhoods. Boys & Girls Club had a downtown facility for several decades and we’re excited to get back to the area, serving more kids.”
The centerpiece of the building is a 1,400 square foot workforce development lab/workshop that will give high schoolers the opportunity to learn life skills and take part in programs that focus on career and/or college readiness. The building will also feature a 7,500 square foot gym, art and music rooms, games rooms and a full commercial kitchen and dining space. Additionally, the BGC Admin Offices will be relocated to the new building with room for much-needed storage and office space.
“Thanks to an ongoing partnership with Burrell Youth Mental Health Services, we will also have dedicated office space for a Burrell staff member who will be able to work directly with kids and families who need it,” Henderson added. “Youth mental health, especially teen mental health, is a real concern in our community and we’re proud to offer this service.”
Boys & Girls Club has already raised more than $4.2 million for the project.
“I am constantly amazed at the generosity of our community,” Lindstrom said. “Sedalia clearly sees the value in our Teen Center project and we have seen tremendous success in our capital campaign.”
More information about the Teen Center can be found at bgckids.com/teen-center
