March 28, 2024

Boys & Girls Club Of East Providence Holds Ribbon Cutting For New 'Saint-Gobain Wing'; Expands, Upgrades Current Facilities

Posted

East Providence - January 28, 2016 - The Boys & Girls Club of East Providence (EPBGC) will hold a ceremonial ribbon cutting to open its new 3,000-square-foot "Saint-Gobain Wing" at its facility in East Providence. This new Saint-Gobain Wing will expand the current facility and allow EPBGC to create new youth afterschool and workforce development programs such as homework help, computer game design and culinary skills.

"This is a dream come true for the Boys & Girls Club of East Providence," said Erin Gilliatt, EPBGC Executive Director. "This is a rebirth of our purpose and our mission for the youth of East Providence. We say that great futures start here at the Club, and this new space will allow us to expand our programs and help ensure that our members are graduating on time and with a plan for their future. I am so excited for this new beginning and am thankful to Saint-Gobain, the Champlin Foundation, the Lowe's Foundation and KITE Architects for making this dream come true."

This new annex was made possible by a $75,000 charitable donation from Saint-Gobain Initiatives Foundation. The Saint-Gobain Initiatives Foundation is the global philanthropic arm of the French-based international company, Saint-Gobain. Saint-Gobain is an international leader in sustainable development, and through its Foundation, provides financial support to community organizations through various grant programs in an effort to improve the quality of life for the communities in which the company operates, and in which its employees live and work.
Locally, Saint-Gobain employs approximately 50 people at its Bristol, Rhode Island plant. This 110,000-square-foot facility is responsible for manufacturing critical components made from polymide and other high-performance polymers (Meldin®) which are used for the aerospace, automotive, electronics and industrial sectors. The Bristol site began operations in 1963 and is part of Saint-Gobain's Performance Plastics' Seals business. The company also has an additional plant site in Taunton, Massachusetts.

"We know it is important to develop a well-rounded future generation, and understand that the Boys and Girls Club of East Providence has done just this, by serving our local youth for more than 80 years and helping students graduate from high school and plan for their futures," said Tom Kinisky, President and CEO of Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics. "The addition of the 'Saint-Gobain Wing' is all about helping our future generation receive the best opportunities possible, and it is truly an honor to be able to celebrate this accomplishment."

In addition to Saint-Gobain's generosity, other foundations including the Cranston-based Champlin Foundation and the Lowes Foundation were critical in providing funds for the Williams Avenue Clubhouse Improvement project, which included replacing the pool roof and improving the aquatics facilities which reopened in November after a six-month refurbishment. Providence-based KITE Architects also provided countless hours of in-kind services to ensure that the new spaces would be vibrant and exciting places for Club members to learn and grow.

"For many decades the pool facility has been an invaluable resource for the club and the community," said Albert Garcia, KITE architect and EPBGC board member. "This much loved building was beyond its service life and in dire need of repairs. As a board member, architect, swim coach and swimmer, it was an exciting and rewarding experience to see the aquatics center come alive again

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

Share!
Truly local news delivered to every home in town