The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is expanding its impact with the Julie & Mike Connors Club, a brand-new, 31,000-square-foot facility set to become the organization’s 21st Club in Palm Beach County. Located in Dreher Park in West Palm Beach, this exciting addition was celebrated last week with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James, community leaders, board members, staff, neighbors, and dozens of enthusiastic children.

The Julie & Mike Connors Boys & Girls Club will feature a state-of-the-art gym, performance stage, age-specific flex spaces for dynamic learning experiences, academic center, cultural arts center, computer labs, dance studio, cafeteria, commercial kitchen, sound and recording studio, makers space, and outdoor playground space.

The groundbreaking was attended by County Commissioners Joel Flores, Bobby Powell Jr., and Gregg Weiss. West Palm Beach’s Mayor Keith James also gave an impassioned speech about the new Club.

This $17 million dollar Club will serve approximately 800 children and teens annually from six to 18 years of age. It plans to be open every day after school from 2:00PM to 8:00PM and from 7:00AM to 6:00PM on non-school days such as teacher planning days and throughout the summer. As childcare is cost prohibitive for low-income families, the cost for a child to attend the Club throughout the school year and the summer is $35, with scholarships available for families in need of financial assistance.

“Today’s groundbreaking was both a celebration and a heartfelt thank you to the incredible supporters who are making this dream a reality—West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James, The City of West Palm Beach, community leaders, and generous donors. Their unwavering commitment to our mission underscores the profound impact this state-of-the-art Dreher Park Club will have on the neighborhood. It was especially moving to witness Julie and Mike Connors share in this milestone, knowing that the Club they are helping to build will transform lives for generations to come,” said Jaene Miranda, CEO & President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.

The Julie & Mike Connors Boys & Girls Club will also provide:

· Daily homework help and tutorial programs with certified teachers and numerous other programs such as, but not limited to, STEM education, sports, health and fitness programs, cultural arts programs, career exploration programs, workforce readiness programs and leadership programs.

· Nourishment for its members as food insecurity is a challenge for low-income families, a snack and hot dinner meal after school and breakfast, lunch and a snack will be provided on full days.

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as caring and productive adults. Its Clubs offer a safe haven with caring youth development professionals who provide guidance, academic assistance, and life skills to help them graduate from high school with a plan for the future whether it be post-secondary education, a certification program for a skilled labor position or military service.