Boys & Girls Club Launches Teen Center Expansion, Capital Campaign

WESTFIELD — The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield announced the launch of its Teen Center: Next Chapter capital campaign, an initiative to expand its Teen Center into a space specifically designed to meet the needs and interests of all teens.

Today, more than 300 teens in grades 7-12 are registered members of the club. While participation continues to grow, the current, 1,900-square-foot Teen Center was never built to support the number of young people who rely on it each day.

“The space has gone from the original dance studio to licensed childcare and everything in between,” said Bo Sullivan, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield. “It is just one large room, with teens competing for space to study, socialize, play games, meet with mentors, and participate in programs. This expansion started with the teens telling us what they want and need, and we are building just that. It’s our commitment to ensure every teen has the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and prepare for future success.”

Teen Center: Next Chapter will add approximately 2,500 square feet of thoughtfully designed space, including a permanent Keystone Café, a teen-run business that teaches entrepreneurship and financial literacy; a flexible program room; a teen conference room; a soundproof music space; expanded recreation and social areas; abundant natural light; and single-user restrooms.

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield has partnered locally with architect Christian C. Carey, R. Levesque Associates, and One Development and Construction to bring the Teen Center: Next Chapter vision to life. The project broke ground in May, with completion scheduled for August, in time for the start of the 2026-27 school year. Following a successful silent phase, the Teen Center: Next Chapter capital campaign has already secured 62% of its fundraising goal, and the club is now inviting the broader community to help bring the project across the finish line.

“The staff at the club has done amazing things following COVID-19, rebuilding connections and bringing teens back into the building,” said Jim Irwin, chair of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield board of directors. “It was imperative to us, as a board, that we continue supporting that momentum and make this investment in a space that truly meets the needs of our teens.”

Community members, businesses, and organizations are invited to learn more and make an investment at Teen Center: Next Chapter, or contact Sullivan at (413) 562-2301 or bsullivan@bgcwestfield.org with questions or to schedule a tour.