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Renovation of Highland Park Boys & Girls Club: A New Era

Interior of the newly renovated Highland Park Boys & Girls Club showcasing space for youth activities.

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News Summary

The Highland Park Boys & Girls Club is set to undergo a $2 million renovation, rebranding as the Hiram E. Jackson Club. This significant development honors local alumni Hiram E. Jackson while enhancing opportunities for youth and families in the community. With innovative facilities like an Innovation Lab, a Commercial Kitchen, and a Mental Health & Leadership Room, the renovation aims to uplift the community and provide valuable resources for personal and educational growth for local children.

The Transformation of the Highland Park Boys & Girls Club: A Beacon of Hope for Youth

Exciting news has come from Highland Park! The Boys & Girls Club of Highland Park is stepping into a joyous new era with a stunning renovation worth $2 million, giving the facility a fresh identity as the Hiram E. Jackson Club. This remarkable development not only celebrates a prestigious alumnus but also directly enhances the lives of local youth and families.

A Legacy Reimagined

Hiram E. Jackson, who joined the Boys & Girls Club at a tender age of just six in 1971, has spent more than fifty years positively intertwining his life with the community and club. Recognizing his vital contribution, the Boys & Girls Club has made history by renaming this facility in Southeastern Michigan after an African American figure for the first time. It symbolizes a commitment to honoring voices that often go unheard while paving the way for new opportunities for the next generation.

What’s New in the Newly Renovated Space?

With the investment of $2 million primarily sourced from a federal earmark secured in 2022, the renovated Hiram E. Jackson Club is packed with innovative attractions for its young members. Imagine a space buzzing with creativity and education—a place where kids can thrive both personally and academically! Here’s a sneak peek at what’s featured:

Big Sean Studio: Dive into the world of content creation and sound engineering in this state-of-the-art facility!
Commercial Kitchen: A haven dedicated to hands-on training in meal preparation, nutrition, and food safety.
Innovation Lab: Equipped for STEM learning, this lab will introduce kids to the exciting realms of drones, robotics, videography, and coding.
Fashion Studio & Design Space: An area where future designers can explore their creativity through garment construction and sewing.
Esports Lounge: A fun zone for video game creation and tournament hosting, fostering teamwork and strategic thinking.
Mental Health & Leadership Room: Focused on social-emotional growth, this space is vital for developing resilience in young individuals.

Empowering the Community

The renovation brings more than just shiny new facilities; it’s a strategic move to uplift families in the Highland Park area. Driven by projections of a whopping $5 million return on investment for the local economy, the club endeavors to make life easier for families in several ways:

$3.7 million: Anticipated savings for families through reduced childcare expenses.
$100,000: Estimated annual youth wages thanks to engaging in Industry Clubs.
$625,000: Savings on snacks and meals across different locations.
$484,000: Cost savings in incarceration, addressing the crucial need for preventive measures to deter at-risk youth from the justice system.
$100,000: Support allocated for small businesses through affordable workspace solutions.

Driving Change

Once struggling with financial difficulties, including more than $1 million in debt and the deterioration of previous facilities, this renovation marks a significant turnaround for the Boys & Girls Club. Its success derives from a collective effort to bind community support with innovative programming. In fact, the club has been serving around 11,000 kids each year with various programs focusing on technology, sports, and the arts, proving that with the right support, our youth can truly shine.

Conclusion

The renovation at the Highland Park Boys & Girls Club reshapes the landscape for youth empowerment and community resilience. With this fresh start under the new name of Hiram E. Jackson Club, the facility stands poised to continue serving its vital role, inspiring countless young minds to dream big and reach for the stars.