A new center under construction on the north end of Fairbury will serve both the young and old as a place of learning, mentorship and simply enjoying life.
The spot which will house the Intergenerational Center Boys & Girls Club along Seventh Street was the site of a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday morning.
“Our vision to build this center is exactly the right thing to do,” said Jodi Martin, CEO for the Boys & Girls Club of Livingston County.
Martin thanked her dedicated staff for running the various sites throughout the county and shared her excitement for a place where youth and seniors can connect, learn and thrive together. Martin pointed to research which shows intergenerational programming can enhance the different generations.
“We can make and build a better community,” Martin stated.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly was instrumental in securing dollars for the center. Kelly acknowledged learning is a two-way street and that this will be a sharing of wisdom.
“Not every child has someone to guide and mentor them,” explained Kelly. That’s why this center is so important.”
State Representative Jason Bunting of the 106th District said kids in Livingston County are healthier and better prepared for the years ahead due to the work of the club.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you have done to get us here today.”
Deb Karch, chief of staff for State Representative Dennis Tipsword, admitted projects such as this are personal for her.
“I’m proud of all of this because I’m a resident of Livingston County too,” said Karch.
Boys & Girls Club board member and Streator Chief of Police John Franklin said the organization and kids really need everyone’s support. He wants to see further expansion of the club’s reach.
“I wish we had a place like this in Streator,” observed Franklin. “You’ll never know what it means to have a place for kids to exercise not only their bodies but their minds.”
The chief of staff from State Senator Tom Bennett’s Office, Morgan Caracci, thanked everyone in the community for investing in this project.
“The seeds we are planting now are the future.”
Vice president for the club’s board of directors, Scott Phares, gave the morning’s closing remarks. He noted the club is not just breaking ground but celebrating a bold vision from just a couple of years ago.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to our donors,” said Phares.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, officials headed out to the dirt with shovels for the ceremonial first scoop of dirt.
Work is progressing nicely at the site this summer as the foundation is being laid on the new center. Building completion is anticipated in the first quarter of 2025 and $3.9 million has been raised so far out of the $6.4 million goal.
The current Boys & Girls Club in the Stafford building on First Street will remain a teen center while the new one will include youth and senior citizens as it will serve a dual purpose as a senior center.
Donations can be made at www.bgcolc.org.
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