MASSENA -- The Massena Boys & Girls Club Steering Committee has begun to take the steps to form a club in Massena, and is meeting again Nov. 1.

The steering committee’s initial meeting was held Oct. 10, when four sub-committee groups were identified:

• Research/Membership, to determine the level of interest and identify specific community needs

• Finance, to research and obtain funding sources to include grants, private funding and other sources

• Facility, to determine and meet the needs of housing the club; and

• Publicity, to keep the public informed of progress.

The committee is working on a community readiness assessment and other aspects of the development phase, which includes creating a leadership group, determining the needs of youth and analyzing the cost of a club.

They are also working on an analysis of the objectives of the project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable or unfavorable to achieve the objective.

“For this club to become a reality, we need community support and community involvement,” said Massena Police Chief Timmy Currier.

Currier is encouraging the entire community to “Join us in this important effort to give our kids a safe place to call their own as we put resources toward the investment of our kids that will build a stronger and safer community in the years to come.”

The next meeting of the Massena Boys and Girls Club Steering Committee and sub-committees is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 in Massena Town Hall.