MASSENA -- The establishment of a Boys and Girls Club in Massena took another step forward Friday when Assemblywoman Addie Russell announced she has submitted a request for $250,000 through the Community Capital Assistance Program.

The funds are to be used toward completing the payment for the Bayley Road building and property that will house Massena’s Club and the needed renovations, according to Timmy Currier, Massena Boys and Girls Club board president.

“This is such wonderful news for the community and the Boys & Girls Club of Massena,” said Currier in a prepared statement. “We know how anxious everyone is to see this Club open … these funds will have a significant impact in helping us to achieve that.”

The board president says he anticipates the club to open part-time in October, in partnership with the Massena Central School District. They will shift to full-time operation by Sept. 2015. That transition period will both allow the proper time to develop the programming and accomplish renovation work.

The Boys and Girls Club of Massena Steering Committee was formed in late 2012 to research the need for a club, how feasible it is for Massena, and to map out a course for opening. The organization has since become a not-for-profit corporation, receiving designation as a 501(C)3 charity and is overseen by a 20-member Board of Directors, Currier said.

Over the past year, the group has worked an awareness campaign with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. They have been pursuing outside funding and defining initial programming for the first group of club kids.

Through the generosity of area residents, businesses and groups, more than $72,000 in donations have been raised and an additional $70,000 in pledges made in just the past year. The club was also recently awarded an RVRDA grant for $55,000, according to Currier.

“Today, we celebrate the steps Massena has been able to achieve toward making this Club a reality. Our kids are counting on us to succeed. And, thanks to the efforts of Assemblywoman Russell – coupled with the continuing support of the community – we get closer every day to meeting our commitment to those kids,” Currier said.

For more information on the Boys & Girls Club of Massena or to learn how one can become involved, go to www.BGCMassena.org or email info@BGCMassena.org.