MASSENA – Massena is one step closer to establishing a Boys & Girls Club after securing a $55,000 grant from the River Valley Redevelopment Agency’s community development program.

Under the direction of Timmy Currier volunteers are working to establish Boys & Girls Club of America program in Massena in the former St. Joseph’s Social Hall.

Currier says the club could provide a safe, welcoming, positive place for children in Massena and the surrounding area.

Educational recreational, arts and technological programs will be provided.

The group plans to purchase a vacant building, rehabilitate and remodel it, then furnish it for use as the Boys & Girls Club.

A full time executive director, a full time program director and four other part-time staff members will be hired to operate the club to provide a varied array of programs for all youth ages 6 to 18 in the greater Massena area.

One 500 square foot room will be constructed to assist students with homework. Another room will be constructed as a technology lab with 15 computer seats.

A third room will be constructed for use as an art room.

The remaining 4,500 square feet will be a multipurpose area with areas for games and light recreation. Outside will have basketball courts, softball diamond and field and other more strenuous recreation amenities.

The entrances and interior facilities will be remodeled to provide handicapped accessibility.