Thanks to the recognized trajectory of Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico
In commemoration of the twelfth anniversary of its center in Loíza serving the local community, Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico (BGCPR) announced the opening of its Resilient Center, thanks to the $150,000 Hermanas Carvajal-Fuertes Award, in recognition of BGCPR’s consistent commitment to serving disadvantaged communities. A significant step in the organization’s steadfast commitment to the well-being of the Loíza community.
The celebration led by Boys & Girls Club of Loíza’s 2023 Youth of the Year, Jandiel Allende, was adorned by artistic performances from Club participants, as well as the presence of the Loíza municipal band, as well as the 2024 Boys & Girls Club’s Youth of the Year, Kendrick Casanova.
Gabreil Hernández, Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico’s Operation Director, shared that “the Resilient Center not only represents a physical structure but a tangible symbol of the relationship we have had with Loíza for the past 12 years. It is a testimony to the incredible resilience and determination of this community.”
“Since 2011, Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico has positively impacted over 8,196 children, youth, and families in various communities, including Colobó, Las Carreras, Villa Cristiana, Tocones, Viequez, Melilla, Miñi Miñi, Parcelas Suárez, Santillana, Jobos, Loíza Gardens, El Cabo, Mamey, Las Casitas, La 23, Residencial Yiquiyú, among others. The organization has provided comprehensive services covering academic, socio-emotional, well-being, socio-economic, recreational, sports, leadership development, personal future planning, and our renowned Arts program,” added Hernández.
Some notable achievements in recent years include responding to adverse situations such as Hurricanes Irma and Maria through the Food Program, which has distributed over 45,000 hot meals. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the organization transformed its services into a virtual offering, ensuring that children were minimally affected. Additionally, a Technological Support Center was established to ensure virtual access to education.
The Resilient Center in Loíza is equipped to provide immediate assistance and essential services in case of adverse events. Its facilities include a resilient laundry room, waiting area, refrigerator for medications and breast milk, dining room with water source, cooler, and receptacles for charging cell phones, respiratory therapy machines, emergency laptops, a 1,600-gallon cistern, and a 103kv industrial generator. The kitchen, operated with gas and solar panels, has the capacity to produce 500 meals daily. The staff is trained in Psychological First Aid.
The Director of Operations expressed gratitude to the staff and more than 20 professionals who contribute daily to the Club’s development. He also extended thanks to community members, volunteers, and collaborators, with special recognition to Mayor Julia Nazario for her trust and support.
Gabriel Hernández concluded, “Together, we have built a brighter and more promising future for Loíza, and we are pleased to continue this journey of positive impact in the community.”
For more information about BGCPR follow in social media or visit bgcpr.org. To contribute visit donate.bgcpr.org or use ATHMóvil with the pATH/BoysandGirlsClubsdePR.