New Boys & Girls Club Opens Its Doors In Harlem

NEW YORK, NY – A new Boys & Girls Club has opened in Harlem.

The latest club, which offers after school, Saturday and summer youth development programs to young people aged 6 to 18, opened at 250 Bradhurst Avenue.

The ribbon cutting ceremony on June 6 was attended by Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Assemblyman Al Taylor, local NYPD officers and executive members of Madison Square Boys & Girls Club.

The facility is named in honor of the Pinkerton Foundation, an organization "dedicated to improving the lives of young people in poor neighborhoods throughout New York City by helping them develop the skills, self-reliance and strong values necessary to live up to their full potential," according to its website.

The foundation gave an endowment which will fund a wide-range of the programming at the new Harlem Clubhouse.

The 45,000 square-foot facility includes educational space, a soccer field, basketball court, music and production studio's, a screening room, and a digital media and technology lab.

"The opening of Madison Square Boys & Girls Club's Pinkerton Clubhouse in Harlem represents an exciting opportunity to help empower the area's young people and create a safe and healthy environment for them to learn and grow," said Tim McChristian, Madison Square Boys & Girls Club Director.

"Our expansion into Harlem — one of New York City's most vibrant, yet under-resourced communities — will advance Madison's mission to save and enhance the lives of New York City youth."

The Pinkerton Clubhouse is expected start welcoming kids next month.