Dignitaries, board members, community leaders and supporters all gathered together Oct. 17 at Boys & Girls Village to celebrate the opening of the organization’s new Program Services Building.
The new 15,000 square-foot building will house many of the organization’s community-based services aimed at helping at-risk children and families create healthy developmental pathways. Funding for the building began with a grant awarded from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s Nonprofit Grant Program, with remaining funds provided by Newtown Savings Bank and private donations.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, who spoke at the event, said, “In terms of behavioral health, schooling and physical help, Boys & Girls Village has always been a beacon of hope and opportunity for so many. Coming here is a reaffirmation of the principles and values that make this community and our state great. We are dedicated to the proposition that we leave no one behind.”
Joette Katz, Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families also spoke to the crowd of 100. “There’s nothing more important than serving the children of the state of Connecticut and Boys & Girls Village has been a great partner,” she said. “Buildings like these demonstrate what a partnership can do.”
Awards were presented by Dr. Steven Kant, chief executive officer of the organization, to Board Chair Carol Smith Harker and Vice Chair Joseph Tramuta for their hard work and dedication to the organization.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the occasion, with Kimberly Shaunesey, the organization’s new president, making the official cut. Blumenthal, Katz, Harker, Tramuta, architect John Wicko, Bismark Construction Manager Gregory Raucci, and Ben Florsheim, a representative of Senator Murphy’s office, joined in the ceremony.
State Rep. Pam Staneski presented Kant with an official citation from the Connecticut General Assembly extending best wishes on the occasion from the entire membership.
Refreshments were served with catering provided by Meatball Heaven, one of the organization’s three Work to Learn programs that prepares young adults with job and life skills. Inside the new building, attendees were given tours and saw a “Wall of Progress” exhibit depicting the organization’s 75-year transformation into a leading comprehensive behavioral health agency.
“This is such a seminal moment in this organization,” said Kant. “We’re grateful to this community and our state for its support of Boys & Girls Village and for its commitment to creating better futures for at-risk children and families.”
Boys & Girls Village celebrated the opening Oct. 17 of its new Program Services Building. Bottom row, from left: CEO Dr. Steven Kant, President Kimberly Shaunesey, Department of Children and Families Commissioner Joette Katz, Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Board Chair Carol Smith Harker. Top row from left: Ben Florsheim, a representative for Sen. Chris Murphy, Construction Manager Gregory Raucci, Gino Pelaccia, architect John Wicko and Vice Chair Joseph Tramuta. Photo courtesy of Capitol PhotoInteractive.