City of Binghamton Allocates Funds for Binghamton Boys & Girls Clubs Upgrades

The Binghamton Boys and Girls Clubs are getting $100,000 for improvements to the gym and to buy a van to transport children to the facility on Clinton Street.   

Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham announced the capital upgrades are the first funding allocation though the City’s new one-million dollar youth fund.

In addition to improvements to the gym floor and lights, there will be upgrades to sports fields for the children. 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Binghamton provide after-school and summer programming, study spaces and equipment and support for educational programs.

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The Executive Director of the Binghamton club, Marybeth Smith says the funds will help keep the facility and services functioning at a high level. 

The Mayor announced during his 2023 City Budget Address last month that the City would be using a portion of its American Rescue Plan Act funds to set up a one-million dollar youth fund.  That fund is designed to help develop and preserve programs and services supporting children and teenagers in the City of Binghamton. 

The Boys Club in Binghamton was created in 1904. But the Binghamton Boys & Girls Clubs, which began in 1974, was the first combined Boys & Girls Club created in the United States according to the organization’s website. It’s current location, a sprawling facility at 90 Clinton Street, opened in 2009. 

The Club states its mission is “To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.” 

Officials say many of the children who use the facilities come from unsupportive and, sometimes, unsafe environments but can find a shelter and opportunities at the First Ward facility.