JCPenney grants $7.5K to local Boys & Girls Clubs

By PBN Staff

PROVIDENCE – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence will benefit from a $7,500 access grant through a partnership with JCPenney. The grant will assist the Clubs in providing after-school programs for Providence youth.

“The availability of affordable afterschool programs continues to be an important community objective in order to meet the needs of working parents and provide endless opportunities to our local youth,” said Nicole Dufresne, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence. “Participating in an after-school program not only keeps kids safe, it engages them in a positive learning environment that helps them reach their full potential in life.”

JCPenney has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America since 1999. It also provides support to youth programs run by the YMCA of the USA, National 4-H and FIRST. So far, JCPenney has donated more than $30 million to after-school programs.

“While much work remains to be done to address the growing needs of America’s youth who have no place to go after school, this long-term partnership is a powerful model for ensuring that great futures begin at the Boys & Girls Clubs,” said Bethany Blanchard, manager of JCPenney’s Providence Place location. “We at JCPenney are excited to be a part of strengthening the future of our communities.”