SAUGUS — The town could see the opening of a new teen center focused on teaching career-ready skills, character, and leadership development as early as 2024 if Congress approves U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton’s recent $900,000 allocation request.
The center would also house a science lab, maker space, and mental health services. Moulton’s request, which also seeks to provide funding for the expansion of the Boys and Girls Club of Stoneham and Wakefield, is included in the U.S. House fiscal year 2023 Appropriations Subcommittee bills. These bills serve as the primary mechanism for federal program funding each year.
“I’m thrilled that the projects I submitted have cleared the first hurdle in securing funding through the appropriations process,” Moulton said in a statement. “I hope that my colleagues in Congress can work together to pass the FY 2023 appropriations bills in a timely manner so that our communities can receive these critical investments.”
Boys and Girls Club of Stoneham and Wakefield executives gave Moulton a tour of the facility Tuesday while discussing the potential grant. Chief Development Officer Anthony Guardia said the new Saugus teen center would closely resemble the Stoneham and Wakefield facility which serves 100 to 200 kids and teens per day.
Saugus Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano said he hopes Congress approves Moulton’s funding request. He also said Saugus could use the money and its teens could use the resources. He added that he thinks highly of the Stoneham and Wakefield facility.
“It keeps the kids safe and gives them something to do after school rather than just playing video games,” Cogliano said. “We certainly don’t have many additional funds in town so if the state is going to find some funding, that is fantastic.”
Boys and Girls Clubs of Stoneham and Wakefield CEO Adam Rodgers said Moulton’s allocation request, if approved, could shrink the Saugus teen center construction timeline from five years to one.
He also emphasized the importance of providing teens mental health resources as soon as possible. Rodgers said staff has seen a rise in children struggling with their social and mental health since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“They’ve been isolated for the last few years and their social skills aren’t as good as they could be,” Rodgers said. “They need adults they can trust and a place where they can be themself. That’s what we do.”
Before he left the Stoneham and Wakefield facility Tuesday, Moulton spoke with about 20 teens who are a part of the Boys and Girls Club summer programming about the potential grant and the importance he places on maintaining a local perspective.
“My whole motivation for going to Congress was because I felt like a lot of these members of Congress in Washington were making these decisions that affected our lives on the ground and they really had no understanding of what it was really like,” Moulton said. “I try to bring that perspective when we’re making a big decision like funding.”
Rachel Barber can be reached at [email protected].
