Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine, a  cornerstone of the community for over 115 years, plans to expand its Cumberland Avenue location as part of a proposed Greater Portland Youth Campus. Building on previous public  announcements, BGCSM is advancing planning efforts that include renovations to the existing site and the development of a 13,000 square-foot “Bridge to Success Center”, a  state-of-the-art hub for teens from communities across southern Maine, pending required  approvals. This transformative project will double capacity, allowing up to 500 kids and teens to be supported daily.

… In an innovative partnership with Avesta Housing, BGCSM is donating land on Cedar Street, where Avesta will develop up to 30 new homes, replacing more housing than what is being removed during construction. Avesta Housing is the largest nonprofit affordable housing  provider in northern New England and has been developing and managing quality,  affordable homes for more than 50 years. “Part of our responsibility as long-time stewards  in our community is to do what we can to not only support our youth but also make sure we  contribute to the viability of our community. Housing is an issue many of our members and  their families face, and we are proud to partner with Avesta in a collaborative effort to strengthen our community,” Cooper added