On March, 28 2018, Atlanta Emerging Markets, Inc. (AEMI) closed on a $10 million 新市场税收抵免 transaction to support the construction of the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta’s new 25,000-square-foot facility in southwest Atlanta.

The building is scheduled to be completed later this year, 一旦它打开, the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) will be able to bring innovative, arts-focused youth development programming to Atlanta’s 的西区 neighborhoods. 

The facility, located at 434 Peeples St. SW, will have an emphasis on engaging teens through the arts to achieve positive youth development outcomes. It replaces the currently outdated and underutilized John Harland facility and will be the first Club of its kind for emphasis on arts programming. The dedicated arts spaces will include music and film studios, visual arts studio and gallery, 舞蹈工作室, 制造商的空间, graphic design and tech lab, 还有一个口语caf.  

All this will be open and accessible to all BGCMA members. The organization was founded in 1938 and currently operates 25 locations across metro Atlanta.  They serve 9,000 unique members annually and see 3,500 individuals daily. Programming revolves around three core areas: academic success, 健康的生活方式, and character/leadership. Eighty-four of their funds are spent on programming, and member fees are only $50 per school year, which can be waived for financial need. The Club has seen strong results, as at the close of the 2015-2016 school year 95% of 6th-12th grade members were on track to graduate high school on time.  

The Boys and Girls club projects that 225 individuals will be served at this facility daily, up from the current total of 131 daily, 和1,100 individuals will be served annually. They will also look to partner on additional programming with Atlanta Public Schools, 伍德拉夫艺术中心, 竹荚鱼, 并且在圣灵里行动.  

Photo Credit: Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta