State Street Community Church is a nonprofit organization operating a variety of programs and facilities that provide free community services, including the Pax Center, Pax Center Garden and Jackson Street Community Garden. It’s newest addition, Brighton Street Green Space, features an education building and gardens in a park-like setting.

BGCLPC is a nonprofit youth development organization currently operating afterschool Clubs at 5 locations throughout Michigan City, Westville and Kingsford Heights, in addition to a popular summer camp. The organization recently announced plans for expansion to La Porte, beginning with a new Club at Lincoln Elementary School on January 17. The new Brighton Street Boys & Girls Club will be part of this initiative.

“We could not be more excited about this partnership, or this unique location,” says Michelle Shirk, BGCLPC Chief Executive Officer. “This will be a completely new type of Club for our organization. The onsite Brighton Street gardens and nearby Pax Center will provide amazing opportunities to enhance the community service, healthy lifestyles and family engagement components of our programming.”

The Brighton Street Club is expected to operate seasonally from March through May, and from August through October. Club members in kindergarten through fourth grades will enjoy afterschool snacks, academic support, physical activities, arts & crafts and much more from 3:15 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. All BGCLPC programs are offered completely free of charge to ensure accessibility. The organization’s Phase II Expansion is made possible thanks in part to support from the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte.

“Anytime we can partner with an agency like Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County to do good work for our friends and neighbors, we are ecstatic about the potential,” says Nate Loucks, President and CEO of the Pax Center. “We build our facilities to serve and better our communities. It's going to be an ideal collaboration for that goal.”

The Brighton Street Club will launch on March 6 with online pre-registration beginning approximately one month prior. Individuals interested in program details or employment opportunities can visit www.bgclpc.org or contact Sally Gabric, Area Director - Westville/La Porte at (219) 873-2298 for more information.

Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County is a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a nationwide affiliation of 4,100 autonomous Club organizations.