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Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston and Mayor Thomas Menino, today joined Tiziana Dearing, President of the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston, Jack Connors, Chairman of the Campaign for Catholic Schools and M.L. Carr, former Boston Celtic and CEO of WARM2Kids to celebrate a $4 million renovation to the Teen Center at St. Peter’s.
The renovations, which include a new computer lab and youth development program provided by WARM2Kids, were made possible through the support of the Campaign for Catholic Schools, the 2010 Initiative for Catholic Education, and the Yawkey Foundation. The Teen Center at St. Peter’s offers Boston youth a safe environment in which to focus on academics and recreation during after-school hours.
“Our city needs more places like the Teen Center, where our youth can learn and grow in a safe, nurturing, and fun environment,” said Mayor Thomas Menino. “I am grateful to Catholic Charities and the Campaign for Catholic Schools for their commitment to this neighborhood, especially during these times when resources are so scarce.”
A portion of the $15 million grant to the Campaign for Catholic Schools from the Yawkey Foundation was used to support the recent renovations. Teens will enjoy a new library, classrooms, a gymnasium and kitchen as well as a recreation room, dance studio and family center.
Amidst many upgrades to the Teen Center facilities, a key component of today’s unveiling is the Connors Family Learning Center. Donated by Jack Connors, the center includes a state-of-the-art computer lab complete with access to WARM2Kids, an online information resource and e-learning tool focused on teen issues and character development for youth. Founded by Celtics legend, M.L. Carr, WARM2Kids uses expert-approved articles and celebrity interviews to engage and inspire teens.
“We are thrilled to support the Teen Center and provide an important resource for Boston youth and families,” said M.L. Carr, President and CEO of WARM2Kids.
The Teen Center at St. Peter’s aims to increase teens’ self-esteem while providing the tools needed for academic and community success. Teen Center members stay in school with a graduation rate of 100% and the majority have gone on to attend college. Members have a good relationship with the community and law enforcement officials and as a result, a decreased rate of teen pregnancies and gang participation.
“We hope that the new and improved Teen Center will further the great work already taking place there every day,” said Jack Connors, Chairman of the Campaign for Catholic Schools.
The Catholic Charities Teen Center at St. Peter’s is part of a collaboration wit St. Peter’s School and the Bowdoin Street After-School Program. The three programs, all housed in St. Peter’s School, have worked together to serve the families of the Bowdoin Street neighborhood for five years. The newly renovated facility coupled with the addition of the Connors Family Learning Center and WARM2Kids programs will continue to create opportunities for underserved youth.
About WARM2Kids
WARM2Kids (We’re All Role Models 2 Kids) is an online information resource, celebrity role model community and e-learning tool for youth and families. The goal of the organization is to address relevant teen topics by providing members with safe, reliable information about the issues that concern them. The WARM2Kids Learning Center Program provides computer access to participating youth organizations. Through the use of our teen website and character building activities, WARM2Kids Learning Centers impact the social and emotional development of today’s youth and families.
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andrea.carr[.]warm2kids.com 
