PROVIDENCE – As phase one of a more than $15 million effort to transform the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence’s Wanskuck Clubhouse moves forward, a group of teens were given an early look at the space and explored careers in the construction field.
The 60-minute walkthrough and “Toolbox Talk” was led by Dimeo Construction, which is managing what is the most significant project in the long history of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence (BGCP).
BGCP broke ground on phase one of the project last November. Along with modernizing the infrastructure of its oldest and largest building, BGCP is creating a new workforce development innovation center that’ll encompass the entire ground floor. The space will feature career pathways for the construction trades, healthcare, and technology industries, and will be augmented by virtual reality training capabilities.
“As the transformation of Wanskuck takes shape, what’s most exciting is how it’s already creating opportunities for teens engaged in our workforce programs,” said Nicole Dufresne, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence. “Being able to walk them through this space while it’s under construction and connect them directly with Dimeo brings these career pathways to life in a powerful way. It helps them see not just what’s possible here, but where they can see themselves in the future.”
The Dimeo presentation and Q&A was led by Nick Bitsis, a construction project manager with the company who is also overseeing the multi-pronged phase one work at Wanskuck. In addition to opening teens’ eyes to the gamut of the many industry professionals needed for projects of this scope, Bitsis shared a “fly-through” video that gave them a sense of what the clubhouse will look like once fully complete. The video was created by the project’s design firm, n|e|m|d architects, inc.
Yabrielys Contreras, a junior at Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School in Providence, was among the teens to get a first look of Wanskuck in its current state. The 16-year-old, who has participated in BGCP’s Youth Development Associate program working with youth members, found the experience eye-opening.
“I’ve never been part of something like this before, it’s really cool learning about all the different jobs and opportunities,” said Yabriely. “I love working with kids but I’m also interested in trying all the programs that will be offered at Wanskuck. This is the kind of place where I want to be.”
Beyond the $10.8 million of phase one upgrades currently in progress, additional planned projects include a new education center; expanded childcare capacity for working families; a state-of-the-art teen center, dance studio and music lab; improvements to the gymnasium; and a rooftop patio. The clubhouse’s indoor pool also will be made fully ADA-accessible following installation of the building’s first elevator. BGCP has set a goal of raising an additional $6 million to complete these upgrades.
Upon reopening in early 2027 after phase one renovations, the Wanskuck Clubhouse will serve 200 youth per week through childcare and workforce programs. Once the full project is complete, the building will serve upwards of 1,000 children and teens weekly, and offer workforce training to more than 500 middle and high school students annually.
The sweeping renovations are being funded by a capital campaign led by longtime supporters Lisa Bisaccia and Dr. Robert Naparstek, and a $2 million federal earmark secured by Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the 150+ year history of BGCP, which is the longest continuously operating Boys & Girls Club in the United States.
“This project is about far more than bricks and mortar, it’s about strengthening the foundation for children, teens, and working families across Providence,” said Lisa Bisaccia, campaign co-chairperson. “The transformation of the Wanskcuck Clubhouse will have a lasting impact on the stability and success of our community. We’re deeply grateful to the many donors and partners whose generosity is already bringing this vision to life.”
Added fellow Naparstek, as co-chairperson, “At the same time, we know there is more work ahead. Continued philanthropic support will be essential to fully realize everything that’s in store. Great futures truly start here, and this is an investment in stronger families, a more prepared workforce, and creating long-term opportunity in our state.”
