Posted by Jennifer Iacovelli on Aug 23, 2018
The Rotary Club of Brunswick has been awarded a $5000 grant to purchase nine laptop computers, mouses and a securable computer charging cabinet for the Brunswick Teen Center. This competitively awarded Rotary District 7780 grant was approved mid-July and awarded based on its quality and positive community impact.  The $5000 check was presented to Jordan Cardone, Teen Center Director, and Stacy Frizzle, Executive Director of People Plus/Teen Center during the August 20 Rotary meeting. A following ceremony at The Teen Center unveiled the new computers to the delight of the teens.
The Teen Center serves Brunswick and adjacent towns, and serves 40-50 teens per month, a sharp increase in attendance over the same time last year.  The welcoming space includes nutritious snacks, adult supervision and social interaction with other teens. Ensuring sufficient and appropriate computers (configured for homework, internet research, social networking and gaming) are available for the increased teen population will facilitate regular attendance by teens as well as support the development of this vulnerable population into technologically educated young adults. Providing age appropriate technology through these computers will encourage more teens to come to the Teen Center and remain for the afternoon, a nice benefit for both their parents (less worry!) as well as the greater community.
 
The additional equipment has facilitated the expansion of the teen center to the first floor of People Plus; in addition to its original location on the second floor, the new equipment will be situated on the first floor. The Teen Center is hiring an additional staff member to support this expansion.
 
The Rotary Club of Brunswick meets Mondays at noon (except the last week of month) at The Daniel Hotel Restaurant, 10 Water Street, Brunswick, ME.  
 
For more information, contact Carolyn Bulliner, cbulliner@yahoo.com, or Stacy Frizzle, 207-729-0757.