CUMBERLAND, RI – In an effort to help the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Rhode Island continue to strengthen and expand programming and services for local youth, U.S. Senator Jack Reed and Congressman Gabe Amo teamed up to deliver an $850,000 federal earmark to support a renovation project at the Cumberland-Lincoln Clubhouse and Grounds.

Senator Reed and Congressman Amo today joined with Governor Dan McKee, BGCNRI President & CEO Gary Rebelo, students, staff, and community members to discuss how the renovation will help the organization bolster its ability to serve as a critical community space for local youth, providing out-of-school opportunities for fun, fitness, recreation, and education.

“Every dollar invested in the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Rhode Island makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children and our community. The Cumberland-Lincoln Clubhouse is a place where all kids are welcome. And the $850,000 federal earmark that Congressman Amo and I are celebrating today will support critical renovations and expansion to ensure no child is turned away because of a lack of space or programming,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee.

“Since 1956, the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Rhode Island has been serving youth in our state,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “Today, we build on that legacy through $850,000 in federal funding to renovate the Cumberland-Lincoln Clubhouse — ensuring that it continues to deliver for the 2,600 young people who rely on it for out-of-school programming. I thank Senator Jack Reed for his leadership and partnership in securing this transformative investment for our community.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the $850,000 federal earmark awarded for renovations to our Cumberland-Lincoln Clubhouse. This funding, secured with the invaluable support of Senator Reed and Congressman Amo, will allow us to enhance our facilities and better serve the youth in our community. Their dedication to our mission and the future of our children is truly commendable. We look forward to creating an even more vibrant and supportive environment where our members can thrive,” said Gary Rebelo, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Rhode Island. 

Reed and Amo helped pass the earmark as part of the fiscal year 2024 appropriations law.  The federal funds will support renovation of the clubhouse and surrounding grounds which serve more than 2,600 youth from all backgrounds each year.  

BGCNRI now needs to complete federal compliance documentation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) before the funds can be expended. 

The Cumberland-Lincoln Clubhouse, established in February 1956, provides various youth development programs and services for families in Northern Rhode Island. It offers before and after-school child care, enrichment activities, and athletic programs. The facility includes dedicated teen space, an accredited summer camp, a baseball field, and indoor and outdoor basketball courts.

Governor Dan McKee’s father, James, was a founder of the club and a plaque honoring him adorns the outside of the building, along the street that also bears his name. A former mayor of Cumberland, McKee, who attended the club as a youth, went on to serve as president of the club, became a member of the Board of the club, and was instrumental in expanding the club’s offerings, helping it to become the Boys and Girls Club.