JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Teens at the Boys and Girls Club of Central Mississippi Sykes Unit got a renovated teen room funded by national rent-to-own company Aaron’s as part of its Safe Space Initiative.
The unveiling ceremony took place at the Sykes Unit in Jackson, where young members saw the completed space for the first time.
Students were involved in selecting the items that now fill the room, including video games, arcade basketball hoops, laptops, rugs, televisions, couches, and furniture.
“I had to go around and, like, rugs, TVs, games, couches, furniture, it all happened. That’s what I asked for,” said Jaylen J., a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Central Mississippi Sykes Unit.
“It looks good, I like it. We are about to have fun,” Jaylen said.
Aaron’s funded the $20,000 renovation project. The company also presented the club with an additional $10,000 check designated for resources and programming.
The Jackson project marks the 69th renovation Aaron’s has completed nationwide since 2015.
“I think it’s beneficial because it’s all going to get used. As you can see now, everybody is playing something and everybody is doing something,” said Denver R., a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Central Mississippi Sykes Unit.
Naomi Jackson, President and CEO of Boys and Girls Club Jackson, said the renovation addresses a broader need for teens in the area.
“We want our teens to be able to have a place that is safe, that they can feel confident in, and also a sense of belonging when they come and there is not a better place than the Boys and Girls Club,” she said.
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