Boys & Girls Club receives grant for new club

FARMINGTON — The Boys & Girls Club of Farmington has received a $1,000 grant to start a newly chartered Keystone Club.

Aaron's Foundation provided the grant, according to a press release. The foundation is an outreach arm of Aaron's Inc., which leases and sells furniture, electronics and appliances.
Aaron's Foundation in 2015 announced a three-year, $5 million commitment to the Keystone program nationwide.

This year, the foundation will offer 20 start-up grants to help clubs, like the one in Farmington, according to a statement from Aaron's Inc. CEO John Robinson.

The Keystone Club is a program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America that focuses on building teenagers' character and addressing social issues, the release states.

The program aims to "inspire service and leadership" for those ages 14 to 18, according to the press release. Teens focus on community service, academic success, career preparation and teen outreach.

"We believe teens have a great opportunity to make great change in their communities," said Maria Tarajano-Rodman, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Farmington, in a prepared statement. "From helping at the local senior center and the animal shelter, to 'Award Bucks' at The Club, we can’t wait to see what our teen members will achieve as part of our newly chartered Keystone Club."