Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod breaks ground on new 10,000 s/f J.C. Galbraith Teen Center

Mashpee, MA Local dignitaries, community leaders, and supporters gathered at the Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod to officially break ground on the new J.C. Galbraith Teen Center. The 10,000 s/f facility, located adjacent to the existing Kraft Family Clubhouse at 31 Frank E. Hicks Dr., marks a historic expansion of services for the region’s youth.

The project is fueled by a $6 million capital campaign to date, anchored by a lead gift from local resident and retired club volunteer Richard Galbraith. The center is named in honor of his grandfather, J.C. Galbraith.

“This Club has always been a second home for so many kids, and seeing this vision finally take shape is a dream come true,” said Galbraith. “My grandfather believed in the power of opportunity, and I can’t think of a better way to honor his legacy than by giving the teens of Cape Cod a world-class space where they can find their path, their voice, and their future.”

The ceremony also featured a significant announcement from state senator Dylan Fernandes and state representative David Vieira, who pledged $75,000 in state funding. These funds underscore the Commonwealth’s commitment to expanding educational and mental health resources for the Mashpee community.

The Teen Center will fulfill a critical need for local youth, providing them with mental health counseling, homework support and assistance with college applications and career readiness, as well as recreational activities. The Center will be equipped with an education room, a music room with a recording studio, an art room, a full kitchen and snack bar, game room, health and fitness room and an indoor basketball court.

The ceremony also highlighted several unique in-kind donations, including a library of signed first-edition books from best-selling authors with local ties, including Casey Sherman, William Martin, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Joseph Finder, and Dave Wedge. Additionally, the Boston Celtics contributed a jersey autographed by Brad Stevens to display at the Center. NWN is further supporting the Center by designing a custom AI curriculum and consulting on the critical technology infrastructure for the new facility.

“We are officially off the sidelines and into the dirt, thanks to the visionary support of donors like Dick Galbraith, Senator Fernandes and Representative Vieira for earmarking $75,000 for this project,” said Jim Kiley, President of the Board of Directors. “While today is a celebration, it’s also a kickoff. We have a little over 2 million left to raise to fully realize this long-awaited dream, and I’m confident the Cape Cod community will help us cross that finish line.”

Ruth Provost, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod, emphasized the long-term impact of the expansion:

“For years, we’ve seen our teens outgrow the existing Clubhouse, yet they still need our support more than ever. This Center ensures that no child ‘ages out’ of a safe environment. By signing a 99-year lease with the Town of Mashpee, we are making a century-long promise to this community that our youth will always have a place to belong.”

Delphi Construction has been awarded the contract for the project, which was designed by architect Henry Arnaudo of HPA Design. The J.C. Galbraith Teen Center is expected to open its doors in February 2027.

The Club is currently seeking remaining financial contributions, as well as in-kind donations ranging from building materials to interior décor and recreational amenities that will bring the new facility to life. Naming opportunities within the new facility are still available for interested donors.