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Niagara Falls, NY – The City of Niagara Falls and the Niagara Falls Boys & Girls Club are partnering to launch a “Night Gym” pilot program designed specifically for local youth ages 16–18.
(Editor's note: Most of this article comes from a press release from E3 Communications which did not mention a few things. 1) Newly elected councilperson Bridgette Myles brought the night gym initiative to the city as a campaign promise after reminiscing about the positive impact it had on her childhood and 2) The program was approved to first launch first at 3 schools in the district 3) The program is in cooperation with the Niagara Falls Police Department and school district and will be in part funded by the GIVE grant which is an initiative credited with contributing to the drastic drop in gun-involved violence in the city over the last several years.)
Participants will have access to a range of structured and supervised activities, including team sports, fitness programming, and recreational opportunities, as well as select creative activities. More details of the program will be announced in the coming weeks.
“We have enjoyed a collaborative partnership with the Niagara Falls Boys & Girls Club over the years, and this initiative reflects our continued commitment to developing innovative solutions that provide meaningful opportunities for our young people,” said City of Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino. “Creating safe, structured environments is essential to supporting the social, emotional, and physical well-being of our teens and young adults.”
The Niagara Falls Boys & Girls Club is a cornerstone youth-serving organization in the community, providing safe, supportive spaces where young people can build skills, form positive relationships, and prepare for future success. Through a range of programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character development, the Club serves hundreds of youth annually across multiple sites throughout the city.
The partnership between the Niagara Falls Boys & Girls Club and the City of Niagara Falls is working towards being able to provide the Night Gym pilot program at no cost to participants, ensuring accessibility for teens who may benefit most from extended evening programming.
“This program is intentionally designed for teens at a critical stage of independence and decision-making,” said Rebecca Vincheski, CEO of the Niagara Falls Boys & Girls Club. “By creating a safe, engaging space during evening hours, we’re giving 16- to 18-year-olds positive options for how they spend their time, while also helping them build confidence, stay active, and remain connected to supportive mentors and peers.”
