Catholic Charities Boston’s Teen Center Revitalized by AEC Cares and ConstructConnect

5,000 square feet of new flooring. 150 volunteers. 75 gallons of paint. And one incredible transformation. 

On Wednesday, June 4, Catholic Charities Boston’s Teen Center in Dorchester underwent a remarkable renovation, thanks to the generosity and dedication of 150 volunteers from AEC Cares—a nonprofit that brings together professionals from the architecture, engineering, and construction industries to revitalize spaces in underserved communities, alongside Presenting Sponsor ConstructConnect. 

In a one-day “blitz build,” volunteers worked from morning until night to reimagine the space. They renovated the music, dance, and weight rooms, created a brand-new movie and gaming lounge complete with foosball tables, and outfitted the center with $50,000 worth of new furniture.   

In an interview with CBS News, AEC Cares Board of Directors President Jennifer Johnston shared details on the scope of the project and the team effort that went into it: “We went top to bottom on the Teen Center. We started in the main entryway, painted and primed, and replaced the flooring. We came down in the basement and did lots of painting – all new ceiling tiles, all new lighting and an incredible amount of furniture assembled.” 

Serving more than 300 Boston youth in grades 5-12 after school and during the summer, the Teen Center has long been a safe haven in the Bowdoin-Geneva neighborhood that strives to build teens’ self-esteem while providing the tools needed for academic and personal growth. On Thursday, June 5, the Teens participated in a dramatic reveal of the space, where they had the chance to tour the new center for the first time.  

On Wednesday, volunteers paused their hard work to share in a lunch with project leaders and city officials. Among those in attendance were Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox and Teen Center alums, Boston Police Superintendent Nora Baston and Boston Police Officer Manuel Andrade, who spoke about the profound impact the Teen Center had on them and their community. 

Teen Center member Keila Rosario, who will graduate from Dearborn Academy this month as valedictorian and will be attending Northeastern in the fall on a full scholarship, also shared remarks about her experience. Raised by Cape Verdean parents in Portugal, Keila immigrated to the US in 2021 as a 9th grade student, knowing almost no English. Thanks to the Teen Center, however, she said she not only became fluent in English but also gained a support system that helped her get to where she is today. 

“Having somebody who could help me understand English and who could look at me and say, ‘You’ve got this’ made a huge difference,” said Keila. “I just want to say thank you to everyone who works here. I want to thank each of you sitting here today. You all are creating a safe space for students, especially immigrants. In this place, it’s not only about doing homework or learning. It’s about a community coming together to help each other.” 

Addressing the dozens of volunteers in the room, President and CEO Kelley Tuthill shared heartfelt gratitude to AEC Cares, ConstructConnect, and the dozens of volunteers who made the project possible. 

“For those of you who know the Teen Center so well, you know special things happen here,” said Kelley. “The kids who come here will go on to do awesome things in this world, and because of you, they know someone cares deeply about them and their success.” 

To learn more about how you can support Catholic Charities Boston’s Teen Center, visit our Ways to Give page.  

Related Coverage: Nonprofit Renovates Center for Teenagers in Dorchester (CBS News) | Wake Up Call: Catholic Charities Teen Center (WCVB) 

View photos of the renovation here.