The Boys and Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas will open a new free teen center at its Lufkin clubhouse on Wednesday, Oct. 22, President and CEO Sheila Youngblood said this week.
The teen center is one of three projects branded “Makeover to Takeover” that address about 10 years of deferred maintenance on buildings the Lufkin clubhouse has owned for roughly 30 years. The center will include an academic space with tutors, a lounge with gaming and a pool table and a workout gym. The former boxing area at the front of the property is being converted into “At the Club After Hours,” which can hold as many as 150 teens at a time. The club is also rebranding its gym with partner Angelina College and starting renovations this week on its “Panda Room.” Total planned renovations at the Lufkin campus over the next two years will run a little over $500,000, Youngblood said.
The Lufkin clubhouse currently enrolls 250 to 300 students, with average daily attendance around 200. Youngblood said the club is also talking with Lufkin ISD about an expanded partnership to replace services students lost when the district’s federal ACE after-school program ended, with a possible spring 2027 start. Angelina County families with teens who want more information on enrollment, hours and the Oct. 22 opening can reach the Lufkin clubhouse through the Boys and Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas website at bgcdet.org.
Sources:
KTRE
Boys and Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas - Lufkin
Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce