Leaders at the Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown cut the ribbon on $1.5 million  worth of renovations at it's after school hub on the south side of Youngstown Thursday afternoon.

"We have more space for teens, we have more space for our young children, new tables and it's been such a long time coming," said councilwoman Samantha Turner, also on the executive committee for B.C.G.C.

Grant and state funding was secured by Ohio Mental Health & Recovery Board of Mahoning County, State Senator Al Cutrona, along with businesses and donors that gifted money and work, aided the project to completion.

Some of the other upgrades included a computer lab, including Apple Computers, art room, teen lounge, expanded gaming area and a revamped basketball gym. 

"Making sure that our kids have a safe space to land and that they have somewhere to go and they have someone to listen to. We know that kids need us most and we want to be here to open up the door for our kids," said Edna Edmonds, operations director at the Boys & Girls Club. 

Leaders spoke about the importance of the after school program, and that hours following the end of school are typically the most dangerous for an unsupervised child.

Another project to build a community park is in the works too. The program's executive director hopes the ripple effect is the beginning of a renaissance.

"That we could have affordable housing with a wonderful youth center, wonderful park on a transit line," said Jim Bird, executive director at B.C.G.C.

The Boys & Girls Club welcomed back members for the reopening ceremony Thursday night, and the facility will resume normal operation after months of renovations starting Monday, December 15.