Wheeler Dowe Boys & Girls Club recently celebrated the award of a $25,000 grant from Messer Construction Co. that paves the way for the organization to install a logistical teaching and learning system designed to help children read at grade level, ensure readiness to complete Algebra I before or during high school, and make sure every member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis graduates high school. 

“This grant will allow our Club kids to connect to a world of collaborative learning that sets them up for academic success as they work toward high school graduation,” said Maggie A. Lewis, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis. “We are honored and thankful to Messer for choosing our organization for this amazing opportunity.” 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis provide nationally recognized afterschool and summer programs at each of their 10 locations, serving more than 3,200 members. The organization helps children and youth with homework, awards college scholarships, and provides students with food as well as leadership development advice. In addition, the organization teaches students the value of contributing to their community. 

“I love coming to the club and seeing the kids. Our office is five minutes from here, so it’s a special club to me,” said Messer Operations Vice President Carl Dennin, who’s a Board Member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis. “I’ve seen the changes. I’ve been involved in the other capital projects here, so it’s a big deal to me to see the kids and pour back into them.”  

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis was one of four nonprofit organizations to receive a $25,000 grant as part of the annual Messer Construction Co. Foundation Grant program to address capital improvement needs and support economic inclusion, education, workforce development and/or stewardship efforts in the communities where the company employees live and work.