A Game-Changer for Boys: Why NYC's New Clubhouse is the Safe Space Every Kid Needs 

October 28, 2025 BRONX, NY — The Boys’ Club of New York (BCNY) just dropped a major anchor in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx, opening its incredible Tiger Clubhouse. This isn't just another after-school spot; it’s a sprawling, 32,000-square-foot indoor haven (plus 28,000 square feet outdoors!) dedicated to empowering boys and young men, ages 7 to 21, completely FREE of charge.

Joining existing locations in East Harlem and Flushing, this new center at East 150th Street and Morris Ave. couldn’t come at a more crucial time. Why? Because our kids are hurting.

The Crisis is Real: A Safe Harbor for NYC Youth 

The data is alarming. In New York City, a staggering 28% of boys reported feeling sad or hopeless in 2021. Experts confirm that many teens are wrestling with mild, moderate, or severe signs of depression and anxiety about their future and the world around them.

BCNY is directly tackling this youth mental health crisis by focusing on building strong emotional regulation and vital real-world skills. It’s more than just a place to hang out; it's a dedicated center for teaching the social, emotional, and practical skills young people desperately need to thrive today.

From Ping Pong to 3D Printing: A Sneak Peek Inside the New Clubhouse 

Forget the old-school image of a youth center. While the Tiger Clubhouse celebrates the "classic" BCNY games like ping pong, pool, and chess, it has been wildly updated to inspire the next generation:

• Future-Ready Tech: A Makers Lab with 3D printing, AI, robotics, coding, and graphic design.
• Creative Arts: A music room fully stocked with instruments and a state-of-the-art recording studio.
• Nourishment & Skills: A full culinary kitchen (with plans for a community fridge!) and a hydroponic garden to supply fresh produce.
• Mind & Body: A fitness center, a woodshop, a dedicated yoga and meditation studio, and a career center.

Outside, members will soon enjoy half-court basketball, pickleball courts, and artificial turf for sports like soccer. Plus, a massive basement gym is undergoing renovations to serve both BCNY members and local residents!

Proof That It Works: The Story of Derrick H. Lewis 

The true impact of BCNY can be seen in the lives of its alumni, like Derrick H. Lewis, who now serves on the BCNY board of trustees. Growing up in the low-income South Bronx, Lewis’s parents needed a safe, reliable place for him and his twin brother.

Though the journey to the East Harlem club took him over an hour, Lewis says his involvement quickly “turned into more than that.” The club offered a welcoming environment, helped connect him with an Upper East Side private high school, and ultimately put him "on a path to a different life.”

Lewis, who now runs the Bronx Community Foundation, wishes the Tiger Clubhouse had been around when he was a kid. For him and many others, BCNY becomes a true home away from home, helping to form lasting relationships and strong career paths. As Lewis puts it, "I owe a lot to the Boys Club."

The new Tiger Clubhouse welcomes all male-identifying members, regardless of zip code, income, or immigration status, and is even planning to expand its hours and add Saturday programming!

Do you think centers like this are the key to supporting youth mental health in big cities?