BEDFORD — The Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence County has welcomed Timothy Chen as program director of the Thornton Teen Center. Chen will work alongside Unit Director Bram Boyd and the center’s staff to provide safe, engaging, and educational opportunities for local middle and high school students.
Club leaders say the addition of Chen, together with Boyd, strengthens the Thornton Teen Center’s ability to offer meaningful programs that meet the needs of youth in Lawrence County. Boyd, who was hired in January, shared that “We’re excited to welcome Tim Chen as our new Teen Center Program Director. He brings a long history of strong leadership and a real passion for working with young people. The kids love him, and he’s hit the ground running with some awesome new program ideas. We’re thrilled to have him!”
When asked about his accomplishments since January, Boyd shared that average daily attendance is now in the high 60s, up from the high 20s this time last year. This summer, the center launched its first successful Summer Learning Lab program at both the Bedford and Mitchell sites, providing free educational summer camps for youth. The center now offers a full schedule of weekly programs, including Keystone Leadership Club, Cooking Club, Anime Club, Creative Writing, Sewing, Friday Night Movies, and Tabletop Games. The Maker Space, open four days a week, continues to be a highlight for students. The club has also partnered with Bedford Middle School to host its PLTW class on site once a week, giving more than 130 students access to specialized equipment. Vic Makximenko, who oversees the Maker Space, recently added a new shop room for woodworking and a “dirty room” for projects like plaster and painting. However, when asked about his favorite change, he shared: “I’m most proud of the welcoming culture our staff at the Teen Center have created. Kids are excited to be here, and attendance is growing.”
