07/29/2026
Welcome to the team!
Boys & Girls Clubs of Border Towns Welcomes Indian Township as Fifth Club, Now Serving All Five Wabanaki Tribal Nations
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Border Towns (BGCBT) is proud to announce the addition of the Boys & Girls Club of Indian Township, established through a partnership with the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township. This historic expansion marks a significant milestone as BGCBT now partners with and serves youth in all five Wabanaki Tribal Nations across Maine.
The celebration was made even more special with the presentation of a $10,000 gift from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLB) and Bangor Savings Bank. Through the FHLB's Grants for New England Partnership Awards program, FHLB contributed $5,000, which was matched by Bangor Savings Bank with an additional $5,000, resulting in a combined investment of $10,000 to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Border Towns and its work with Wabanaki youth.
Following the presentation, representatives from Bangor Savings Bank shared why they chose to support the organization.
Gavin Robinson of Bangor Savings Bank said the opportunity to support the Boys & Girls Club of Border Towns aligned perfectly with the bank's commitment to strengthening communities.
"When we learned about the opportunity through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston's Grants for New England Partnership Awards, the Boys & Girls Club of Border Towns immediately came to mind. After meeting with Jon and learning more about the incredible work being done with Wabanaki Tribal communities, we knew we wanted to make a meaningful investment. We are proud to partner with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston to support an organization that is creating lasting opportunities for Native youth and strengthening communities across Maine."
With the addition of Indian Township, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Border Towns now operates Clubs in partnership with:
* Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians
* Mi'kmaq Nation
* Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point (Sipayik)
* Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township
* Penobscot Nation
This achievement reflects years of collaboration and a shared commitment to ensuring Native youth have access to safe spaces, caring mentors, and high-quality programs that empower them to reach their full potential while celebrating their cultural heritage.
"This is a truly historic day for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Border Towns and, more importantly, for Wabanaki youth," said Jon Solomon, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Border Towns. "Our vision has always been to work alongside each of the Wabanaki Nations to provide opportunities that help young people succeed academically, develop leadership skills, live healthy lives, and build confidence for the future. Welcoming Indian Township into the Boys & Girls Club family fulfills that vision, and we are incredibly grateful to the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township for their partnership."
Solomon also expressed his appreciation for the financial investment announced during the celebration.
"We are deeply thankful to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and Bangor Savings Bank for their generous investment in our mission. Their support comes at a pivotal moment as we expand to serve all five Wabanaki Tribal Nations. This gift is more than funding it is an investment in the future of Native youth and the strength of Tribal communities throughout Maine."
The Boys & Girls Club of Indian Township will offer nationally recognized Boys & Girls Clubs programming, including:
* Academic Success and Project Learn
* Healthy Lifestyles
* Character and Leadership Development
* STEM Education
* Arts and Recreation
* Cultural Enrichment
* College and Career Readiness
The Club will work closely with Tribal leadership and community members to ensure programming reflects the culture, values, and traditions of the Passamaquoddy people while providing youth with opportunities to explore new interests, develop leadership skills, and prepare for successful futures.
Alyssa Monk, Unit Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Indian Township, expressed her excitement about the partnership.
"Becoming a part of Boys & Girls Club opens the door for so many new possibilities. A place where our youth can be encouraged to dream, learn, and grow while staying connected to the strength, values, and traditions of their community. Together, we are investing in the next generation and building a future rooted in opportunity and hope."
Today, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Border Towns serves hundreds of Native youth across Maine through culturally responsive programming that blends the nationally recognized Boys & Girls Clubs model with the unique traditions and strengths of each Wabanaki Nation.
"This partnership demonstrates what can be accomplished when Tribal Nations, community organizations, and dedicated partners work together with a shared purpose," Solomon added. "By working together, we are ensuring that every child has the opportunity to belong, achieve, and build a bright future while remaining deeply connected to their culture and community."
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Border Towns extends its sincere gratitude to the leadership of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, Bangor Savings Bank, Tribal leaders, staff, community partners, and supporters whose commitment continues to strengthen opportunities for Wabanaki youth.
