The final pieces fell perfectly into place for completion of the Jerry Gamble Boys & Girls Club renovation in north Minneapolis on May 31. The Twin Cities project, funded through a $50,000 grant from the Opus Foundation implemented by Opus Northwest and Rebuilding Together, expanded the club’s entrance among several other significant improvements.

The May 31 build-day effort culminated the 10 months of planning and pre-build work.  More than 60 Opus Northwest employees and 20 club youth assisted with the volunteer build day. Among the activities, the volunteers constructed new “cubbies” for jackets and backpacks, painted the entire interior mezzanine and several classrooms, and completely relandscaped the front of the property.

“Opus selected the renovation project because it was an opportunity to make a direct and positive impact in the experiences and opportunities provided to kids,” said Opus Northwest's Mike Hartmann, manager of sales and finance in the Minnetonka, MN office.
“Childhood education, youth development and community revitalization are all guiding principles for the charitable efforts of Opus and these are part of the club’s mission.” The project, he said, combined the design, construction, planning and property management talents of Opus employees and subcontractors leading up to and including the build day.

Rebuilding Together Twin Cities brings together people, tools and supplies to repair and rehabilitate homes and community assets. The goal is creating safer, more economically-viable neighborhoods. This collaboration is the latest in a series of regional community improvement projects undertaken around the country with Rebuilding Together and various Opus regions.

“These boys and girls are our community's future,” said Opus Northwest's Tom Shaver, vice president of development in the Minnetonka, MN office. “This renovated facility will give them the opportunity to grow in a very supportive environment.”

Opus Northwest's John Solberg, president and CEO, said, “The Opus Foundation and Opus Northwest employees are delighted we partnered with Rebuilding Together Twin Cities on the Jerry Gamble’s Boys and Girls Club. This terrific partnership gives back to our community in a very meaningful way. It also reflects Opus’ heritage of engaging the talents of employees.”