ATLANTA, March 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a leading omnichannel provider of lease-purchase solutions, and its divisions Aaron's and Progressive Leasing, surprised teens last Thursday with a newly renovated Keystone Teen Center at the Middlebury Boys & Girls Club of Elkhart County.
Through a partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and input from the teen members, Aaron's associates and Club officials worked last week decorating and furnishing a multipurpose space at the Club. On Thursday, local Aaron's associates and Club officials revealed the new space, which is now equipped with new technology, sectionals, tables and chairs and sound systems.
"The Middlebury Boys & Girls Club provides a space for Elkhart County teens to grow as leaders in the community and cultivates an atmosphere of positivity and encouragement," said John Robinson, CEO of Aaron's, Inc. "On our 26th Keystone Teen Center renovation, Aaron's is proud once again to foster and support our relationship with Boys & Girls Clubs of America by providing teens with the resources and technology that will allow them to excel."
In 2015, the Aaron's Foundation, Inc. announced a three-year, $5 million national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Keystone Program, helping teens develop their character and leadership skills in hopes of helping them reach their potential and creating positive change in the community. Keystone Club teen centers provide members ages 14-18 an environment to plan and participate in activities that focus on community service, academic success, career preparation and teen outreach.
"Teens who participate in the Boys & Girls Club Keystone program see significant improvements in grades and graduation rates, setting them up for bright futures," said Dan Welch, unit director of the Middlebury Boys & Girls Club of Elkhart County. "Thanks to Aaron's hard work, our transformed space now has the tools and confidence our Keystone teens need to achieve academic and future professional success."
Also in attendance was Elkhart County Commissioner Mike Yoder. "Middlebury is a special town and we're thrilled that Aaron's and Boys & Girls Clubs of America selected us for a first-class renovation," he said. "With this makeover, more teens will be excited about coming here every day, helping to boost membership and create community leaders."
The makeover at Boys & Girls Club of Middlebury includes an additional in-kind retail donation valued at $26,000. The 25 previous Keystone Club makeovers have included Boys & Girls Clubs in cities such as Baltimore, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Nashville, Las Vegas, Chicago and Milwaukee.
Keystone teen members of Boys & Girls Club of Middlebury said the program inspires them to take ownership of their choices to build the lives they deserve.
- "Keystone has helped me enhance my ability to problem solve and to give back to my community more than I have ever before." DJ T., 17
- "Keystone has helped me become a better person by shaping my perspective on the world through the different activities we do together." Ashlynn R., 15
- "Keystone has helped me create ideas for the advancement of my community." Cainan K., 17
- "Keystone has given me the opportunity to learn how to become a better leader and how to give back to my community." Jonathan S., 15
To see photos of the Keystone Club remodel at Boys & Girls Club of Middlebury, visit Aaron's on Facebook (www.facebook.com/aaronsinc), on Twitter (www.twitter.com/AaronsInc) and at www.aarons.com/aaronsgives.
About Aaron's, Inc.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), is a leading omnichannel provider of lease-purchase solutions. The Aaron's Business engages in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories through its 1,726 Company-operated and franchised stores in 47 states and Canada, as well as its e-commerce platform, Aarons.com. In addition, Progressive Leasing, a virtual lease-to-own company, provides lease-purchase solutions through approximately 27,000 retail locations in 46 states. Dent-A-Med, Inc., d/b/a the HELPcard®, provides a variety of second-look credit products that are originated through federally insured banks. For more information, visit investor.aarons.com, Aarons.com, ProgLeasing.com, and HELPcard.com.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,100 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at www.facebook.com/bgca.clubs and https://twitter.com/BGCA_Clubs.
View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aarons-and-progressive-leasing-surprise-indiana-teens-with-new-club-space-300607658.html
SOURCE Aaron's, Inc.
Garet Hayes; garet.hayes@aarons.com; 678-402-3863