The Malden State Legislative Delegation, including Senator Jason Lewis and Representatives Steven Ultrino, Paul Donato, and Kate Lipper-Garabedian, recently visited Club 24 for a tour of the building and to see the renovations made possible by $60,000 in state funding that the delegation secured. The legislators were joined by Mayor Gary Christenson and members of the board of Club 24. Located on Salem Street, Club 24 has been a fixture in the Malden community for more than 50 years, serving the recovery community on a daily basis with regular meetings and social events for members and guests.
“Combating substance use disorder and providing more support for people who are in recovery so they can stay sober and rebuild their lives is one of my top priorities,” said Senator Jason Lewis. “I’m very pleased that the Malden delegation was able to secure this funding for improvements to Club 24 and I look forward to visiting again once the renovations have been completed.”
“I am very proud to have worked with the delegation to secure these funds, as we continue to support our recovery community,” said Representative Steven Ultrino. “It is crucial that we continue to invest in programs and organizations that provide support to those suffering from substance abuse disorder. Club 24 has provided those in recovery a safe space and resources to help them start their lives anew. I am excited to see all the progress made on renovations and I hope it will help Club 24 remain a haven for those in need.”
“Club 24 is an excellent organization that I have supported for a long time. This funding will go a long way to combat substance use in Malden and making sure that our citizens have the proper support networks to lead safe and healthy lives,” said Representative Paul Donato.
"I was proud to join the Malden Delegation in securing legislative funding for Club 24," said Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian. “These state funds will support the critical work of the organization in providing a safe forum for our friends and family who are currently struggling with addiction or are in recovery.”
“I’m grateful to our Legislative Delegation for continuing to prioritize the vital work and efforts to assist those living with substance use disorder," said Mayor Christenson. "These funds will go a long way to improve a building where individuals in recovery gather as they share their experiences and continue to navigate sobriety."
“This money is a huge boost to Club 24 and the addiction support network in Malden. I’m thankful to everyone at the City of Malden and the State House that secured this funding to allow us to make the repairs we need to continue to operate while looking to the future,” said Paul Hammersley, Addiction Support Specialist for the City of Malden and board member of both Malden Overcoming Addiction and Club 24. “I’m particularly grateful for the support of Emily Granoff formerly of Senator Lewis’ office who worked with us closely to apply for this funding that will undoubtedly help many Malden residents.”
The state funds will be used to help Club 24 update and improve their HVAC system, install more energy efficient lighting, and make other facility improvements.
Pictured (from left): State Representative Paul Donato; Club 24 Board Member Michelle Shea; MOA Treasurer Dawn Zanazzo; State Senator Jason Lewis; Club 24 Board Member Mario DiMare; MOA President Dana Brown; Mayor Gary Christenson; State Representative Kate Lipper-Garbedian, Club 24 President Alan Campbell, and State Representative Steve Ultrino