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fresh coat of paint, a few new lockers and, most importantly, an opportunity to connect with the next generation. For this year’s MillerKnoll Day of Purpose, the Workscape team spent the day at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania’s McKeesport branch, combining hands-on volunteer work with mentorship and creative collaboration.
The day began with a beautification project focused on giving the Teen Center a refreshed look and feel. Workscape team members rolled up their sleeves to paint, build lockers and help clean up the space, creating a more welcoming environment for the teens who use it every day.
For Helena Pomeroy, Workscape Showroom Coordinator, the experience carried a personal connection.
"Being a club kid myself, it was rewarding to not only help beautify the space, but to also get to know the teens that actually utilize the space," she explained.
After the beautification project, the focus shifted from the physical space to the people who bring it to life. Workscape team members participated in a career panel and design session with the teens, sharing their professional experiences, answering questions and introducing them to career opportunities within the design and workplace industries.
The design session gave teens an opportunity to share their ideas and reimagine their communal space, encouraging them to think creatively about how their environment can support the way they connect, learn and spend time together.
"Day of Purpose was a meaningful opportunity to connect creativity with mentorship. From helping teens redesign their communal space to talking about career possibilities after high school, it was inspiring to see their ideas, energy, and excitement for what’s ahead," stated Marisa D'Ascenzo, Workscape Account Manager.
Founded in 1888, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania has a long history of creating opportunities for young people in our region. Today, the organization serves 12,000 kids and 1,700 teens across 11 clubs, providing spaces and programs that support their growth, development and future success.
The impact of the day was felt on both sides of the partnership. Following the event, Hersh Merenstein, Senior Director of Advancement at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, shared, "Thankyou all so much for your hard work in making today’s event a major success! The McKeesport Teen Center looks beautiful, and the teens really enjoyed the unique learning opportunity you led. We are so grateful for our continued partnership! Count us in for next year’s Day of Purpose."
At Workscape, we believe the spaces we create have the power to bring people together, encourage new ideas and make a difference in the communities around us. MillerKnoll Day of Purpose was a great reminder that sometimes the most meaningful work happens outside the office.
Thank you to MillerKnoll for bringing us together for this opportunity, and to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania for welcoming our team. We’re grateful to have played a small part in supporting an organization that makes such a lasting impact on the next generation.
