IBEW Local 103 business agent Jay Frasier and Teen Challenge president/CEO Pasco Manzo cut the ribbon to open the new national Teen Challenge headquarters.
Brockton, MA – IBEW Local 103 and NECA Greater Boston contractors joined Teen Challenge recovery center in celebrating the official ribbon cutting of its new national headquarters in Brockton.
Throughout a year of construction, Local 103 and NECA donated all of the electrical work to the project, totaling more than $1 million in labor and equipment.
IBEW electricians completed 100% of electrical work for Teen Challenge’s new, 16,200sf short-term rehab facility, which will double as a national headquarters for the organization moving forward.
Manzo and Frasier in newly opened headquarters
NECA Greater Boston contractors offered product management, as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment donations, to bring the project to fruition.
IBEW Local 103 business manager/financial secretary, Lou Antonellis; business agent, Jay Frasier; and manager of business development, Lisa Podgurski; all received awards from Teen Challenge for their critical efforts in organizing logistics to make the project possible.
Work included the installation of 250 light fixtures, 400 outlets, and 200 switches, in addition to powering the recreational rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, conference rooms, staff offices, utility spaces and dormitories for participants.
Teen Challenge, open to clients of all ages, is a faith-based organization that has guided thousands of people struggling with opiate and other substance abuse disorders to recovery since its inception in 1958. The Brockton campus wanted to expand in order to provide a short-term program, as well as a state-of-the-art medical detox center.
They prioritize taking a holistic approach to client treatment, providing for all needs of an individual in order to guide them through recovery, so that they can lead productive, satisfying personal and professional lives.
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IBEW Local 103 and NECA contractors first got involved with Teen Challenge after learning firsthand how the program can transform people’s lives, from an electrical union member who successfully completed the program.
“It’s the right thing to do,” said Antonellis, “and this cause couldn’t be nearer to our hearts. At our union, we support our brothers and sisters no matter what. That includes through substance abuse and addiction, an epidemic that far too many suffer through silently,” he added. “We’re doing everything we can to combat this crisis, both within our membership and out in the community.”
“The work Teen Challenge does for individuals and families all over the world is too important,” said Antonellis. “We know that when people turn to Teen Challenge for help, they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. Every participant receives group and individual support, work opportunities, home-cooked meals, space for their belongings – it’s just not like that everywhere. We feel fortunate to have been able to play a part.”
“We can’t thank IBEW Local 103 and NECA contractors enough for believing in our mission and partnering with us on this major next step,” said Pasco Manzo, president and CEO of Teen Challenge in Brockton. “Because of their generous donations, we are even better-equipped to make a difference and help people get on the right track.”
IBEW Local 103 offers in-house Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to its members, and also hosted the inaugural event for the Building Trades Employers’ Association Opioid Recovery Week this year.
To show their gratitude for the power professionals’ contributions, Teen Challenge has offered a bed to any IBEW Local 103 or NECA member who needs it, free of charge.
