District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan announces a large donation of drug forfeiture funds to the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown’s Cumberland Gardens after a cut in federal funding threatened to close the Allentown location.

For nearly five decades, the Cumberland Gardens Clubhouse has served the South Side Allentown community providing a space for children to play, learn and grow.

A recent cut in federal funding to the Allentown Housing Authority forced club leaders to consider closing the location that offers educational and recreational after-school and summer programs.

The cut in federal funds will require the Boys & Girls Club to pay rent for their Clubhouse that was previously donated, while also now covering the cost of staff.

The district attorney’s office will donate $100,000 in forfeiture funds seized from convicted drug dealers to help keep this vital facility open.

For generations, Cumberland Gardens Clubhouse has been a constant in the lives of Allentown’s young people, said Katarah Jordan, Boys & Girls Club of Allentown’s Cumberland Gardens chief executive officer.

“It is a lifeline for our youth and families and losing it would leave a gap our community cannot afford. Keeping it open will take all of us, public, private, and community partners, stepping up together,” Jordan said. “We are committed to doing everything in our power to sustain this space and ensure it continues to serve the next generation.”

The goal of the investment is to help the Boys & Girls Club serve children in and around the Allentown community while continuing to reduce violent crime and the cascading effects of drug addiction.

“It is hard to imagine money spent more effectively in the criminal justice system,” Holihan said. “Our donation to the Boys & Girls Club is a long-term crime prevention investment that will pay huge dividends for a generation or more.”

“District Attorney Holihan’s leadership and investment reflects his understanding of the critical need facing our South Allentown community,” said Paul Barbehenn, board chair of the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown’s Cumberland Gardens.

“The mission and services of the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown are needed more than ever and, as a board, we remain committed to our kids at our Cumberland Gardens site,” Barbehenn said.

Several studies have shown that in communities with Boys & Girls Club locations, violent crime and gang participation are reduced.

The positive impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on their communities has been recognized and supported for decades by the United States Department of Justice.

“If I was an evil genius and had a top five list of ways to increase crime, closing a Boys & Girls Club that serves a public housing community would definitely be on the list,” Holian said.

The overall goal of the facility is a long-term plan to raise $500,000 to ensure the center will remain open for at least several years.

The Cumberland Gardens Clubhouse serves hundreds of children each year.

Last year alone, they assisted nearly 350 children ages 6 through 18.

This school year, the group’s attendance has increased by 10 percent compared to the previous year.

Holihan said he hopes this donation encourages others in the community to donate as well in this important investment in the community.

“This donation is made up entirely of money seized from drug dealers,” Holihan said. “Taking the illicit proceeds of crime and addiction and turning them into achievement, education and success without using tax payer money is a victory for everyone.”