Ownership of 150 Shirley Street marks a new era for the nonprofit and will expand reach and resources to forge pathways to success for youth
Boston, MA (September 12, 2024) – The BASE, a Roxbury-based nonprofit that uses the power and passion of sports to engage urban youth and provide them with educational and career opportunities, has announced the transformational acquisition to take ownership of its facility at 150 Shirley St., along with the adjacent lot at 136 Shirley St. The purchase of the building will allow for greater investment in programs and capacity to serve more youth, along with the creation of equity for the future. The organization has leased the space since 2019, growing and expanding its reach in the city to currently serve over 800 local youth annually.
Founded in 2013, The BASE uses sports and a range of educational and career-focused programs to engage young people and help them develop the skills and mindsets to succeed. BASE President & CEO, Steph Lewis, stewarded the building purchase to enact his vision to create long-term, intergenerational impact for local youth and their families. Ownership of its building will also allow The BASE to play a significant role in realizing the vision for the Newmarket neighborhood in collaboration with local leaders and the community.
“The BASE is unwavering in our commitment to empowering urban youth through the transformative power of sport and education and the acquisition of our building marks a significant milestone in our journey to create meaningful impact with the young people we serve,” said Lewis. “This is a monumental step toward expanding programming so we can equip more youth with the skills needed to build successful careers and lives. We are thankful for the organizations and individuals who contributed and made this purchase possible.”
The BASE’s purchase of the property was made possible in part by the support of generous donors, including lead partner the Yawkey Foundation. A long-time supporter of The BASE, the foundation awarded a $1.5 million Transformational Grant for the purchase, design and renovations of the building. The grant further cements a longstanding relationship and includes the renaming of The BASE facility to the Yawkey Urban Sports Complex: Home of The BASE.
Additional key contributors to The BASE’s fundraising campaign to purchase the building include Sandy & Paul Edgerley, Barbara & Amos Hostetter, Anne Lovett & Steve Woodsum, Tristin & Martin Mannion, Brooke & Will Muggia, Dana & Rob Smith, Stephanie & Brian Spector, The Boston Foundation, Eastern Bank, and several anonymous supporters.
“Yawkey Foundation wholeheartedly believes in The BASE and is proud to continue investing in the vital programs that are making a difference in the lives of so many young people,” said Maureen H. Bleday, CEO and Trustee of the Yawkey Foundation. “This significant milestone for The BASE is a direct result of the organization’s critical mission, proven impact and visionary leadership. Our long-standing partnership reflects our shared commitment to all the good that comes from youth baseball, softball and amateur athletics and we look forward to continuing to support this important work for years to come.”
The BASE and Lewis also see a broader impact for the Newmarket neighborhood following the building purchase. In the five years since relocating to the area, The BASE has established itself as a pillar in the community and partnered with local businesses and public officials to help transform the neighborhood. Lewis sees the purchase of the property as the next step on this journey toward creating a safe and vibrant community.
“We are proud to call Newmarket our home and are excited about the long-term future for The BASE and the neighborhood,” Lewis continued. “By committing to our neighborhood, we will drive positive change far beyond our walls and be a true asset in this community. The purchase of our facility makes a strong statement to partners and supporters that investments in The BASE are investments in the future of Roxbury and Boston.”
The BASE opened in 2013 in its original location on Walnut St. in Egleston Square, also in Roxbury. When repeated flooding led BASE leadership to seek a new home in 2019, it was attracted to the Shirley Street facility in part because it is situated directly adjacent to Clifford Park, with baseball and softball fields and a full basketball court, providing easy access to outdoor space for sports training and practice. The City of Boston has announced plans to fully renovate Clifford Park, with new turf fields, basketball and tennis courts, and other amenities, signaling a broader commitment to the neighborhood.
While known as a youth sports organization, The BASE is a comprehensive resource hub for young people, facilitating access to higher education and career training, and providing health education programs. The organization operates entirely through private fundraising and all programs are provided at no cost to families.
To learn more about The BASE and how it creates pathways to success for urban youth, please visit www.TheBASE.org.
ABOUT THE BASE
Founded in 2013, The BASE is an urban academy that uses the power and passion of sports to engage young people and prepare them for life success. With high-quality athletic training and competition, paired with college, career, and wellness programming, The BASE helps student-athletes develop the skills and mindsets needed to achieve their full potential. BASE programs are grounded in a culture of excellence and belief, creating a community in which young people thrive.
Contact: Daniel Kitchen, Elevate Communications: dkitchen@elevatecom.com, (860) 543-2538
Franklin Shearer, The BASE: fshearer@thebase.org, (781) 835-9390