What We Do

OUR MISSION

To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens

WE PROVIDE 1,100 CHILDREN EVERY WEEK DAY WITH:

  • A safe place to learn and grow
  • Ongoing relationships with caring adults
  • Life-enhancing programs and experiences
  • Hope and opportunity

PROGRAMS

Education

We partner with youth, parents, schools and other community partners to implement Project Learn. This strategy is based on research demonstrating that students do much better in school when they spend their non-school hours engaged in fun, but academically beneficial, activities. Club staff use all the areas and programs in the Club to create opportunities for high-yield learning activities, which include leisure reading, writing activities, discussions with knowledgeable adults, helping others, homework help, tutoring and games, that develop young people’s cognitive skills. Project Learn also emphasizes parent involvement and collaboration between Club and school professionals as critical factors in creating the best after-school learning environment.

Leadership

Helping youth become responsible, caring citizens and acquire skills for participating in the democratic process is the main thrust of these programs. They also develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for planning, decision-making, contributing to Club and community, and celebrating our national heritage.

Fitness

Fitness programs and activities in this area include: BGCA’s Triple Play Program is designed to develop body, mind, and soul via daily fitness challenges, Healthy Habits nutrition lessons, and the Club game rooms. The clubs serve dinner and snack daily during the school year and breakfast and lunch throughout the summer. Other activities that help develop fitness and are a positive use of leisure time are Intramural Sports leagues which includes basketball and cheerleading, Yoga which improves strength and flexibility and teaches relaxation and stress management, and Club Gardens which teaches the science behind gardening and the health benefits of fresh fruits and veggies while fostering teamwork and responsibility.

The Arts

Our arts program consists of classes and workshops in visual art, photography, drama and dance. Programs culminate in community exhibits and performances.

My Club director is the person who has helped me the most. My Club director is the best person I know. She is loyal, friendly and fun to play with too. She teaches me life lessons and tells me what I need to do at the right place and time. She’s a great role model to everyone in our Boys & Girls Club.

-Kelvin B.

The staff at Boys & Girls Club help me with my homework. My parents did not go to college and do not remember the things they learned in school, so they cannot help with homework. I’m glad the Club staff are here to help me. There are many fun clubs within Boys & Girls Club. My favorite is photography Club because I get to go outside and take pictures. In robotics club we get to build cool robots out of Legos, control them with computers and then have contests.

-Miguel Q.

The most important thing that I have learned from my Club is friendship. That it has no color, shape or size. I have learned to get along with everybody no matter how they look. I have learned that teamwork matters most, whether you win or lose. I have learned that having a good attitude will carry you places to succeed. When I get older, I want to come back and work at my Boys & Girls Club.

-Bethany C.

I have attended Boys & Girls Club for 5 years. The Club has offered me guidance, sports and friendships that will last forever. The workers at the Club are like family. They have been there for me through many things. My Club director is like a second mom to me. She has loved me unconditionally. The Club has helped me with homework and motivated me in my studies. I had heart surgery at 5 years old, and I missed a lot of school. When I was able to return, the Club helped me catch up on my grades.

-Noah K.