THE POSITIVE PLACE FOR KIDS: 144 YEARS YOUNG
Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s tradition of service to our nation’s youth began in 1860, when the first Boys Club was established
in Hartford, Connecticut. Since then, the organization has grown to serve more than 4 million youth
annually in some 3,400 Boys & Girls Clubs around the world.
The national organization, originally named Federated Boys’ Clubs
and later Boys’ Clubs of America, was founded
in 1906 by the 53 local Clubs in existence at that time. The
purpose: to provide leadership and programs for its member Clubs, while helping to establish new Clubs in disadvantaged communities.
The name became Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) in
1990 to reflect an expanded mission of service to all
young people who need the support and guidance a Club provides.
In recent years Boys & Girls Clubs of America has experienced dramatic
growth, chartering more than 1,500 new Club locations since 1997. Many factors have contributed to this successful
outreach effort, among them the dedication of national volunteers – men and women whose experience and knowledge are
drawn upon to advise and strengthen the organization. Strong partnerships with committed corporations and foundations also
provide invaluable support, helping raise funds and awareness on behalf of Boys & Girls Clubs of America and local Clubs.
PROFILE SHEET
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
.... is a national non-profit youth organization comprising some 3,400 Boys & Girls Club facilities
that help more than 4 million young people connect with opportunities for personal growth and achievement.
.... is the only nationwide, facility-based youth agency with a primary mission of service to girls
and boys from disadvantaged circumstances.
.... has affiliated Clubs in all 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands,
and on U.S. military bases in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
.... is America’s fastest-growing youth development organization. BGCA has chartered more
than 1,500 new Boys & Girls Clubs since 1997.
.... provides vital services to local Clubs in:
- Program research and development.
- Personnel recruitment and training.
- Facility design, construction and safety.
- Fundraising, marketing and communications.
- Evaluation of Club effectiveness against national standards.
- Consultation with community leaders interested in establishing new Clubs.
- Addressing legislative and public policy issues affecting young people.
(Excerpt from bgca.net)
