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An Organization

Enriching Lives.

Our mission:

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

Our vision:

Provide a world-class club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors. With all members on track to achieve Academic Success; demonstrating Good Character & Citizenship, and living a Healthy Lifestyle.

Programs that help kids succeed!

Academic Success

View programseducation

Character & Leadership

View programsservice-leadership

Commitment to Youth

We believe every kid has what it takes. The mission and core beliefs of Boys & Girls Clubs fuel our commitment to promoting safe, positive and inclusive environments for all. Boys & Girls Clubs of America supports all youth and teens –of every race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic status, and religion –in reaching their full potential.

success story

Meet:

Briana

Express Yourself!

The minute you meet 8 year old, third grader Briana, you’re drawn to her enthusiasm for all things, particularly all things artistic. Her dream is to become a fashion designer and she is well on her way. She loves her time at the B&GC of Lehigh, where she gets to share her passion with her friends and youth counselors, making jewelry, art, and even turning old fabric into fun clothing items. And yes, she even sews. And as passionate as she is about her art, she is equally committed to her education. Each day when she arrives at the Club, homework is job #1 before any of the group activities and programs begin.

More Stories

How we serve

At our 4 Clubs located across Lee County, and we serve youth ages 6-18.Our Clubs are located within communities, neighborhoods and select school locations across Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Lehigh and Bonita Springs. Our Club families pay a nominal fee for our services to ensure everyone has access to our programs. By providing our Club members with academic support, extracurricular opportunities, and positive adult role models, our goal is to ensure our next generation has the skills and knowledge needed to reach their full potential.

550

Number of Club members served
at our Renaissance, Lehigh Acres,
North Fort Myers & Pueblo Bonito clubs.

85%

Percentage of kids in our
clubs who achieve a grade point
average of 2.0 or higher.

75%

Percentage of children in the
Lee County School District that
qualify for free or reduced lunch.

180k

Number of hours spent on
homework assistance through
our Power Hour program.

Our Great Past

Boys & Girls Clubs of America had its beginnings in 1860 with three women in Hartford, Connecticut -Mary Goodwin, Alice Goodwin and Elizabeth Hammersley. Believing that boys who roamed the streets should have a positive alternative, they organized the first Club. With character development as the cornerstone of the experience, the Club focused on capturing boys’ interests, improving their behavior and increasing their personal expectations and goals.

1906

In 1906, several Boys Clubs decided to affiliate. The Federated Boys Clubs in Boston was formed with 53 member organizations –this marked the start of a nationwide Movement and our national organization.

1931

In 1931, the Boys Club Federation of
America became Boys Clubs of America.

1956

In 1956, Boys Clubs of America celebrated its 50th
anniversary and received a U.S. Congressional Charter.

1990

To recognize the fact that girls are a part of our cause, the national organization’s name was changed to
Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1990. Accordingly, Congress amended and renewed our charter.

2006

2006 marked the Centennial year of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, as we celebrated
100 years of providing hope and opportunity to young people across the country.

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