About The Club

Who We Are | Why We're Special | Mission | History | Staff | Board

History

Boys & Girls Clubs of America
www.bgca.org

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 some 3.5 million youth annually in more than 3,000 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country.

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 (B&GCA) 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 1,000 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.

Boys and Girls Club of the Columbia Area

The Boys and Girls Club of the Columbia Area was established in 1998 by a group of Columbia citizens concerned that Columbia needed a youth organization with dedicated facilty and staff.

The Club began operations in Columbia by sharing the Blind Boone Center with the Columbia Housing Authority.

On February 21, 2002 the club held its offical grand opening at its new facility and headquarters on Fay Street. (Read the Columbia Tribune Article). The new facility has been graciously donated by Tom and Linda Atkins of Columbia.

Columbia Daily Tribune/Mark Schiefelbein photo

Through tremendous hard work from its staff, volunteers, and community supporters the Club is now poised to change our community.