Our Mission Statement

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

Our Core Beliefs

A Boys & Girls Club provides:

A safe place to learn and grow

Ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals

Life-enhancing programs and character development experiences

Hope and opportunity

Five Key Elements of Youth Development

Safe, Positive Environment:

Club staff, facilities, program and age-appropriate settings create stability, consistency and a sense of physical and emotional safety for members.  The Club provides structure and clearly defines acceptable behaviors.
Fun:

Club generates fun for members. Members develop a strong sense of belonging through connections they establish with staff and peers. Staff members make the Club feel like home, fostering a family atmosphere and creating a sense of ownership for members.
Supportive Relationships:

Club youth develop meaningful relationships with peers and adults. Staff members actively cultivate such relationships to ensure that every member feels connected to one or more adults and peers. Staff members demonstrate warmth, caring, appreciation, acceptance and proper guidance in their connections with members.
Opportunities and Expectations:

Club youth acquire physical, social, technological, artistic and life skills. Clubs encourage members to develop a moral character and behave ethically. Staff members establish and reinforce high expectations and help young people do well in school and pursue a post-secondary education.
Recognition:

Clubs recognize and support young people’s self-worth and accomplishments. Staff members encourage youth and provide positive reinforcement as they make improvements and experience successes. The Club showcases young people’s achievements.

Our Youth Development Strategy

We believe in a Youth Development Strategy. Our Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling:

A Sense of Competence

The feeling there is something boys and girls can do and do well.

A Sense of Usefulness

The opportunity to do something of value for other people.

A Sense of Belonging

A setting where young people know they "fit” and are accepted.

A Sense of Power or Influence