Chapter 1 - Overview of Marketing (Brief History and Mission Statement)

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America and It's History

 Boys Clubs of America (1906)

     Before there was ever a Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the non-profit organization first began in 1860 by three women whose main mission was to help build character, and to give boys on the streets a positive place to be a kid. These three women: Mary Goodwin, Alice Goodwin, and Elizabeth Hammersley first named the organization The Boys Club. The first establishment of a Boys Club was in Hartford, Connecticut known as The Good Will Club, since then - a cause was born. The Boys Club offered mentoring services, held youth development activities, and even provided food for members that were poorly fed at home. The Goodwins and Hammersley really gave the boys on the streets of Hartford a hope for a better future, and the public eye took notice of that. Thus, sparking the change and expansion of the Boys Club.

     In 1906, the affiliation of the second Boys Club in Boston, Massachusetts became known as the Boys Club Federation of America and became the stepping stone of a nationwide movement to have the Boys Club become a national organization. Although, The Boys Club Federation of America didn't keep their name for long, they changed the organization's name to Boys Clubs of America in 1931. Due to cultural changes, The Civil Rights Movement, and the Women's Rights Movement, It wasn't until 1990 when The Boys and Girls Clubs of America received it's name.

      As culture changes, so do the needs of youths all across the country. There are about 3,954 Boys and Girls Club facilities in America today strengthening the lives of youths no matter the class. With help from donations, sponsors, and our nation's government, The Boys and Girls Clubs of America still remain intact even during a rough recession. The Boys and Girls Club of America has made it clear to it's supporters that our future depends on the development of our youths now.  Their mission statement throughout the years may have been modified or changed as the result of cultural changes in America, but the organization still stayed true to their mission: "To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens." (bgca.org)

     That will remain and forever be... Who We Are. The Boys and Girls Clubs of America.