About Us
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. A cause was born.
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.
In 1931, the Boys Club Federation of America became Boys Clubs of America.
In 1956, Boys Clubs of America celebrated its 50th anniversary and received a U.S. Congressional Charter.
In 1971, The Southside Boys Clubs was formed by a group of Berkley Citizens who were concerned about the young men in the community that were beginning to demonstrate delinquent behaviors.
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 and ours to The Southside Boys & Girls in 1990.
Through it all, kids have remained our #1 priority. Today!
Imagine a place where who you are, where you're from or the circumstances that surround you don’t determine your access to experiences or opportunities. Through your support, The Southside Boys & Girls Club is making that vision a reality in ours and surrounding communities on the Southside.
BE GREAT! Be Independent, Be Clever, Be Curious, Be Funny, Bold, Sincere, Amazing, Smart, Awesome, Positive, Happy,
Most Importantly, BE GREAT!
Our Mission
To empower every Club member, through safe and impactful experiences, to graduate high school with a plan for college or career, contribute to their community and live a healthy life.
Our Vision
To create a world-class facility that help transform and inspire the lives of all Club members to strengthen the communities that need us most.