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WHO WE ARE​

Founded in 1946, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade have been committed to improving the lives of all youth through mentorship, care and educational programs designed to prepare them to become productive and caring citizens in the community.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade
Timeline History

1860
1860
1860
1906
1915
1929
1931
1941
1946
1956
1983
1986
1990
1991
1996
2006
2010
2011
2016
2016
2023
By 2024
By 2026

The Year was 1860, the place, Hartford Connecticut.
Like many American cities during the 19th Century, the community had been transformed by the Industrial Revolution.

Factories and mills made Hartford run. Most of those, who labored there were immigrants whom worked for low wages, 12 hours a day and 6 days a week.

Children led lives short on adult guidance and long on juvenile chaos, till a group of women, Elizabeth Homersley and sisters, Mary and Alice Goodwin, offered shelter to boys. They were the pioneers of what would become a national institute. 

The Federated Boys Clubs in Boston was formed with 53 members.

The Boys Club logo was adopted – the torch symbolized that each Boys Club was a torch to light boyhoods’ uncertain way to a worthy goal.

The name changed to Boys Club Federation of America.

The word “Federation” was dropped, leaving just: Boys Club of America

A National Council of board leaders and professionals representing each Club was formed. Area councils were set up throughout the country, so each Club had a stronger sense of belonging to the national organization and regional offices were established across the nation.

A new organization was born, Southwest Boys Club, in Miami, (presently known as Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, Hank Kline Club).

Opening of Northwest Club Boys Club

Opening of South Beach Club

80% of all Clubs provided services to girls, half had changed their names to Boys & Girls Clubs

To recognize the fact that girls are a part of our cause, the national organization’s name was officially changed to Boys & Girls Clubs.

Opening of Kendall Club

Opening of Gwen Cherry Club

Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami changes its name to Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade

Opening of the A-Rod Educational Building on the Hank Kline premises

Partnership with Mater Academy Charter School 260 students

Opening of the New South Beach Club Building

Opening of the 5 story building to be used by Mater Grove Academy

Dr. Frederica S. Wilson Club at Skyway Elementary School opens its doors, offering educational after school program. This site will offer tennis and golf on a miniature course.

Ground Breaking of the new 50,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility equipped with innovated technology and educational center.

Anticipated ground breaking of the New Hank Kline Club and Administrative Office 60,000 sq.ft. facility

Phase two –The Educational Center (Northwest Club facility) 20,000 Sq.Ft., full day educational center for up to 600 students 

Photo Credits: Boys & Girls Clubs of America Centennial Book and Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade

“The Club was a place where I can challenge and break free of the status quo. It is a place that I can experience the world in the way that I want to and not the way that I’m told to. For me, my Boys & Girls Club taught me that the status quo are barriers meant to hold you back from reaching your greatest potential.”