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.
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 know 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.”
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade