TIME line - History, Today & Future
History
1860-First Boys Club begins in Hartford, Connecticut (national)
1908-Several Boys Clubs affiliate and form Federated Boys Clubs of Boston (national)
1931-Boys Club Federation of America became Boys Clubs of America (national)
1938-Macon Police Cadets organized
1940-Moved to 506 First Street location
1941-Name changed to Young Americans
1944-Affiliated with Boys’ Clubs of America (now Boys & Girls Clubs of America)
1948-Construction begins on Second Street Club
1949-Club opens at 1527 Second Street
1956-50th anniversary of Boys Clubs of America.US Congressional charter received. (national)
1972-Carl D. Thomas Memorial Club ground-breaking
1974-Carl D. Thomas Memorial Club dedicated
1990-Boys Clubs of America changes name to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.Congressional charter is amended and renewed.(national)
Today
A recent program evaluation was undertaken by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to gather detailed information about the strengths and weaknesses of various programs.
Some notable results are:
- The average grades of those who participated in our tutoring program improved in every subject area during the 1997 academic year.
- 95% of youth participating in computer classes demonstrated an increase in knowledge, and more than 50% used the Clubs' computers for homework assignments.
- 90% of parents surveyed reported that the Clubs have helped keep their children off drugs.
- 100% of members participating in our Gang Prevention Program were not involved in gang activity.
The Future
While our achievements are extensive, we are committed to continue aggressively expanding our services to reach more children. With the help of all the individuals, corporations, and foundations who share our beliefs in the potential of all girls and boys, regardless of their circumstances, we look to the future with great optimism.