Our History
Boys & Girls Clubs of America had its beginnings in 1860 with several women in Hartford, Connecticut. Believing that boys who roamed the streets should have a positive alternative, they organized the first Club. A movement 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.
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.
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 in 1990. Accordingly, Congress amended and renewed our charter.
2006 marked the Centennial year of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, as we celebrated 100 years of providing hope and opportunity to young people across the country.
Here in Charlotte, responding to pleas of a local judge and public officials, The Salvation Army was asked to open a Red Shield Club. That first Club, founded in 1934, was located on Poplar Street near uptown. Today, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Charlotte, NC serve over 2,100 youth members at seven locations across Mecklenburg County.
The Belmont Avenue Club was constructed in 1956 and underwent major renovation, including the addition of a gymnasium in the late 1990's. The Milton Road Club was constructed in 1976 and is currently our largest Club. The newest Club facility is the Marsh Road Club, constructed in 1991.
In 2005, two clubs were opened in Charlotte Housing Authority locations. Also that year, a Teen Center was merged into our inventory of programs at the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson, NC.
In 2006, again responding to an urgent need, the Center of Hope Club was opened. This Club is the only Club in the United States that is operated within the confines of a Homeless Shelter.
The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlotte now operates 7 clubs in and around the Charlotte area and are proud to operate more clubs than any Salvation Army office in the world!