Boys & Girls Clubs of the River Region is concerned about the external realities and outside pressures our youth are facing today, including risk factors like violence, bullying, obesity, harassment, drugs and alcohol, and teen pregnancy to name a few. Sadly, youth are bombarded daily with conflicting messages and images through a vast array of media and technology outlets that expose them to the worst aspects of American culture. They look to adult role models to make sense of today’s world and find professional athletes whose sole motivating factor is greed and personal aggrandizement, entertainers who disavow timeless American values, and high ranking political and corporate individuals who refuse to take accountability for their actions. Meanwhile youth are exposed to rampant materialism and commercialism, while at the same time lacking spirituality and a sense of community. The over emphasis on technology, including the internet, e-mail, my space, and text messaging have hindered the ability of youth to establish deep and meaningful human relationships. This combination of substantive issues combined with a lack of positive adult role models in American society today is crippling our children and their future. Boys & Girls Clubs of Montgomery refuses to give up in the fight to protect and nourish the future of our children and serves as a safe refuge for youth. We are the proverbial beacon on the hill, and truly the “positive place for kids”. The Club’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Positive role models are provided in a safe, caring and nurturing environment for children. The Club emphasizes the primacy of interactive and cooperative human relationships, providing each child with a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence and competence. Most importantly, we teach youth the importance of character, and to take responsibility and accountability for one’s individual actions. Our life altering programs provide specific opportunities for youth to develop lifelong skills to enable them to become successful adults, and these core program areas include Health and Life Skills, Character and Leadership Development, Education and Career Development, the Arts and Sports, Fitness and Recreation.
The Club’s shared vision is to be recognized as the premier youth development organization in Montgomery and Elmore counties, making a positive life lasting impact on the lives of over 1,300 children by providing them with the highest quality board of directors, staff, facilities, resources, and programming opportunities while expanding program services to reach more Montgomery youth. The Club is focused on providing expanded opportunities for youth through community collaborations, the renovation of key facilities and future growth.
In 1946, a group of visionary citizens opened West End Boys Club on Crenshaw Street, setting the stage for a dynamic, thriving organization that has provided services to over thousands of children in the last 66 years! Thank you for all of your support.
