Arlington Boys & Girls Club

About the Arlington Boys & Girls Club

The mission of the Arlington Boys & Girls Club from its modest beginning in 1937 and continuing on throughout the past six decades, has remained unchanged: To inspire and enable all young people, especially those from challenging circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The needs of the youth of the new millennium places ever increasing challenges and demands on our limited resources. (Additional Club History)

The Club provides a "kid-friendly" environment where young people are welcome as individuals and feel they belong. For many, including children with disabilities and a large number from broken and disadvantaged homes, the Club serves as a drop in center, or as a "home away from home" which plays a vital role in encouraging them to reach their full potential.

As a nonprofit institution, the Club is committed to affordable opportunities for enriching constructive activities that many children would not otherwise have. The Club offers a multitude of programs and services reaching over 3,500 young people from toddlers to teenagers. The skills learned and values encouraged help youth build both self-respect and respect for others.

Supporting children in the new millennium also means supporting parents in helping to provide for their children's care during work hours. The Club operates a licensed preschool and two licensed after-school programs, one serving children from the public housing area of the community. The Club also conducts a number of summer programs with childcare components.

The Club is truly a community organization. The Club works in many ways to involve the community in activities for children and foster awareness of children's needs. The broader mission of the Club is to help a community that cares about children and takes seriously its obligation to them.

The past success and considerable record of achievement of the Club has been made possible by a caring community, hard work, and personal compassion and commitment from dedicated volunteers, friends and professional staff. Now as we enter into the uncharted and uncertain future of the new millennium, we must rededicate ourselves to the task at hand so that the Club can continue to be a beacon of light and hope for the youth of our community.

Judge Glenda Hatchett Johnson of Atlanta Georgia, in a recent speech, summed up her perspective for Boys & Girls Club professionals, volunteers, and others "Take heart, know the work you do will live long after all of us are gone. Touch the future by taking hold of child's hand." All children have the right to a bright future. Help us light the way to that future.