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The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, founded in 1892, is an affiliate of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, one of the nation’s oldest and premiere youth organizations. Boys & Girls Clubs of America has its national headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. The first Boys Club was started in Hartford, Connecticut in 1860. The first affiliation of Boys Clubs took place in 1906, when fifty-three Boys Clubs, including Holyoke, gathered in Boston to form The Federated Boys Clubs of America. In 1931, The Federation became Boys Clubs of America. In 1956, Boys Clubs of America received a U.S. Congressional Charter. In 1990, the national organization changed its name to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Congress amended the Charter accordingly.
To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. 5 Core Service Areas Character & Leadership Helping youth become responsible, caring citizens and acquire skills for participating in the democratic process is the main thrust of these programs. They also develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for planning, decision-making, contributing to Club and community and celebrating our national heritage. Education & Career These programs help youth create aspirations for the future, providing opportunities for career exploration and educational enhancement. Health & Life Skills These initiatives help youth achieve and maintain healthy, active lifestyles. The Arts These initiatives help young people enhance self-expression and creativity, develop multicultural appreciation, provide exposure to and develop skills in crafts and visual, performing and literary arts. Sports & Fitness These Club programs help develop fitness, a positive use of leisure time, reduction of stress, appreciation for the environment and social and interpersonal skills.
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The arts & crafts project was done by two Holyoke Public School teachers who are volunteering at the Club together every Tuesday night. Even though they work with children all day in school, they volunteer at night because they want to have fun with the children. The teachers are Jenny Johnson from the Lynch Middle School and Katie Ross from the Kelly School.