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Mission Statement
“To provide a fun, safe, supervised environment for
recreational and educational activities where all boys and girls, especially
those from disadvantaged circumstances, can develop self-esteem and the
qualities needed to become caring, responsible citizens”.
The Boys & Girls Club Fills A Critical Need
Boys & Girls Clubs build character through everyday
leadership and guidance in behavior and attitude. Young people of all
nationalities, races, and creeds join together in wholesome recreation and
companionship.
Trained professional staff provide positive adult mentors
and role models. Nationally recognized programs help young people
succeed in school, stay healthy, learn important life skills, pursue
interests in the arts and sports, and explore vocational choices.
Most importantly, the Boys & Girls Club shows youngsters
that someone cares and wants them to realize their full potential as
productive, responsible, and caring citizens.
History of a Dream
 Although
Ira McDowell had no children of his own, he had a great love and concern for
young people. After doing extensive research, Mr. McDowell gathered a group
of men together in 1959 to raise the money necessary to buy property and
build a Boys' Club. This group included Harrison Weatherford, who later
became the first President of the Board. On September 29, 1959, the Albany
Boys Club Board of Directors voted to purchase the Hill Street site for
$7,500. The Board minutes of that year state, “It became apparent that a
building to suit the needs of the organization on the property we now own
would leave little room for expansion and outside athletic facilities.”
(Little did they know!) In January 1960, adjacent property was purchased
from Mr. J.C. Reed for $6,500.
 Ground
breaking was held on March 19, 1965. Two different executive directors were
hired but then left before the Club officially opened. In September 1966,
Ron Loney, formerly Athletic Director of the Bellevue Boys & Girls Club and
Director of the Snohomish Boys & Girls Club, was employed on a temporary
basis to help get the building finished and to operate a program.
From September to December, the Board, under the leadership of Building
Chairman Rex Casey, worked at a frantic pace, holding painting parties and
putting the finishing touches on the building. As a Christmas present to the
community, the Albany Boys Club opened its doors on December 27, 1966, with
488 boy members.
 In
1979, two events took place that made a significant impact on the Albany
Boys Club. The Club took over middle school athletic programs and the Y-City
Girls Sports Program. Not only did the membership dramatically increase, but
girls, for the first time, were allowed membership in the Club. The Albany
Boys Club became the Albany Boys and Girls Club to reflect that change -
much ahead of its time.
With a membership of over 2,000 boys and girls, the need for more space and
for locker rooms for girls became apparent. From a sketch on a napkin drawn
by Executive Director Ron Loney, the plans for a new addition started
forming. Just as the earlier Board of Directors had done, the current board
sought donations and volunteer labor to construct the new 15,800 sq. foot
addition. In order to accommodate the new building, the baseball field was
moved to the back of the property, lights and all!
On March 2, 1984, Governor Vic Atiyeh and National Boys Clubs of America
President Bill Bricker dedicated the new addition. The Albany Boys & Girls
Club facility was approximately 33,000 sq. feet with the addition of a
larger gym, girls' shower, restrooms, offices, boardroom, upstairs
gymnastics room, and lobby. In 1993, a middle school program was
established. With funds from Willamette Industries and from the Bob Richards
Memorial Fund, the former upstairs gymnastics room was remodeled and readied
for use by sixth, seventh and eighth grade members.
 In
1998, the Board began another chapter in the Club’s history. A feasibility
study illuminated the need for more programming space. In June of 1999, a
Capital Campaign raised $3,950,000 to fund a 35,000 square foot expansion to
be joined to the existing facility. Completed in the fall of 2001, the new
addition was built on the remaining ball field space and contains two
full-sized gyms, classrooms, offices, a high school area room and new lobby.
Other areas were modernized and remodeled, most notably for a Computer Tech
Center.
Ira McDowell's dream is a reality three times over. Little could he have
imagined the success, the growth of programs, and thousands of children who
have been served over the past 40 years. A painting of Mr. McDowell is
displayed in a lighted frame at the end of the hallway in the original
building.
National Recognition and Affiliation
The Boys & Girls Club of Albany is affiliated with Boys & Girls Club of America,
the fastest growing youth organization in the nation. Four key characteristics
define the essence of a Boys & Girls Club. All are critical in exerting positive
impact on the life of a child:
- Dedicated Youth Facility: The Boys & Girls Club is a place -- an
actual neighborhood-based building -- designed solely for youth programs and
activities.
- Open Daily: The Club is open every day, after school and on
weekends, when kids have free time and need positive, productive outlets.
- Professional Staff: Every Club has full-time, trained youth
development professionals, providing positive role models and mentors.
Volunteers provide key supplementary support.
- Available/Affordable to All Youth: Clubs reach out to kids who
cannot afford, or may lack access to, other community programs. Dues are
low, averaging $5 to $10 per year. In Albany, they are $25 per year (August
31-September 1).
Boys & Girls Clubs of America had its beginnings in 1860 with several women
in Hartford, Conn. Believing that boys who roamed the streets should have a
positive alternative, they organized the first Club. A cause was born.
In 1906, several Boys Clubs decided to affiliate. The Federated Boys Clubs in
Boston was formed with 53 member organizations. 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 the cause, the national
organization's name was changed to Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1990.
Accordingly, Congress amended and renewed the charter.
The Scope of the Movement:
- 3.6 million boys & girls served
- 3,300 Club locations
- Locations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, & the
Virgin Islands plus domestic & international
military bases
- Some 40,000 trained professional staff
In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and
companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with
no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about
them.
Boys & Girls Clubs offer that and more. Club programs and services promote
and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of
competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe
place to learn and grow -- all while having fun. It is truly The Positive Place
For Kids.
Did you know...
- that over the past 30 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Albany has been
instrumental in developing self-esteem, confidence, leadership,
and teamwork in over 70,000 boys and girls in our community.
- that the Club records 366,420 youth participation hours in our athletic
and community our-reach programs?
- that over 7,800 lunches are served to children at the Club Program site
each summer?
- that for the cost of keeping one youth in McLaran for one year, 176 kids
can be kept busy at the Boys & Girls Club?
- that volunteers put in 19,000 hours coaching basketball, baseball,
football, soccer, and track?
- that 425 kids per day ride a school bus to the Club to participate in
our After School Programs?
Did you also know...
The problem associated with violence and delinquency are complex, so the Boys &
Girls Clubs of America offers proven solutions.
According to an independent survey, conducted by Louis Harris & Associates,
Inc., of Boys & Girls Club alumni, they overwhelmingly reported that the Boys &
Girls Clubs had a positive effect on their lives.
- 90% of alumni reported that being in a Boys & Girls Club had a positive
effect on their lives.
- Those who had the greatest obstacles to overcome (Black, Hispanics and
economically disadvantaged) were the most likely to perceive a positive
impact.
- 60% said that when they were growing up there were few options besides
the Boys & Girls Club. 70% said it was the only place they could go for
organized activities.
- 75% of the alumni believed their Boys & Girls Club experience helped
them avoid difficulty with the law. Many felt their lives would have
differed if they had not gone to a Boys & Girls Club.
- 80% said Boys & Girls Clubs had a positive effect on their health and
fitness.
- 70% reported that Boys & Girls Clubs helped them avoid drug and alcohol
problems.
- A majority of alumni reported that their Boys & Girls Club experience
helped them in school, in learning to be leaders, and on the job. 90%
believe that being in a Boys & Girls Club was important to their success in
later life.
A Columbia University study showed dramatic changes in public housing sites
with a Boys & Girls Club:
- 25% decrease in the presence of crack
- 22% decrease in drug activity
- 13% decrease in juvenile crime
B&GCA’s Delinquency Prevention Through Targeted Outreach program works with
schools, parents, law enforcement agencies and juvenile courts to help at-risk
youth avoid gang involvement. Among thousands of youth recruited:
- 93% avoid further encounters with the law
- 68% remain active in Club programs
- 48% improved performance in school
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