The Boys & Girls Clubs of America has its roots in the Civil War.  The Dashaway Club was the very first Boys & Girls Club prototype and was started by three women in 1864 in Hartford, Connecticut.

Now the Boys & Girls Clubs movement has over 4,000 clubs around the world.  Each club organization is independently incorporated and operated by local boards of directors.  Club organizations must meet minimum standards and be approved by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America before they can be chartered.  Each club organization is responsible for its own fundraising and oversight.  The Boys & Girls Clubs of America national office is incorporated to support the work of local club organizations through their advocacy work on behalf of youth.

To learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, click here.