Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to youth development, operating as an affiliate of Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). Founded in 1991, the organization officially opened in 1992. It serves the area by providing year-round youth development services, including after-school and summer programs.

Mission

The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia is to enable all young people, especially those who need them most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. The organization aims to provide a safe and enriching environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Programs and Services

The organization offers a wide range of programs designed across five core areas:

• Education & Career: This includes activities focused on academic success and career development.
• Character & Leadership: Programs aimed at developing character and leadership skills.
• Health & Life Skills: Fostering healthy lifestyles and teaching essential life skills.
• The Arts: Encouraging creativity and participation in various art forms.
• Sports, Fitness, & Recreation: Promoting physical activity and recreational engagement.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia provides more than 1,500 hours of programs annually, serving over 2,500 youth across Charlottesville and surrounding counties, including Albemarle, Madison, and Orange.

Impact and Growth

Over its 30 years of operation, the organization has expanded from a single location serving 50 youth to six locations serving more than 2,000 youth per year. It is governed by a board of directors and employs over 100 staff members to implement its services.

Community Engagement

The organization is committed to addressing societal challenges, such as equity and access to resources. Notably, it has implemented a living wage initiative, ensuring all staff earn a minimum wage to align with community living standards.

Partnerships and Initiatives

In line with its mission to provide essential services, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia partners with governmental agencies, like the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to support programs such as the Summer Food Service Program, offering free meals to children during summer months. This initiative reflects the organization's commitment to supporting vulnerable youth populations and fostering community well-being.

[1] https://www.bgclyh.org/about/who-we-are [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boys_&_Girls_Clubs_of_America [3] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/f26bad52-319e-4a48-a313-c107fcaaa171 [4] https://bgclubcva.org [5] https://www.bgca.org/about-us/our-mission-story/