Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan is proud to recognize that we have provided a safe, positive, fun-learning environment for over 300,000 Detroit area youth since 1926.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America—originally named Boys Clubs—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. The ideals were the same as today; provide enrichment programs that are age-appropriate, exciting and engaging to keep kids actively involved throughout their teenage years and help them to resist the negative influences that surround them.

At first the boys were skeptical about this new phenomenon that had opened up at their doorstep. But then they discovered something good that was all theirs. Here was a place where friendship beckoned—where there were caring adults and recreational activities, and where they could do the things that boys want to do. This marked the beginning of a nationwide Movement of Boys Clubs.

Today, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan serves more than 26,000 youth based on the long-standing principles of character and leadership development; education and career development; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation and; health and life skills.

Some members have stayed involved; others have merely passed through. To each, however, Boys & Girls Clubs has been there for those who needed us then, and is always there for those who need us most. That’s why we need Alumni now. Come on Home and help make a difference in the lives of today’s children and in the future of our communities.