At Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend, we provide safe, supportive environments for children and teens from some of our region’s most under-resourced communities—every day after school and throughout the summer. For little to no cost for families, our nine Club locations offer life-changing programs that help our youth succeed in school, build strong character, and lead healthy, productive lives.
We believe that every child—regardless of background or circumstance—deserves the opportunity to thrive. At every Club, members gain the confidence and guidance they need to make positive choices, stay on track, and pursue a brighter future.
At Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend, we serve the youth who need us most—every day after school and throughout the summer. Across our nine Club locations in three counties, we provide a safe, supportive environment for youth from some of the region’s most under-resourced neighborhoods.
Our Clubs offer more than a place to go—they offer a path forward. At little or no cost to families, members receive academic support, enriching extracurricular activities, and consistent mentorship from caring adult role models. We believe that every child, regardless of income or circumstance, deserves the opportunity to succeed in school, make positive life choices, and grow into a healthy, responsible adult.
By investing in the next generation of North Floridians, we’re working to break the cycle of poverty and build stronger communities—one child at a time.
In 1989, a community household survey conducted by Kerr and Downs for the City of Tallahassee identified substance abuse, crime, and teen pregnancy as the top three social challenges facing Leon County. This troubling assessment was further reinforced by Tallahassee Police Department data showing a 46% increase in youth delinquency complaints between 1985 and 1989.
Moved to action by these findings, six dedicated Leon County citizens gathered in April 1990, determined to make a difference in young lives. Rather than creating a program from scratch, they chose to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA)—a respected national organization with a proven 127-year history of successfully supporting at-risk youth across the country.
The founding group quickly expanded to 20 community members passionate about securing a better future for Tallahassee’s children. With guidance from BGCA, they established a board of directors focused on three crucial goals: raising funds for the first year, securing a facility, and hiring leadership. Their efforts paid off, successfully raising the necessary startup funding and recruiting Alton Evans, who served as the organization’s first executive director until August 2001.
Every year, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend helps children across our communities grow and thrive. Our Annual Report shows what we’ve accomplished, shares success stories, and explains how we use the support we receive. These pages highlight how we’re making a real difference for kids who need us most throughout the Big Bend region.
