Mission :

Movement's - Reason For Being.

To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

About Us :

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany was founded in March 1965 as the Boys Club of Albany Georgia, Inc.  It's first home was a condemned building at 1309 N. Jefferson Street.  Realizing the obviously temporary status of the building, a fundraising campaign was immediately launched by the first Director of the Club, B.B. Rhodes, Jr.  The goal was to raise $150,000.  What gave great impetus to this campaign was a gift of land contributed by Mr. James H. Gray, Sr., which would become the sight of a new club.  The land was adjacent to a community swimming pool which was obtained by the Boys Club from the City of Albany for $55,000.  Our Jefferson Street Unit is still housed at this location.

A success from the day the new Club opened, the only concern was a $50,000 mortgage.  This final concern was relieved with a grant from the Mellon Foundation which left the Boys Club of Albany debt free!

Dramatic growth followed with membership reaching 1,600 boys in 1968. As the membership expanded it became increasingly apparent that to meet the increased need it would be necessary to conduct an annual fundraising campaign.  The "Back A Boy" program was born.  The goal of the campaign was to enlist 1,000 supporters to pledge $5.00 per month.  The resulting increase in funds allowed for expanded programming and greater membership capacity.

In 1972 the Boys Club of Albany became a full member of the United Way of Dougherty County. United Way agreed to provide 80% of the Club's budget for the 1972-1973 year.  This commitment, augmented by the "Support A Boy" campaign, placed the organization on a solid financial footing.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany now serves more than 5,000 youth per year at ten (10) locations in four (4) counties across Southwest Georgia.  Lamar Reese Elementary School became our first school-based location in 2005.  In addition to our after school programming, the Boys & Girls Clubs also sponsors a technology lab at Lamar Reese Elementary which is used during the school day by all students.

We have developed long term, committed relationships with our local school system, police department, churches and civic organizations, and the community.