Who We Are
History:
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sanford/Lee County has been here for 15 years. In 1994, concerned community leaders met to address the increased teen pregnancy, school dropout, and juvenile justice crime rates for Lee County children. They chose a proven national program to help battle the issues. Boys & Girls Clubs of America began working with them to develop a local organization. In 1995, St. Claire School is designated as the first site and the Club receives a Charter in December for 124 members. In 1997, the Club moved from St. Claire to Jonesboro Elementary. It is at that time that the board leaders decided to construct a stand-alone facility. In 1999, the Club opens a 17,000 square foot unit at 1414 Bragg Street (currently the O.T. Sloan Unit). The Club adds 2 more units within the next few years; the Armory Unit on McIver Street in 2001 and the Church Street Unit in the Sanford Housing Authority in 2004. In 2008, due to funding cuts and worsening economy, the Club closes the Armory Unit and transfers the members to the 2 existing units. The Club currently operates two units and has a $600,000 annual budget. It employees 5 full-time and 15 part-time staff to serve a daily average attendance of over 300 children. Over the past three years, Club expenses have been cut 34%, however, the average attendance has only decreased by 2%.
Mission:
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sanford/Lee County is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
Accomplishments over the years: Over 14,000 youth registered as members in 15 years.
- Four arrests from active members over 15 years
- First generation Club Alumni are enrolled or have graduated from more than 13 four year colleges/universities
- Club alumni are serving in: Army, Coast Guard Reserves, Marines, Navy, and Air Force
- Every Monday through Thursday of the school year all Club members and staff do homework
- One teen pregnancy from active members in over 15 years
- The Club has collaborated with over 20 local partners to provide programming
- The Club is open 180 school days per year for the members
- The Club is open for 11 1/2 hours per day in the summer
- Lee County Schools and the Club collaborate to provide transportation from all Lee County Schools
- Zero school dropouts from active members in the 15 years
- Club members, staff and board members have received recognition for numerous achievements including: program awards for innovative pregnancy prevention programming, Youth Bass Master's National Tournament Winners, four-top three state "Youth of the Year" finalist (competing against 30+ Clubs state wide), and many, many other accolades
- The Club has served over 10% of Lee Counties school aged children for 11 of the 15 years its existed