Boys & Girls Clubs of America began in 1860 in Hartford, Connecticut with Mary Goodwin, Alice Goodwin and Elizabeth Hammersley. With the belief that boys who roamed the streets should have a positive alternative, a cause was born.
In 1906, several Boys Clubs decided to affiliate. The Federated Boys Clubs in Boston was formed with 53 member organizations – this marked the start of a nationwide Movement.
Boys & Girls Club of McAlester is part of this national network of affiliated Clubs.
In 1931, the Boys Club Federation of America became Boys Clubs of America.
In 1956, Boys Clubs of America celebrated its 50th anniversary and received a U.S. Congressional Charter.
To recognize the fact that girls are a part of our cause, the national organization's name was changed to Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1990. Accordingly, Congress amended and renewed our charter.
Our Club
In 1960, we originally opened our doors and began serving youth at the McAlester Clubhouse. The first members we served were between the ages of 5-18. In 1975 we began serving youth under 5. Then, in 1992 we merged with the McAlester Girls Club to become The Boys & Girls Club of McAlester. During the school year, our doors are open Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00p.m, and when McAlester Public Schools is on break we are open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. During the summer months, we provide summer camp activities from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Boys & Girls Club of McAlester is governed by a Board of Directors, which is led by our current Board President, Jessica Stipe. Day to day operations are led by Chief Executive Officer Terry Green & Director of Operations Shari Bledsoe.
