Making a Difference Since 1950
1950
Members of the East End Optimist Club begin construction of the East End Boys Club.
1959
The East End Boys Club is incorporated as a non-profit organization and chartered by Boys Clubs of America.
1987-2000
Increased attendance and need encouraged expansion into additional communities. The Ed Endres Club, Shawnee Club and Jeffersonville Club were chartered.
2011-2012
Additional expansion efforts opened doors to the Newburg and Parkland Clubs.
2023
The California Boys & Girls Clubs opens its doors to 1st - 8th graders. Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana operates 4 Club sites; serving more than 3,300 youth annually between 6-18 years of age.
OUR
STORY
Since 1950, Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana (BGCK) has been in the forefront of youth development, working with young people from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances.
In 1950, members of the East End Optimist Club undertook the construction of the East End Boys Club. As the Club grew, the Optimists saw the need to incorporate this program as a separate non-profit entity in the state of Kentucky. In 1959, the East End Boys Club, Inc. was incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and chartered by Boys Clubs of America. The new entity became a member of the Community Chest, the predecessor to the present Metro United Way. Today, both Metro United Way and the Optimist Club remain active and significant supporters of BGCK.
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Due to the popularity of the East End Boys Club, the board decided to expand into other communities in Louisville and Southern Indiana. BGCK chartered the Ed Endres Boys & Girls Club in New Albany, IN in 1987; the Shawnee Boys & Girls Club in Louisville, KY in 1999; and the Jeffersonville Boys & Girls Club in Jeffersonville, IN in 2000. After the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs closed in October 2011, BGCK embarked on an expansion initiative and opened the Newburg Boys & Girls Club in Louisville, KY in December 2011 and the Parkland Boys & Girls Club in Louisville, KY in September 2012. The California Boys & Girls Club opened in January 2023.
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Currently BGCK is operating in 4 Clubs in the Kentuckiana region: California, Newburg, Parkland, and Shawnee. Through these four Clubs, BGCK will serve over 3,000 youth ages 6-18 each year.
equity
diversity
inclusion
We believe every kid has what it takes to achieve Great Futures. The mission and core beliefs of Boys & Girls Clubs fuel our commitment to promoting safe, positive, and inclusive environments for all. Boys & Girls Clubs supports all youth and teens – of every race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic status, and religion – in reaching their full potential.
& resources
transparency
Our Clubs are committed to transparency and accountability. We are honored to be recognized as an Accredited Charity by the Better Business Bureau and work with a Board of Directors dedicated to ensuring the highest fiduciary standards and an ethical working environment. Boys & Girls Clubs America has been selected as the #1 youth serving organization for the 22nd consecutive year from The Chronicle of Philanthropy.