About Our Clubs
Our Mission
To enable all young people, especially those that need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.
Our Vision
Improving the lives of all Emerald Coast youth as the Premier Youth Development Organization.
Our Core Values
Safety – Organizational Over-Arching Value
Commitment
Empowerment
Excellence
Initiative
Trust
Our History
Welcome to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, an organization with a storied history of empowering young minds and fostering positive growth. Our journey began in 1968 as the Boys Club of the Playground Area, with a modest membership of 15. Over the years, we have evolved, faced challenges, and embraced change to better serve our community.
In 1988, economic difficulties threatened our mission, but local businessmen stepped up to preserve and nurture the Club’s value. This commitment paved the way for progress, and in 1990, we proudly became the Boys & Girls Club of Okaloosa County, breaking down barriers and inclusively welcoming girls into our fold. We also broadened our focus to emphasize education, establishing Smart Centers in local middle schools to provide enhanced support to our members.
The years that followed saw us grow and expand our influence. In 2001, we opened a Smart Center in South Walton County, laying the groundwork for a fully operational Club by 2002. Renamed the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, we strived to better reflect our profound impact on children and families throughout the region.
With a resolute commitment to our mission, we continued to make a difference. In 2010, we extended our reach by welcoming the existing Pensacola Club into our family. Subsequently, we took over the After School Program at Kenwood in November 2014, ensuring that even more young individuals could benefit from our programs.
In August 2015, the Montclair Club opened its doors, providing another avenue for us to positively influence the lives of youth in the community. Our dedication to their growth and well-being remained unwavering.
Even during challenging times, we persisted in our efforts to serve. Despite the pandemic’s grip on the world, we bravely opened the Riverside Club in August 2020, providing much-needed support and hope to young individuals right in the midst of adversity.
In 2022, the BGCEC experienced tremendous growth, registering almost 2,200 kids and extending our impact to over 2,100 other youth served. This milestone reaffirmed our commitment to creating a brighter future for the next generation.
As a registered IRS 501(c)3 charity, our work would not be possible without the generous support of our community. Funding from contributions, special events, grants, and our valued donors, such as the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and United Way agencies in Escambia and Okaloosa/Walton Counties, enables us to continue making a positive difference in the lives of young individuals and their families.
With boundless enthusiasm and unwavering dedication, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast stands as a beacon of hope, empowering the youth, and shaping a better tomorrow for our community. We look forward to the journey ahead and the opportunity to positively impact the lives of even more young people.
