Our Mission & Story
For 87 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hancock County have worked to change and save lives.
Imagine a place where who you are, where you’re from or the circumstances that surround you don’t determine your access to experiences or opportunities. Through your support, the Boys & Girls Club of Hancock County is making that vision a reality – in our community and communities around the world.
97% of Club teens expect to graduate from High School and 88% expect to complete some kind of post-secondary education.
According to BGCA youth outcome data.
Our Mission
To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Our Vision
To provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.
Our Guiding Principles
Boys & Girls Clubs put young people first. We prioritize their safety and elevate their voices in relentless pursuit of our mission in every Club, every day. Our impact is amplified when we work together as a unified Movement, guided by these shared values and principles:
- Excellence: We are the leaders in youth development. We take a professional approach to our work, setting high standards and investing in the success of our people.
- Belonging: We create diverse, inclusive environments where every young person, caregiver, staff member, board member and volunteer is valued, respected and has a voice.
- Continuous Improvement: We have a relentless focus on progress. We make data-informed decisions and embrace learning and innovation to increase our impact.
- Accountability: We act in ways that advance the impact and reputation of the entire Boys & Girls Club Movement.
- Collective Impact: We collaborate eagerly for the collective good. We help each other get better.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We believe every kid has what it takes. The mission and core beliefs of Boys & Girls Clubs fuel our commitment to promoting safe, positive and inclusive environments for all. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hancock County 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.
Our Great Past
The Boys & Girls Club of Hancock County has a rich history of supporting the youth of Greenfield and Center Township, dating back to its founding on May 27, 1938. The Club was established through the vision and partnership of Father Spaulding of St. Michael Catholic Church and Reverend Fred Hill from Bradley United Methodist Church. Together, they sought to create a safe and supervised space for recreation, initially located at the Old Riley School.
As the Club grew, it relocated on March 11, 1940, to the Old Lincoln School on South Pennsylvania Street. The Club offered a variety of programs, including baseball, basketball, football, boxing, track, and shop activities, providing opportunities for local boys to develop skills and teamwork. During World War II, the Club demonstrated its commitment to the community by organizing an emergency bicycle messenger corps, with 70 boys delivering messages for the Civil Defense Director in 1942.
A significant milestone was reached on September 21, 1952, when the Club moved to its current location at 715 E. Lincoln Street. That same year, the Club celebrated winning the Boys’ Club Baseball Championship in Columbus, Indiana. Two years later, in 1954, a gymnasium was added to the facility and later dedicated in honor of Joe Fisk, affectionately known today as the “Blue Gym.”
In 1964, the Club became a proud member of United Way and expanded its programming to include intramural basketball and baseball. This year also marked the establishment of the Club’s first endowment, further securing its ability to serve the community for generations.
Leadership played a pivotal role in shaping the Club’s legacy. Jim Andrews served as Executive Director from 1969 to 1988, leaving an indelible mark on the organization. Today, the Greenfield location bears his name as the Jim Andrews Unit, honoring his years of dedication.
Inclusivity grew as a hallmark of the Club, beginning in 1972 with the introduction of a summer girls basketball program. That same year, Cindy Adams became the first girl member of the Club, paving the way for the organization’s evolution. Reflecting this shift, the Club’s name officially changed to the Boys & Girls Club of Hancock County in 1981.
The Club continued to grow, adding a second gymnasium in 1993, featuring the Ron Horning Court, named in honor of former Executive Director Ron Horning. This expansion created the footprint the Club occupies today, ensuring space for even more youth to explore their potential.
With decades of dedication and countless lives impacted, the Boys & Girls Club of Hancock County stands as a testament to the power of community, innovation, and unwavering support for the next generation.
Through it all, kids have been our #1 priority.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hancock County provides a safe haven for more than a thousand youth, giving them an opportunity to discover their great futures. But hundreds of kids are still in need, and we can’t close the opportunity gap alone. You can make a life-changing difference today!
Help put another kid on the path to a great future.
Have a year-round impact on a child’s success.
MORE WAYS TO GIVE
Were you a Club kid?
Once a Club kid, always a Club kid. Please take a moment to make sure you’re a part of the Alumni & Friends network!