60th Anniversary Celebration
As our organization reflects on 60 years of accomplishments, we remember and recognize our founders, leaders and supporters who have made this organization what it is today. By doing whatever it takes, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa will continue to serve Des Moines metro youth for another 60 years.
The Club Experience has the power to not only change the young lives of our current generation, but impact lives of the next. We face the future with the determination and memory of those who came before us to shape the future generations of our community.
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa supporters and community members came together November 17, 2023, to celebrate 60 years of continuous achievements and inspiring kids and teens to reach their full potential.
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For more information about the event, click here.
Celebrating 60 Years of Creating Great Futures
Since establishment in 1963, by founders Bernie Baker, Jr.; A.H. Blank; Ellis I. Levitt; E.T. Meredith, Jr. and Miles Mills, Sr., our programs have evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of the Des Moines Metro community, while never wavering from our core belief that every child, regardless of their income level or zip code, should have access to high-quality, after-school and summer programming in a safe and supportive environment.
With our eighth Club site opening in 2021, we have consistently and proudly grown into one of the largest and most comprehensive youth development organizations in the metro, providing a full schedule of diversified and educationally enriching programming in three key areas: Academic Success, Character & Leadership, and Healthy Lifestyles.
Through The Years
For 60 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa has remained one of the largest and most comprehensive youth development organizations in the Des Moines metro.
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Today, our kids and teens here in the Des Moines metro are facing very real challenges: significant academic backslide, mental health crises, and food insecurity. It has never been more important to ensure that the doors of our eight Club sites remain open for another 60 years; to uphold our promise of a safe, supportive place for all young people who walk through our doors. We remember and recognize our founders, leaders and supporters who have made this organization what it is today.