Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City?The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City is an organization dedicated to inspiring our youth to live out their greatest dreams. Whether encouraging young people to complete their homework, play sports or recreational activities, enter an art competition, or just have a healthy snack, Club staff know the important role they play in creating the wholesome environment our kids need. The Clubs are reaching out to a generation at risk by providing positive guidance and exciting opportunities.

What is the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City?The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City is to promote the development of self-esteem, values and skills for boys and girls, ages 5-18, with special emphasis on youth from disadvantaged circumstances.

How long have the Clubs been serving youth in Kansas City?Since 1912! The Boys Hotel opened in 1912 and then began operatin as a Boys Club in 1935. In 1976, the Board of Directors voted to admit girls into membership and became the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. The Clubs look forward to a year-long celebration of our 100th Anniversary in 2012.What kinds of programs and activities do the Clubs offer?

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City has a lineup of tested and proven, nationally recognized programs that address today's most pressing youth issues, teaching young people the skills they need to succeed in life. These programs fall into five core areas: Character & Leadership, Education & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, The Arts, and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. For more information on our programs, visit our Five Core Programs page. What makes the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City special?There are four key characteristics that differentiate the Clubs from other youth-serving organizations. All are critical in exerting positive impact on the life of a child:

1. Dedicated Youth Facilities - The Boys & Girls Club is a PLACE - an actual neighborhood-based building - designed solely for youth programming.
2. Open When School is Not - The Clubs are open Monday-Friday before and after school and some Saturdays. On school out days (even snow days) and most holidays, the Clubs are open when youth have free time and need positive, productive outlets.
3. Professional Staff - Every Club has full-time and part-time trained youth development professionals, providing positive role models and mentors. Volunteers provide key supplementary support.
4. Affordable and Accessible to All Youth - Clubs reach out to youth who cannot afford, or may lack access to, other community programs. Dues are low - the annual membership fee is only $15 per school year. 

Who does the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City serve?The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City serve nearly 7,000 youth, ages 5-18, annually. 86% of youth qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches. Only 32% of Club members live in a two-parent household. The combined average household income within a 2-mile radius of our five community Club sites is $21,729.

Where are the Clubs located?The Clubs have five dedicated locations throughout the Kansas City area - two in Kansas City, MO, two in Independence, MO, and one in Kansas City, KS. For more information on our locations, visit our "Where We Are" page.When are the Clubs open?Individual Club hours vary for before and after school programming. Please visit the "Where We Are" page for specific Club hours.What does it cost to be a member of the Clubs?The Clubs keep membership affordable for ALL youth - only $15 for an entire school year. However, it costs the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City $2,397 a year to provide services for one child.Is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City a United Way agency?Yes, we are a United Way agency. Click here for more information on the United Way of Greater Kansas City.