Boys & Girls Clubs
of Greater Kansas City
For over a century, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City has provided a safe and supportive space for young people to grow, learn, and succeed. Our mission is to inspire and enable all youth—especially those who need us most—to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
We serve more than 8,000 kids and teens annually across 11 locations throughout the Greater Kansas City area, delivering impactful programs that foster academic achievement, healthy lifestyles, and character development. Through mentoring, leadership training, and educational support, our Clubs equip members with the skills they need to thrive today and lead tomorrow.
Safety & Well-being
Every child’s safety is our top priority, with trained staff and secure environments.
Academic Success
We provide the resources to ensure kids succeed in school and prepare for their futures.
Healthy Living
Through fitness and wellness programs, we promote the importance of physical and mental well-being.
Character & Leadership
We help kids grow into responsible, thoughtful leaders in their communities.
Our Commitment to Youth
A Century of Service: Our History
Since 1912, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City has been a pillar in the community, dedicated to helping young people thrive. From humble beginnings to one of the most impactful youth organizations in the region, our history reflects a steadfast commitment to empowering youth.
2023
The Northland Unit was opened at the North Cross United Methodist Church, 1321 NE Vivion Rd., Kansas City, MO 64118
2024
The Independence Unit was renamed the 15 and the Mahomies Unit in honor of a major partnership with Patrick and Brittany Mahomes' Foundation. This multi-year commitment brings vital resources to support local youth for years to come.
2021
Celebrated the opening of a state-of-the-art esports Lounge in partnership with KC Pioneers at the Bridenthal Unit.
2022
The new S. Kiki Curls Unit was opened at the Smith-Hale Middle School in the Hickman Mills School District.
2019
Two new school-based 21st Century Community Learning Centers were approved to move forward by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and will be established over a five-year period.
2020
Opened a new 5,000 square foot Teen Center at the J&D Wagner Unit.
2014
Celebrated the opening of a brand new $1.6 million Teen Center at the Independence Unit.
2015
The start of year round programming for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City at the Olathe Unit in Olathe, Kansas.
2006
The new $7.5 million Wyandotte County Unit in the Breidenthal Youth & Families Community Center opened.
2012
The Clubs celebrated 100 Years of Building Great Futures for Kansas City’s youth!
2000
The John Thornberry Unit was renovated and expanded through a $12 million campaign with Genesis School to become the Thornberry Center for Youth & Families.
2004
A merger with Boys & Girls Clubs of Eastern Jackson County added the Independence (formerly Leslie) and Hawthorne Units to the organization.
1996
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City entered into an agreement with the Kansas City Public Schools to operate Clubs in selected school locations.
1996
RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) became a program of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City.
1988
At the request of the Housing Authority of Kansas City, Missouri, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City opened a Club inside the Pennway West Plaza Housing Project through 1998. The project was funded by ACTION “Start-Up.”
1994
David A. Smith was hired as President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City.
1976
The Board of Directors voted to admit girls into membership under Board Chairman Col. Charles McGee.
1986
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City opened the 23rd Street Unit in the Bob Jones Memorial Building at the Niles Home. The Unit served youth until 1994.
1935
The Club reopened and within a month, 997 boys between the ages of 7-18 were members.
1968
The John Thornberry Unit opened at East 43rd Street & Cleveland under Chairman of the Board Gordon T. Beaham, III.
1932
The Boys Hotel closed.
1934
J.R. Battenfield, Joyce Hall, H. Roe Bartle and others from Rotary Club #13 concluded the Boys Hotel facility should operate as a Boys Club.
1916
Young boys are charged $2.50-$3 per week to live in the Boys Hotel. They can pay $4 for the luxury of a private room.
1921
The organization joined the Boys Club Federation, the forerunner of today’s Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
1912
Judge E.F. Porterfield’s group, Juvenile Improvement Club, raised $60,000 to open the Boys Hotel.
