Since 1952, the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club has provided the young people in our community with something they need and want most: a safe environment, where adults respect and listen to them...and where they can have fun. At BB&GC, members are encouraged to be themselves as they participate in interesting, constructive activities that channel youthful energy into challenging pursuits. We provide prevention-focused programming for youth, ages 2-19, within our core program areas, patterned after Boys and Girls Clubs of America:
- Character and leadership development
- Education and career development
- Health and life skills
- The arts
- Sporting activities, fitness and recreation
- Technology
A well-proven, nationally designed "youth development strategy" is integrated into all programming and implemented by trained professional staff, serving as a positive role models.
Since 1995, BB&GC has expanded from one location in downtown Bellevue to eleven units, adding a teen center, three sites in public housing, after-school programs in 5 elementary schools and the South Bellevue Community Center. Much of this growth follows our increased outreach efforts to provide services to every child in the community, through partnerships with resources available. These partnership resources include the City of Bellevue, Bellevue Public Schools, the Bellevue Police Department, King County Housing Authority and local churches.
Since 1995, BB&GC membership has escalated from 3,800 to 8,000, serving over 4,000 teens annually as well. Of the 15,000 school-age young people living in Bellevue, our Club is providing programs for more than half of that population (we are one of the largest independent clubs in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America movement). We also provide programs and services, such as concerts and job placement, to an additional 4,000 teens annually.
Currently, we have 11 sites in Bellevue: the Main Club, the Teen Center, three public housing sites (Eastside Terrace, Hidden Village & Spiritwood Manor), and five elementary school sites (Cherry Crest Elem., Stevenson Elem., Bennett Elem., Sherwood Forest Elem. & Phantom Lake Elem.) and the new cooperative effort with the City of Bellevue the South Bellevue Community Center. We partner with the Greater Eastside Jr. Football program with 2,500 participants. The Club is exploring the potential of a campaign for additional capital expansion in Bellevue and the development of an endowment.
For more information about the Bellevue Boys & Girls Clubs, please contact us at 425-454-6162.