Boys & Girls Club of Hartford

Mission Statement: The Boys & Girls Club of Ludlow is an organization committed to helping youth of all backgrounds develop leadership skills, self-esteem and character. We strive to assist all youth to become responsible citizens by providing quality cultural, social, educational, physical and recreational opportunities in neighborhood facilities. This will be accomplished by involving staff, board members, family and community in effective participation toward these ends. History: The clock atop the number eight mill of the Ludlow Manufacturing Associates is probably the most familiar landmark in the town of Ludlow ; yet running the timepiece a close second is the Stevens Memorial Building on Chestnut Street. Years ago, this building was known as the "Rec" and the mere mention of the name begins a flood of wonderful memories of swimming, dances, and exciting athletic events. In March of 1949, the Board of Selectman presented an article in the town meeting recommending that the town of Ludlow purchase the Stevens Memorial Building and property. The voters gave their full support to the article and voted unanimously to purchase the complex. In June 1949, at a special town meeting, it was voted unanimously that the Stevens Memorial Building continue to be used for recreational purposes for the entire town, with the understanding that the town of Ludlow would maintain the building in the areas of janitorial service, heating, cost of public utilities and capital improvements. The building officially became Ludlow Community Center. On October 19, 1949 the corporation charter was received from the State of Massachusetts for Ludlow Community Center with the purpose of the Center to be as follows: to promote good citizenship and to provide a place or places with facilities and equipment for educational and recreational activities for both the young and adult citizens of both sexes irrespective of race, creed, or color. The Corporation was to be absolutely non-sectarian. In February of 1950, Mr. Pagos was hired by the Board of Directors and on March 1, 1950, Ludlow Community Center opened its doors for the youth and adults of the town. The Center applied for and received admittance as a member agency of Springfield United Fund. The next priority was getting the building in shape for expanded services. A great deal of work had to be done and the community took on the job with enthusiasm and vigor. With the help of many volunteers and service groups in the town the Center took on a new appearance with all areas renovated and painted. The Executive Director and staff planned a variety of diversified programs and activities for the many youngsters and adults flocking to the Center. Membership steadily increased each year as kids and adults came not only from Ludlow, but also from Indian Orchard, Wilbraham, Sixteen Acres, and Springfield. As a result of the increased membership and the need for additional programs and services, renovations were made which included modern locker rooms, toilet areas, more swimming pool deck space, a new boys' game room, an enlarged girls' sewing area, arts & crafts facilities and more office space. In April of 1962, the Corporation voted to change the name to "The Ludlow Boys & Girls Club, Inc We are proud of what our Club means to the community ; thousands of boys and girls have passed through the doors of the Club during the past forty-nine years with fond memories of the many activities they participated in and many friends they made. As we look back over the years we realize that all this has been made possible through those individuals and groups who cared and gave of themselves along with the Ludlow Boys & Girls Club to help thousands enter adulthood as responsible caring citizens.

Springfield Boys and Girls Club aims to help youth of all backgrounds, with special concern for those from disadvantaged circumstances through various developmental programs to enhance their social, emotional, physical, vocational and educational well-being. The club provides a five-core program, including character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, arts, and sports, fitness and recreation. Licensed by the Office of Child Care Services, its after school programs provides a structured day program to youth between 5- and 13-years with academic and recreational services. The club also offers prevention programs for youth, which include gang, alcohol, drug, tobacco, teen sex and pregnancy prevention. Its job readiness is a program designed to help teens prepare for work and includes job shadowing, interview techniques, communications skills, proper dress and attitude. The club is located in Springfield, Mass.

Founded in 1916, Girls Inc. of Worcester is a non-profit organization. Formerly known as Worcester Girls Club, the firm serves 1,818 girls annually ranging in ages 5-18, at its facility located on Providence Street and through 14 direct services sites in schools, housing developments and program partnerships in greater Worcester. It is one of the leading national experts on girls issues and houses one of the largest research centers on girls in the United States at its National Resource Center (NRC) in Indianapolis. Girls Inc. of Worcester offers over 50 programs that primarily focus on careers and life planning, culture and heritage, health and sexuality, leadership, self-reliance/life skills and sports and adventure. Some of its program includes national scholarship program, after school programs, homework helpers, cooking, babysitting and special pre-teen and teen programs.