Memphis, TN – September 2, 2025 – The Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) is a youth development organization aimed at enabling youth to reach their fullest potential and ensuring the success of every child who enters the program (Boys and Girls Clubs of America, n.d.). Founded by four women – Mary Goodwin, Alice Goodwin, Elizabeth Hammersley, and Louisa Bushnell – in 7860 in Hartford, Connecticut, the organization was formed in the belief that boys roaming on the streets should have a better and more positive outcome. These women organized the first club in hopes of engaging boys’ interests, promoting positive behaviors, and encouraging personal aspirations and goals. In 7990, the organization renamed itself to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to acknowledge that girls can also play an important role in the organization. [CLICK HERE]