Who We Are
The Boys & Girls Club of Lansing began in 1964 as the Boys Club of Lansing. Local businessmen established an activity center targeting underprivileged street youth. Affiliation with the Boys & Girls Club of America brought national program ideas, professional staff, and a philosophy of working with youth.
For more than 40 years the focus of this community agency has remained on youth from disadvantaged circumstances, who lack appropriate resources and role models for success in school and/or employment. The mission has broadened from recreation and socialization to include education in a broad range of life skill areas.
Our STORY
1964
BEGINNINGS
The Boys & Girls Club of Lansing was founded in 1964, opening its first doors on Center Street in what is now Old Town Lansing—creating a safe, supportive place for local youth to learn and grow.
1990
NEW FACILITY
With the opening of our current facility in June 1990, the Club entered into a new era of impact. Since then, more than 50,000 youth have been served, supported by over 5,000 volunteers contributing nearly 70,000 hours, and strengthened through partnerships with more than 60 community organizations.
2016
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
A $1 million Capital Campaign—anchored by a $650,000 lead gift from Jackson National Life Insurance Company—made it possible to expand our facility with the creation of the Jackson Teen Zone, a dedicated space designed specifically for teen programming, leadership development, and workforce readiness.
2025
NORTHSIDE EXTENSION
The Boys & Girls Club became Clubs with the opening of our Northside Extension inside Hildebrandt Apartments, launched in partnership with the Lansing Housing Commission—bringing high-quality Club programming directly into the neighborhood and expanding our reach across Lansing.
Our VALUES
RESPECT
We honor diversity and inclusion, treat everyone with dignity, and lead with gratitude. We value different perspectives and embrace new ways of thinking.
EXCELLENCE
We deliver high-quality programs, measure our impact, and hold ourselves to high standards. We are committed to continuous improvement and innovation in everything we do.
TEAMWORK
Through collaboration with families, partners, and the broader community, we work together to create strong, healthy outcomes for youth.
INNOVATION
We actively seek new ideas, approaches, and solutions that expand our reach and deepen our impact for young people.
INTEGRITY
We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability—taking responsibility for our words and actions and striving to do the right thing, every time.