It all started in 1860, when three women in Hartford, Conn., decided to take in “street urchins” – undernourished, dirty-faced young boys with little more than ragged clothes on their backs, the hard-luck, forgotten kids of the Industrial Revolution. They didn’t know it then, but these caring ladies were the planting seeds of what would become a true American success story. Their idea took root as Boys’ Clubs, which soon began to sprout throughout New England and eventually across the nation.

By 1906, 53 independent Clubs were operating. The local leaders decided a national federation was needed to further the important mission of reaching out to children in need. They established the Federated Boys’ Clubs, which later became Boys’ Clubs of America.

Fast forward 150 years. Today, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, including the Boys & Girls Club of Kingsville, is a network of more than 4,000 locations around the nation and on U.S. military bases here and abroad. It is a remarkable tale that truly reflects the very story of America through the 21st century. Throughout 2010, we will tell that story – the lives changed and saved, the communities turned around, the kids who conquered overwhelming odds to succeed, the caring individuals and supporters who make it all possible.

As we celebrate National Boys & Girls Club Week, March 21 – 27, we pause to thank the many caring people who make our mission a reality and help our youth be great:

The thousands of dedicated Club professionals who devote every day of their lives to shaping our young people’s future.

The countless, generous individuals – Club board volunteers and donors – who support our work through their selfless commitment of time, talent and treasure.

The caring corporations, foundations and government leaders who actively partner with us to reach underserved communities that need the benefits of a Boys & Girls Club.

And the families and parents who, every day, entrust to us America’s most precious gifts: our young people.

We can’t wait to begin our second century of shaping great futures, being the safe haven for nearly 4 million youth in some 4,000 Clubs, and in doing so, changing lives and changing America.

The Boys & Girls Club of Kingsville hopes you will be a part of something GREAT and join us in celebrating National Boys & Girls Club Week, March 21 – 27, a week of hope and opportunity for the entire community. Thank you for making it possible.