After nearly 2 decades, Boys and Girls Clubs has presence back in Northport

The Boys and Girls Clubs of West Alabama has a new facility in Northport at the Robert Hassan Community Center located on Bridge Avenue.

Serving local youth for more than 61 years, Boys and Girls Clubs of West Alabama exists to provide a world-class club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters their center. Through nationally proven programs led by trained youth development professionals, all club members are guided to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, while demonstrating good character and citizenship and living a healthy lifestyle. Students who attend will go on field trips and develop character and leadership skills.

Northport District 2 City Council Member Woodrow Washington said he’s happy children have a space where they can enjoy the summer.

“It’s one of the best days I have seen in a while,” Washington said. “We have been working on it for a couple of years with the Boys and Girls Club. It’s been out of Northport for over 20 years and today they opened the doors.”

Studies show graduation rates go up and risky behaviors go down when a Boys and Girls Club opens in a community. Leaders at the location in Northport expect to see that trend continue here.

“The kids get a safe, positive place to come with high quality professionals, mentors and leaders in place that really speak into their lives,” said Boys and Girls Clubs of West Alabama President and CEO Kim Turner. “ It gives them a place to learn, a place to grow, a place to just be a kid, relax and just have a good time.”  

The summer program opened Monday for children ages 6 to 18.

If you’re interested in signing up for any of the organization’s camps around West Alabama, click right here for more information.