2 metro Phoenix Boys and Girls Clubs merge to start the new year
Jan 1, 2020, 4:35 AM
(Facebook Photo)
(Facebook Photo)
PHOENIX – Two Phoenix-area chapters of the Boys and Girls Clubs have merged to form one of the country’s largest after-school programs for children.
The clubs in metro Phoenix and the East Valley announced the consolidation in an online post. The merger will become official Wednesday.
The nonprofit Boys and Girls Club of East Valley-Metro Phoenix will provide more than 50,000 youths ages 6 to 18 with hot meals, structure, learning opportunities and life skills year-round.
Club membership totals about 16,000, but 35,000 more participate in related programs.
“We can deepen our partnerships with school districts, better measure outcomes, and pilot initiatives to help our youth succeed in life,” CEO Marcia Mintz said in a statement.
The two chapters began talks in earnest about combining a little over a year ago.
“Our boards were guided by two principles, ‘Can we serve more kids? Can we serve them better, together?’ Consolidating some of the operations will allow the organization to continue to expand and will allow us to deliver enhanced, proven programs for our members,” Board Chairman Kevin McHolland said in a statement.
“It’s a win-win,” he said.
The East Valley branch opened in 1963 as the Tempe Boys Club. In 1980, it merged with the Tempe Girls Club; the name was tweaked to reflect the partnership and its East Valley roots.
The club’s name is temporary. Another name will be permanently chosen after approval from national headquarters.
