Our story
Built for Lexington's Kids
Boys & Girls Club of Lexington is a new chapter in a 160-year national movement — bringing proven, research-backed youth development to the middle schoolers who need it most.
Our mission
"To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens."
We believe every kid deserves a safe place to learn and grow after school. In Lexington, too many middle schoolers spend those critical hours without structured support, mentorship, or enrichment. We're here to change that — one student at a time.
Our history
A National Legacy, A Local Mission
Boys & Girls Clubs of America has been transforming young lives since 1860. With more than 4,700 Clubs serving over 3 million young people nationwide, the model is proven: safe spaces, caring mentors, and life-changing programs produce measurable results.
Boys & Girls Club of Lexington was founded to bring that legacy home. Lexington's middle schoolers — particularly those in under-resourced neighborhoods — face real challenges during the after-school hours. Our Club is designed specifically for that window: 3–8 PM, when kids need us most.
We're opening inside Lexington middle schools during the 2025–2026 school year, removing transportation barriers and meeting students exactly where they already are.
What we stand for
Our Core Values
Safety First
Every Club is a physically and emotionally safe environment where young people can be themselves without fear.
Positive Relationships
Caring, trained staff and mentors build genuine connections that help kids navigate challenges and build confidence.
Fun & Belonging
Kids come back because they want to. We make the Club a place where every young person feels welcomed and valued.
Academic Success
Homework help, tutoring, and STEM programming keep students on track and excited about learning.
Healthy Lifestyles
Sports, fitness, and nutrition education give members the tools to make healthy choices for life.
Good Character
Leadership programs, community service, and social-emotional learning build the next generation of civic leaders.
By the numbers
The BGCA Difference
Decades of research back what Club members already know: this works.
92%
of Club members graduate high school on time
86%
say the Club helped them stand up for what's right
1 in 5
teens who volunteer regularly attended a Club
$10.32
returned to the community for every $1 invested
Leadership
The People Behind the Mission
Our founding team brings decades of experience in youth development, education, and nonprofit leadership.
Jyre
Board Chair
Born and raised in Richmond, Jyre graduated from UK in 2019 with a PoliSci degree and a dream. Less than a year later — a month before Covid made landfall — he founded From Here to There, a personal development company disguised as a moving company, built to provide the community and support he craved as a younger person. Beyond that, Jyre enjoys competition, jokes, and basketball.
Coming Soon
Executive Director
We're building an exceptional team to serve Lexington's youth. Stay tuned for announcements.
Coming Soon
Director of Programs
We're building an exceptional team to serve Lexington's youth. Stay tuned for announcements.
Coming Soon
Director of Development
We're building an exceptional team to serve Lexington's youth. Stay tuned for announcements.
Ready to be part of the story?
Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word — you're helping Lexington's kids reach their full potential.