Boys & Girls Club of America | Boys & Girls Clubs of America began in 1860 with the "Dashaway Club" in Hartford, Connecticut. It was started by three women to give boys a safe, positive place to go instead of the streets. Over time, more Clubs opened with a shared focus on helping young people build character, improve behavior, and set goals. In 1906, local Clubs united to form a national organization. It became Boys Clubs of America in 1931, and in 1990, the name changed to Boys & Girls Clubs of America to welcome all youth.
​​
Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area | In 1994, The Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area was founded by a dedicated group of volunteers who wanted to create a safe, positive after-school space for local youth. Initially operating out of a trailer, used twice a week to transport supplies and provide basic programming.
​​
Look below to see how we have advanced to today.
Boys Clubs began in 1860 with the "Dashaway Club" in Hartford, Connecticut
National organization formed
Name changed to Boys & Girls Club of America to welcome all youth
Our first site opened on 3rd floor of the Elks Lodge led by 20 Board of Directors.
Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area was founded
Founded by volunteers as a safe after-school program, first operating from a trailer with supplies delivered twice weekly. Leon Cole, the first board president introduced Club concept to our community.
Our History
Great Futures Start Here.
MARCH 1995
Our first site opened on the 3rd floor of the Elk’s Club with ribbon cutting ceremony. Led by Executive Director Dave Krause and Board President Phil Brown, the Club welcomed youth for just $5/year or $0.50/day, operating weekdays from 3–6 pm. A grant later supported Saturday programs.
​
SEPTEMBER 1995
A second location was opened in Nekoosa. This program ran on Monday evenings after school.
JUNE 1996
We relocated our main site to the Baker Drive location, creating more space for programs to grow, new opportunities to develop, and more youth to be served. During this time, the WoodTrust Bell Family Charitable Foundation invested in our mission, helping strengthen the Club’s ability to create a positive and lasting impact in our community.
​
1997 New Director, Marsha took over
2001
School Outreach Programs Begin. Programs were launched at local schools: Mead Elementary (Mon–Fri), Alexander Middle (Mon), Rudolph Elementary (Tues), Vesper Elementary (Wed), and Grant Elementary (Thurs).
​
SEPTEMBER 2001 The Club received an $11,000 grant from Community Foundation of South Wood County and a matching grant from the Wood County Funding Consortium to transport children from Vesper, Rudolph, and Mead schools to Club after school. In December 2001, our Outreach Program opened in Port Edwards on Thursday evenings.
2006
BGCWRA along with other afterschool programs
in the area received a $5,000 grant from JC Penney
After-school Program to help provide programs for about 100 children in Wisconsin Rapids.
​
2009 The Club received a $115,000 grant from Mead Witter Foundation to expand the Teen Center and Technology Center. The Baker Drive location opened the Teen Center, "The Club". They began a Junior Staff program to help teen members prepare for their futures.
2010
Expanded programming began at our Nekoosa site including access to a full size gym along with a computer lab. Programming was available Monday through Friday from 2:45-7pm.
​
Today The Nekoosa site is provided by the CCLC 21st Century Learning Grant and continues to expand its programming opportunities.
2013
We relocated our main site to the Pitsch Center in Wisconsin Rapids, in partnership with the Wisconsin Rapids Public School District—allowing broader programming, better capacity, and expanding a Teen Center to serve more youth..
​
Today Over 1,300 youth are served through out the Wisconsin Rapids Area.
JUNE 2019
The 25th anniversary was celebrated by bringing together Club members, staff, and board members to commemorate this important milestone.
​
2020 The Club received a $5,000 gift from the Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation. This support helped us to distribute 8,000 meals to children in our community during the COVID-19 Safer at Home order.
A New Home for GREAT FUTURES!
JUNE 2020
The Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area relocated into its shared facility with the YMCA, creating an expanded, modern space that strengthened community partnerships and enhanced opportunities to serve more youth and families.
​
​
JUNE 2024
Another milestone was celebrated as 30 years of serving youth in the community were recognized. Before- and after-school programs, along with community partnerships, served more than 1,300 young people and provided members with opportunities to reach their full potential.
​
And the 2-year Legacy Foundion of Central Wisconsin Giving Match begins by providing $500,000 match.
​
2025
Launched a new partnership with the South Wood County YMCA, providing 300 Club youth with access to summer camp through the generosity of community donors.
​
The Aspirus Riverview Foundation granted $50,000 to start the shower and hygiene program "Care Club."
2026
Received grants from Aspirus Health and Sanford Health/Marshfield Clinic and Aspirus Health to expand Social-Emotional Learning and strengthen workforce development opportunities for teens.
Want to be part of the next chapter, join the Club and support GREAT FUTURES!