Header image by Abbie Willans
The Boys and Girls Club of Boone County (BGC Boone), an established institution serving youth since 1860, has adapted and evolved over its 72-year tenure to offer innovative programs and a welcoming environment that attracts local youth.
Eric Richards, who assumed the role of CEO at BGC Boone two years ago, has prioritized strategies to cater to the expanding youth population in Boone County.
In the recent past, their focus shifted towards assessing the needs of their properties in Zionsville, Lebanon, and Whitestown, with their presence in the Lebanon building dating back to the 1960s.
“The initial phase of this process entailed upgrading our infrastructure. We undertook a comprehensive overhaul of the heating/cooling systems at our Zionsville and Whitestown locations. Similarly, in Lebanon, we invested in a new roof, gutters, and repainting to ensure the longevity of our buildings,” noted Richards.
Subsequently, attention turned to enhancing facilities to accommodate their growing program, resulting in the replacement of backboards, rims, and gym floors at the four basketball courts.
With these foundational improvements in place, the organization embarked on the strategic planning phase.
“We are nearing the completion of our strategic plan, after which we will transition into implementation and accountability. Our aim is to revamp programs and services to resonate with middle and high school students, providing a safe and engaging environment that assures parents of their child’s well-being,” Richards elaborated.
To modernize and diversify their offerings, BGC Boone secured a grant from the United Way of Central Indiana, with the rollout commencing in Whitestown and expanding to Zionsville and Lebanon progressively throughout the year.
“We envision introducing an eSports program tailored for individuals aged 13 to 18, fostering an opportunity for them to come together in a cafe-like setting equipped with the technology they prefer for connectivity and learning experiences,” shared Richards.
Beyond their regular events like the annual DUNK! function in spring, the holiday-themed Gravy Chase, and four middle school dances annually, attracting nearly 2,500 students, BGC Boone actively encourages community involvement through volunteering and donations.
