OUR MISSION:
To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

Dedicated professional staff and volunteers accomplish this by providing building-centered programs that focus on helping kids develop self-esteem, values, skills and a sense of belonging.

Our Community

For almost 60 years, the Rotary Branch of the Boys and Girls Club serves more than 500 inner-city children and teenagers in the Central Area of Seattle. Over 90% of our members are from ethnic minority backgrounds. More than 50% live in single parent homes, extended family situations, or foster care. With the many pressing issues facing the youth in our community today it is critical that we all assist in the positive guidance, development, and safety of our school-aged children. The Rotary Branch gives youth the opportunity to have a safe place to call “my club,” where quality programs help them make “today’s dreams tomorrow’s reality.”

Local History

The Rotary Boys and Girls Club began as the Rotary Youth Foundation in 1939, and was established by the Rotary Service Club of Seattle for the purpose of building character in Seattle’s young boys.  The Foundation was operated in the basement of the Plymouth Congregational Church and was known as the George Coleman Club House.  In 1947, the club became affiliated with the Boys Clubs of America.  Within a single year, 500 boys had become members.  At that time, programs centered around three core areas as follows: Physical Recreation (sports), Vocational Recreation (woodworking, metal and leather crafts), and Social Recreation (games, music and special events).

By 1953, the club had become so popular that the membership had outgrown the church facilities.  Extensive research indicated that the Rotary Boys Club would better serve the community if it were centrally located in the area of greatest need.  Therefore, in 1954, the Rotary Club of Seattle contracted W.G. Clark Construction Company, owned by Don L. Clark, to build the existing facility.   At the time of its construction, with its state of the art tilt up concrete design, the Rotary Boys and Girls was considered the most modern Club in the Pacific Northwest.  It was designed to accommodate a membership of 1,500 youths.

During the 1977-78, academic year, the Boys Club began to admit girls. Now, more than 40 years later, the Rotary Boys and Girls Club continues to serve boys and girls in the central area community.  The Rotary Club of Seattle spearheaded a new addition to the building in 1989.  Its purpose was to house the newly created Rotary Educational Assistance Program (REAP).  REAP is a comprehensive educational support program that provides tutors and mentors for the youths in our community.  REAP was developed in conjunction with the Seattle Public Schools, and provides an environment where students can improve grades, build self esteem, and enhance their ability to succeed in our society.

With a strong commitment to growing and improving, the Rotary Boys and Girls Club continues to provide the children and young adults of Seattle’s central area with a place to call their own…”The Positive Place For Kids…Where Today’s Dreams become Tomorrow’s Reality.”

National History

Boys & Girls Clubs of America had its beginnings in 1860 with several women in Hartford, Connecticut. Believing that boys who roamed the streets should have a positive alternative, they organized the first Club. A cause was born. In 1906, several Boys Clubs decided to affiliate. The Federated Boys Clubs in Boston was formed with 53 member organizations, marking the start of a nationwide movement.

In 1931, the Boys Club Federation of America became Boys Clubs of America.
To recognize the fact that girls have long been a part of our cause, the national organization's name was officially changed to Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1990.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America marked its centennial year in 2006, celebrating 100 years of providing hope and opportunity to young people across the country.

Staff

Patrick Carter Executive Director 206.436.1881 pcarter@positiveplace.org	Derek Smith Operations Director 206.436.1887 dsmith@positiveplace.org
Daryll Hennings Senior Athletic Director 206.436.1884 dhennings@positiveplace.org	Aaron Claxton Assistant Athletic Director 206.436.1880 aclaxton@positiveplace.org
Rick Newell Technology and Teen Director 206.436.1880 rnewell@positiveplace.org	Grant Douglas Education Specialist - REAP gdouglas@positiveplace.org
Allison Harmon Program Staff aharmon@positiveplace.org	Dan Finkley Education Specialist - Teens
Adam Sedlik Education Specialist	Alisha Dall’Osto Art Specialist

201 19th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
Main: (206) 436-1880
Fax: (206) 324-8315

Donate, Sponsorship and Media
Please contact Patrick Carter at (206) 436-1880 or pcarter@positiveplace.org. Gifts of stock and credit card transactions are welcome.

Jobs
Please contact Robin Ullman at rullman@positiveplace.org or visit http://www.positiveplace.org/jobs.htm.

Volunteer
Please contact Grant Douglas at gdouglas@positiveplace.org.

Feedback
If you have general questions or feedback about our website, please e-mail rnewell@positiveplace.org.