At the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton our members are learning how to take care of our community garden and tower garden.

The garden is a continuation of the Boys and Girls Club of Dayton’s Healthy Lifestyles program, which “emphasizes good nutrition and regular physical activity to improve overall well-being,” says Kristina Gosney, BS, QMHS, Program Director for the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton.

“It is also a great way to let the kids get their hands dirty and get them interested,” Kristina explains.

Our members are excited to have had help from our friends Nick Eddy at United Way of the Greater Dayton Area, and Brunner’s Landscaping. Gardening is a living lesson on science, nature, and helping to beautify our community.

Each year, one exceptional Club member is selected to serve as the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton and serve as an ambassador and voice for our youth, and to represent the Club at the state Youth of the Year competition.

Congratulations to our 2023 Youth of the Year, JaMychael J. (JJ)!!   JJ is a sophomore at Horizon Science Academy, and has been a Club member for 6 years. He serves as the Vice President of Keystone Club, Junior Staff, and is a volunteer in his local community. JJ is in the top .001% of YOY teens in the country, and embodies what it means to be a Club member.

JJ participated in the Ohio Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year Competition, where he shared his story with his peers and various state leaders.  He won the photo competition and received commendations from State Representative Willis Blackshear, and Representative Andrea White. He also had an opportunity to meet and hear from Lt. Governor John Husted!

Congrats JJ!! We’re so proud of you.

Our Board Chair Mica Goosby, Board Member Vicki Giambrone and our CEO Crystal Allen represented the Club at the AES Ohio Foundation awards celebration.  The foundation announced $1.3 million in awards for 47 projects targeting poverty reduction, the arts, and workforce development – including $40,000 for Project Learn programming at the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton.

“The AES Ohio Foundation is proud that every grant dollar stays local. The Foundation remains a tangible symbol of AES’ commitment to our communities, and we are delighted to continue the longstanding tradition of helping deliver innovative programs and services,” said David Crusey, AES Ohio Foundation Board Chair. “Congratulations to the grant recipients, we look forward to seeing the results of their efforts fostering the quality of life in the Miami Valley.”

The Club is proud to call AES Ohio one of our partners.  Thank you AES Ohio for your continued support for non-profits in this region!

Our annual Holiday Bash was a huge success.  There were sounds of laughter, tears of joy, Santa spreading holiday cheer, and lots of excitement at the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton.

The event featured a toy and game shop that rivaled any department store thanks to our friends at the Greater Dayton RTA and the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau. Toys, puzzles, games, coats, gloves, socks and so much more. What an amazing response from our community!

The team from Wright-Patt Credit Union was there in full force helping our members shop and fit coats along with volunteers from countless other community groups.  We are so grateful to everyone. Our kids had the most incredible night!

At the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton, we have so much to be thankful for this year!  Each year our wonderful partner altafiber sponsors our Annual Thanksgiving Family Feast!

This celebration brings together our Club members, their families, staff, and community partners to enjoy a night of great food, fun games, and community connection.  In addition to the support from altafiber, our friends at CareSource volunteered and made the event so special.

Thank you to everyone for all your help! We are grateful for your support on this wonderful night!