1986 – From Uncertainty to Opportunity

Boys & Girls Club of Maury County was born from a powerful belief, not a building. In the late 1980s and early ’90s, local leaders—including Ora Thompson, Larry Barner, Hernandez Paco Havard, Jennifer Graham, and James Martin—came together to create a safe haven for youth using borrowed community spaces. With limited funds and limitless determination, they launched a grassroots movement that gained momentum thanks to Thompson’s remarkable $50,000 gift. The Club officially became a nonprofit in 1995, with a dedicated Board of Directors appointed that September. Founding member Jennifer Graham still serves today, a lasting symbol of the Club’s enduring mission to help all kids reach their full potential.

1980s – 1990s – Perseverance and Passion for Youth

The Club’s early years were defined by grit, growth, and people who led with heart. When founding leader James Martin stepped away, retired business owner and board member John Stephens stepped in as Executive Director—expecting to serve temporarily. Instead, he stayed nearly a decade, first working for free, then for a modest salary, never driven by compensation, only conviction. Under his leadership, the Club expanded from 40 to 150 kids a day, formed key community partnerships, and built a second site. His most enduring legacy may be the team he built—including hiring a young Chris Poynter, who led the organization as Chief Professional Officer.

2000s – A Turning Point for the Club

In the 2000s, Boys & Girls Clubs of Maury County entered a period of transformational growth under leaders like Chris Poynter and later Robyn Peery, who professionalized staff development, expanded programming, and deepened partnerships with schools and the community. With a growing focus on measurable outcomes, daily attendance soared, reaching over 600 youth. To further inspire excellence, the Club launched the Outstanding Club Member (OCM) Program—an initiative recognizing youth who exemplify leadership, academics, and service. Selected through essays and interviews, recipients reflect the Club’s mission to nurture well-rounded individuals. As Board Member Vivian Cathey put it, “It’s about asking, ‘What can I do to help?’”—a mindset that continues to define the Club’s impact.

2018 – Expansion, Recognition, and a Growing Regional Legacy

By 2018, Boys & Girls Clubs of Maury County had become a nationally recognized leader in youth development, earning BGCA’s Gateway to Impact Award for achieving a 1,200% increase in daily attendance—the highest growth rate across 13 southeastern states. This momentum led to a critical expansion into Giles County through a merger with the former Pulaski Club, ensuring local youth had a safe place to go after school. Fueled by community partnerships, national support, and urgent local need, the Club’s footprint—and impact—continued to grow, providing hope, structure, and opportunity to more kids than ever before.

2019 – National Recognition for Education

In 2019, Boys & Girls Clubs of Maury County received national recognition for excellence in education, earning the Program Honor Award for Education & Career Development at BGCA’s National Conference. The award highlighted the Club’s locally developed Academic Case Management Program, which paired certified-teacher-led tutoring with personalized support for students and families. With 70% of participants improving their GPA annually and 100% advancing to the next grade on time, the program became a model for success—built on strong relationships with parents, schools, and the unwavering commitment of Club staff.

2020 – A New Name, A Regional Vision

By 2020, the Club’s growth prompted a pivotal rebrand: Boys & Girls Clubs of Maury County became Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee (BGCSCTN). This change reflected the organization’s expanded impact across Maury and Giles counties, including its growing footprint in Pulaski and the addition of 11 school-based sites. Serving over 1,200 youth annually, the rebrand marked not just a broader geographic reach, but a renewed commitment to ensuring every child in South Central Tennessee has the chance to build a great future.

2021 – EXCELLENCE IN STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP

In 2021, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee earned the national Set the Pace Award for its leadership in professional development and commitment to elevating youth work as a career. But the year’s true hallmark was resilience. As the COVID-19 pandemic continued, BGCSCTN kept its doors open, offering full-day support, tutoring, and stability for families navigating remote learning, job loss, and uncertainty. For parents like Kristin, a nurse, and Jamessya, a single mom and former Club kid, the Club was more than childcare—it was a lifeline, ensuring their children stayed safe, supported, and on track.

2022 – Leadership and Legacy

In 2022, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee experienced a pivotal year marked by leadership transition, national recognition, and unwavering mission focus. Robyn Peery was honored as Southeast Region Executive of the Year before stepping into a national role, while Ginny Wright—a veteran Club leader—was appointed CEO, bringing deep experience and heartfelt dedication. COO Josh Campbell earned multiple statewide and national awards for his operational excellence, and longtime Board Member Don Crichton was inducted into the Tennessee BGCA Hall of Fame. Above all, the year reaffirmed the Club’s purpose: showing up for every child, every day.

2024 – National Accolades for Culture and Safety

In 2024, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee earned national acclaim while deepening its impact locally. The organization was named the safest Club in the nation with the Roxanne Spillett Culture of Safety Award and recognized for staff development with the Culture of Learning Award. These honors reflected years of investment in safety, coaching, and trauma-informed care. BGCSCTN also waived all teen membership fees, removing a major barrier for families and expanding access to mentorship, mental health support, and academic tools. The Columbia Teen Center was renamed in honor of longtime supporters Don & Eva James Crichton, and Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee pledged a transformative four-year investment. Through it all, BGCSCTN remained focused on what matters most: creating safe, empowering spaces where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to succeed.

Looking Ahead: A Legacy in Motion

Nearly 40 years after its founding, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee has grown into a powerful network of 14 sites serving over 1,500 youth each year across Maury and Giles Counties. Built on a legacy of safety, learning, and love, the Club continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s kids—especially in Pulaski and Spring Hill. A $1 million renovation is underway to transform the Pulaski Club, replacing outdated spaces with dedicated areas for tutoring, STEM, arts, and a new Dream Court. Meanwhile, plans for a permanent Club in Spring Hill promise to triple local attendance and extend the Club’s reach even further. Backed by national recognition and unwavering community support, BGCSCTN remains committed to one core mission: changing lives—one child at a time.