OUR MISSION

To provide access and opportunities for youth to reach their full potential as responsible members of the community.

OUR VISION

We believe that success is within reach of every young person that walks through our doors. Our kids benefit from trained, caring, professional staff and volunteers who help them take control of their lives, envision productive futures, and reach their goals.  

OUR VALUES

Boys & Girls Club of Harlem centers its programming around three core values:

• We believe that all kids can excel academically and should have both support and enrichment opportunities to do so.

• We are committed to providing opportunities for youth to develop and exhibit strong character and leadership skills essential to the positive transformation of their lives and the community where they reside.

• We believe that healthy children and families benefit the entire community, and that wellness is a cornerstone of a fruitful life.

WHO WE ARE

For nearly 40 years, Boys & Girls Club of Harlem has proudly served the youth and community of Harlem. We are attuned to the specific needs of the Harlem community. BGCHarlem fills the gap between school and home by providing a positive, welcoming environment where kids and teens can have fun, participate in life-changing programs, and build supportive relationships with their peers and caring adults. 

1980: Rev. ML Wilson, Lewis M. Cofield and the parishioners of the Convent Avenue Baptist Church set out to create a home where Harlem youth could learn and grow.

1986: BGCHarlem purchased the vacant

P.S. 186 building from New York City

1988: M.L. Wilson Clubhouse founded 

2006: Frederick Douglass Academy Clubhouse founded 

2007: Manhattanville Clubhouse founded 

2014: Construction begins on BGCHarlem 

Clubhouse and headquarters at P.S. 186

2016: BGCHarlem opens new 10,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse, with an expansive Teen Center and our administrative offices.

MILESTONES

DOMINIQUE R. JONES  

Executive Director

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Dominique joined The Club as its Executive Director in March 2015. Prior to her arrival, Dominique served as Chief Programs Officer for Food Bank For New York City. In this role, she oversaw the development and implementation of programs that assist New Yorkers access critical income supports and information to prevent hunger. Dominique has also held senior leadership positions at the United Way of Central Ohio and the New York City Administration for Children’s Services. In these roles, she led organizational and community change efforts as Vice President for Community Engagement and Assistant Commissioner respectively. Dominique holds degrees from Spelman College, The New School, and has recently completed Columbia Business School’s Executive Education Senior Leaders in Not-for-Profit Management program. Although Dominique was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio she has been a resident and active in the Harlem Community for twenty years. Dominique is even more excited to not only live but serve the Harlem Community doing what she loves, creating opportunities and access for young people.

SHABA R. KEYS  

Board Chair

Shaba R. Keys is Associate Vice President, Government and Community Affairs, at Columbia University.  She has a broad project portfolio that includes fostering strategic partnerships, developing inter-University programs, and directing educational and youth strategies such as the Connecting Youth Initiative. Prior to assuming her role at Columbia University in 2013, she served in executive roles with Enterprise Community Partners, The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), and Surdna Foundation facilitating public-private partnerships and initiatives to serve disinvested communities. She led national evaluative assessments while building collaborative networks among CBOs, local and elected leadership, and corporate stakeholders. Shaba received a B.A. from Tufts University and a J.D. from The Columbus School of Law, Catholic University. Shaba was elected Board Chair of BGCHarlem in January 2018.  A member of the Board since 2014, she previously served as First Vice-Chair along with serving on multiple committees. Although she remains a Washingtonian at heart, Shaba is uniquely vested as a professional, resident, and parent in Harlem. For over 20 years, with the support of her husband and two daughters, she has worked to serve community and youth, particularly in Northern Manhattan.  Her service is inspired by her parents, longtime educators to youth in Washington, D.C.

OUR SUPPORTERS

Alembic Community Development

Americorps VISTA

Boys & Girls Club of America

Carver Bank

Columbia Community Services

Combs Enterprises

Food Bank For New York City

Fresh Direct, Inc.

Google

Harlem Community Development Corporation

HSBC

Lowe’s

Mertz Gilmore Foundation

New York City Department of Education

NYC Council Manhattan Delegation

NYC Council Member Bill Perkins

NYC Council Member Mark Levine

NYC Council Speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito

NYC Service

NYS Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs

NYS Assembly Member, Denny Farrell

NYS Office of Children & Family Services

Open Society Institute Charitable Events Fund

QBE Foundation

The Pinkerton Foundation

Time Warner, Inc.

U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs

United Federation of Teachers

West Harlem Development Corporation