ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
To provide access and opportunities for youth to reach their full potential as responsible members of the community.
OUR VISION
We believe success is within reach for every young person that walks through our doors.
Our kids benefit from trained staff and volunteers. Caring professionals who help them take control of their lives, envision productive futures, and reach their goals.
WHO WE ARE
For over 40 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem has proudly served Harlem youth and the community.
Kids and teens take part in life-changing programs with support from their peers.
And caring adults provide an environment that is positive, welcoming, and fun.
MILESTONES
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
2018: #BlackPantherChallenge results in $1Million Disney donation to youth STEM programs
2019: Unveiled our new state-of-the-art Disney Center of Innovation, designed to spark youth’s interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)
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.
Before 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.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Shaba R. Keys, Chair
AVP of Government and Community Affairs
Columbia University
Elois Dupree, Second Vice Chair
Consultant, Children’s Services
Kathy Harrison, Treasurer
Financial Consultant
La-Tonia Middleton-Jackson, Secretary
Elena K. Boyd
Manager, Accenture
Winston Gilchrist
Principal,Winchrist Experience- Photography & Photo
Delores Jones
Founding Board Member
Retired, NYC
Human Resources Administration
Yolanda Holmes
Real Estate Portfolio Manager, Walgreens
Shirley A. Lewis
Bank Service Management
Consultant
Aleesha Taylor
Principal, Herald Advisors
Christopher Watler
Executive Director,
Center for Employment Opportunity
Emeritus
Alethia Brown
Principal, 401 W 149th Street Properties
Honorary Board Member
The Honorable Charles B. Rangel
OUR STAFF
Sharon Joseph
CEO/Executive Director
Roberto Serrano
Director of Operations
Justine Robinson
Academic Programs Manager
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.
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