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Our History

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Park County make it their business to create a fun, positive, and safe environment for all Club members. The Clubs celebrated their tenth anniversary in 2008. Although they are relatively new, there are definite observable results from the Clubs’ existence. Teachers, parents, and community members are among those who report and comment on the Members’ positive developmental growth, as it pertains to academic and social success.

Cody Unit Powell Unit

308 16th Street 815 East 5th Street

307-527-7871 307-754-0202

One of the Clubs’ major donors (Bill Price) has been quoted as saying, “Joanne (Bill’s wife) and I believe we must start early and support our youth to help them prepare for future success.” I think we could all agree that the earlier we start, the better our chances of reaping the benefits from all of our efforts to raise a positive and productive generation.

How did this all start?

1994 - The Community Foundation for Park County (an affiliate of the Wyoming Community Foundation) began the “Youth At-Risk Initiative”

1995 - Retired banker Victor Riley and his wife Marilyn arrived in Cody. As the owner of some apartment complexes in Cody, Victor and his daughter Karen realized that some tenants had trouble paying rent in a timely manner. Karen had the “unfortunate job” of knocking on doors to ask about the rent. The children often answered the doors. Karen said, “Those parents weren’t working to buy bigger cars and houses. They were working to put food on the table and a roof over their heads.” Clearly, those latch key kids needed a safe and positive environment in which to hang out. Riley connected with the community, and the idea began to take shape.

1996 - Jr. City Councils were established in Cody, Powell, and Meeteetse. The Powell Jr. Council and their mentor, Tim Mendenhall investigated the Billings and the Red Lodge, Montana Boys & Girls Clubs.

1997 - The “Youth At-Risk Initiative” focused efforts on assessing the needs of Park County’s youth, and a B&GC Board of Directors was formed.

1998 - Club efforts turned into reality. The Cody Club opened its doors on June 8th. The Meeteetse Club opened June 9th. The Powell club opened September 28th. By November, permanent buildings to serve as Club sites were found in Cody and Powell. Arrangements were made to purchase the sites by January, 1999. Surrounding communities expressed an interest in joining and opening their own Clubs. Worland was successful in starting a Club, and at one time was a part of the Park County B&GCs. Since then, they have acquired their own charter and are operating independently.

2006 – Boys & Girls Clubs of America celebrates its centennial year, 100 years of serving youth across the nation. For more information about BGCA check out their website http://www.bgca.org

2008 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Park County celebrates ten years of serving the youth in Park County.