OUR MISSION:
To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.
Local History
In January 1943, a riot involving more than 100 teens broke out on the corner of 85th and Greenwood in Seattle.
Police responded to the incident and looked for an answer to the overall issue of juvenile crime and vandalism, a growing problem in the community.
In response, Deputy Joe Woelfert opened the first Boys & Girls Club (originally called the Boys Club) in Washington state—the North Seattle Boys & Girls Club. The Club was a great success, and within two years, eight Clubs sprouted up in the area.
The Southwest Boys & Girls Club opened in 1990 as a partnership between the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, the King County Housing Authority and King County. The Club has served over 1,200 kids a year from the time the doors were open.
In July 2005, the Club moved out of their space for a renovation. Programming was implemented at White Center Heights Elementary, Highland Park Elementary, Evergreen High School, local parks and a very small Teen Center in Park Lake Homes Site II. Hours of programming and attendance levels were severely restricted by the limits placed on the Club by the hosting facilities. Club vans were used to transport staff and equipment to each program site on a daily basis. Programming was focusing on the most basic needs of kids – academic assistance, hot meals and recreational activities led by positive adult role models.
In March of 2007, the Club returned to our newly renovated facility. Our annual membership is maintained at over 1,200 youth per year. Since reopening, we’ve continued to provide a space for children and teens to learn, create, and attain their best in academics, athletics, and more.
National History
Boys & Girls Clubs of America had its beginnings in 1860 with several women in Hartford, Connecticut. Believing that boys who roamed the streets should have a positive alternative, they organized the first Club. A cause was born. In 1906, several Boys Clubs decided to affiliate. The Federated Boys Clubs in Boston was formed with 53 member organizations, marking the start of a nationwide movement.
In 1931, the Boys Club Federation of America became Boys Clubs of America.
To recognize the fact that girls have long been a part of our cause, the national organization's name was officially changed to Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1990.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America marked its centennial year in 2006, celebrating 100 years of providing hope and opportunity to young people across the country.
Impact 2012
In 2007, Boys & Girls Clubs of America introduced “Impact 2012,” an effort to reach deeper into the lives of those we serve, impacting them in a lasting, comprehensive way. The campaign revolves around three core impact areas: academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship.
Our Board
Our board is essential to our success. The leadership and support provided by these individuals enable us to fulfill our mission each year. The board serves as the governing body for the organization, offering guidance in policy adoption, finance, legal and insurance, building and property, human resources, marketing, operating fundraising, and capital fundraising.
Thank you to members of our board, who make it possible for us to thrive.
2009-2010 Board Officers
| Don Roberts | Don Roberts & Associates |
| Margie Guintini | MMG Consulting |
| Greg Headrick | Northwest Asset Management |
2009-2010 Board Members
| Bill Tracy | White Center Kiwanis |
| Theresa Szeliga | Ethicski |
| Brenda Robinson | Collier International |
| Ian Eisenberg | Zevia |
| Randy Both | Microsoft |
| Sara Nuckols | Child Advocate |
| Zavonne Sharif | Viking Bank |
| Vicki Hammond | Retired CPA |
| Amy Mason-Rattay | CDi Engineers |
| Sue Schroder | Walter E. |
| Scott LaVaille | Highline Fire Department |
| Kevin Baker | Sound Mental Health |
| Jerrle Barksdale | Flow International |
| Donne Young | King County Courts |
| Anthony Metoyer | Boeing |
| Don Jenkins | Baldwin Resource Group |
Staff Bios
Emily Slagle
Emily has worked for the Southwest Boys & Girls Club since February 2008. She came to the Southwest Club from the McNeil Island Corrections Center, where she was the Recreation Director. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Washington University in Recreation Management.
Damon Martinez, Education Director
Chris Dunford, Program Director:
Chris came to the Southwest Boys & Girls Club in the fall of 2007. He is a graduate from the University of Washington with a degree is Sociology, focused on race relations. Chris’s passion is impacting youth on a daily basis. He has worked and volunteered at youth missions, other Boys & Girls clubs, as well as, Food Lifeline and The Inn in Bellingham.
Naomas Faletogo, Outreach Director:
Naomas has worked off and on for the Southwest Boys & Girls Club for the last 15 years. Most of his kids, niece and nephews have grown up in this Club. Naomas has worn many hats at this Club and continues to make an impact on all of our youth. We are grateful to have him in our Club.
Contact Us
Click here for a list of our staff.
News/Press Inquires
Please contact us at 206.436.1800, or bgckc@positiveplace.org.
Financials
Download our 2010 Annual Report.
Job Opportunities
From Club to Club and throughout the Club Service Center, dedicated and fully trained staff work in support of developing the young people of our community. Each member of our diverse and respected team is encouraged to advance professionally in their respective arena of influence. Guidance is provided through orientations, development trainings, quarterly all-staff gatherings, and direct peer-to-peer mentoring/coaching. Competitive compensation and benefits are provided to full and part-time staff.
Those interested in an open position are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter to:
Boys & Girls Clubs of King County
Attn: HR Department
603 Stewart Street, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98101
Please direct employment inquires to Human Resources at hr2@positiveplace.org.
Boys & Girls Clubs of King County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Club Alumni
Once a Boys & Girls Club kid—always a Boys & Girls Club kid!
If you’re a former Boys & Girls Club member, you’re in good company…Denzel Washington, Howard Schultz, Bill Cosby, Michael Jordan, Brad Pitt, President Clinton, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Neil Diamond are among the ranks of Club alumni that credit the Club with helping to shape their lives. We’d love to hear your stories from the Club.
Please contact us at 206.436.1800 or bgckc@positiveplace.org and let us know you’re a former Club kid.
