Since 1946

Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro has been serving youth in our community since 1946. While much has changed in the past 70 years, one thing remains the same: our dedication to helping young people reach their full potential.

1946 First official Club programs formed

1953 Lents Elementary becomes first Clubhouse on SE 93rd & Harold St.

1955 Pal Boys Club of Portland, INC affiliated with Boys Clubs of Portland

1959 Club becomes a part of United Way

1960 Peninsular Boys Club becomes Columbia Boys Club in North Portland

1969 Sellwood-Moreland Boys Club joins organization

1973 Organization changed name to Boys Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area

1976 First endowment established with $20,000 from Club parent

1981 First Youth Partner Lunch, later to be annual Youth of the Year Banquet

1985 Name formally changed to Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area

1989 Sellwood Moreland Club moves to Milwaukie Ave., named F.G. Meyer Memorial Club

1993 BGCP buys building to create Hillsboro program

1996 Blazers Boys & Girls Club opens on Martin Luther King Blvd in NE Portland

2003 BGCP assumes managment of Jack, Will and Rob Club in Camas, WA

2003 After-school programs introduced in four School Districts (Parkrose, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, and David Douglas).

2006 Hillsboro Club expansion and naming to Inukai Family Club

2007 Regence Club opens in New Columbia

2009 Neil Armstrong Middle School program launches

2013 BGCP assumes management of Police Activities League center in Rockwood

2013 BGCP creates after school programming in Reynolds Schools

2013 BGCP announces new Club identified for Rockwood on 165th and Stark Street

2016 BGCP Celebrates 70 years

2017 Rockwood Boys & Girls Club opens in East County

Alumni Spotlight

“My story is similar to so many professional athletes I have met along the way. The Clubs were my home away from home where I have my earliest memories of playing sports. I owe so much to the Clubs and hold tremendous pride in now being able to give back to the program that has given me so much.”

Terry PorterTerry Porter is the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at University of Portland, a retired NBA All-Star and coach, former Portland Trail Blazer and Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hall of Fame member. Terry is also a current member of the BGCP Board of Directors and, along with teammate Jerome Kersey, was instrumental in bringing the Blazers Club to NE Portland.

“The staff that I worked with, they were there because they love the kids. They love what they do.”

Mike KuiawaMike Kuiawa was a member at the Lents Boys Club and was honored as Boy of the Year is 1982. Kuiawa later worked at the Club as a staff member and now sits on the Board for Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland. He is the President at PCC Structurals.

“Being a part of BGCP gave me a place to go instead of waiting at home by myself all day. I was able to interact and open up with kids, teens, and staff. I realized I had a great connection with many of the staff.”

April LoschiavoApril grew up in the Meyer Memorial Club, where she was a member for more than 6 years and a staff member for 10. She was honored as Youth of the Year for her Club as a senior in high school and represented the organization at the state competition. She is now the School Site Director and Sun Coordinator for the Margaret Scott Elementary school programs.

“When I entered the Columbia Boys Club, I never looked back. The Club impacted my life very much. It’s made me whole, and it’s kept me grounded.”

David Harris David started attending the Columbia Boys Club as a member in May of 1957. He has been instrumental in uniting past members of the Columbia Club and hosted a reunion for alumni in summer 2014.

Since 1946

Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro has been serving youth in our community since 1946. While much has changed in the past 70 years, one thing remains the same: our dedication to helping young people reach their full potential.

Alumni Spotlight

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