At the Josh Kraft Mattapan Teen Center, Emily Merchant, LCSW, has learned that the most powerful moments often happen between the games, the art projects, and the laughter. 💙 Her work is rooted in presence. By showing up with consistency and care, Emily helps teens build trust, find their voice, and develop the confidence to advocate for themselves at school, at home, and in their community. Emily's story reflects the impact of social work across Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, where every site has a licensed social worker dedicated to walking alongside young people as they grow. Read the full story here:
Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston
Non-profit Organizations
Boston, Massachusetts 6,621 followers
Building the next generation of leaders in Boston and Chelsea since 1893.
About us
Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston is a 501(c)3 whose mission is to help young people, especially those who need us most, build strong character and realize their full potential as responsible citizens and leaders. We do this by providing: - a safe haven filled with hope and opportunity - ongoing relationships with caring adults - life-enhancing programs We serve 14,000 children and teens, ages 6 to 18, in our Clubs, and through our programs and partnerships.
- Website
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http://www.bgcb.org
External link for Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston
- Industry
- Non-profit Organizations
- Company size
- 201-500 employees
- Headquarters
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 1893
- Specialties
- Leadership and Character Development, Education, Technology, Arts, and Athletics
Locations
Employees at Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston
Updates
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Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston reposted this
Celebrating the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston Annual Meeting & State of the Clubs. Proud to serve as Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees alongside John Capone, reflecting on a year of impact, growth, and purpose. As a former club parent I’ve seen firsthand how BGCB changes lives through caring mentors, transformative programs, and a community that believes in every child’s potential. This year, BGCB Trustees helped drive our first-ever Walk for Health Equity and collectively contributed over $1.5M in support, all while showing up to mentor, volunteer, and connect. As we look ahead, our call to action is simple: Give boldly. Be present. Create connections. Together, we are One BGCB, empowering Boston’s young people to dream big and thrive.
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“They saved my life.” – John Quiñones At last week's Imagine Invest Ignite campaign launch celebration, Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hall of Famers John Quiñones and Will Reeve reminded us what it means to believe in young people—especially those who need it most. For John, growing up on the West Side of San Antonio, opportunity didn’t always feel within reach. Teachers doubted him. Counselors judged him by the color of his skin and the sound of his voice. But his mother never stopped believing—and neither did the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio, where he found a safe place to grow, dream, and become the storyteller the world knows today. Through our $200 million Imagine Invest Ignite campaign, we’re ensuring that Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston can continue this work for generations to come—creating spaces where every young person is empowered to imagine new possibilities, invest in their potential, and ignite a future full of promise.
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Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston reposted this
As I reflect on the past year with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, I’m filled with gratitude for the growth - both personal and professional - that this work has inspired me to achieve. Watching our members set ambitious goals, push through challenges, and discover their potential has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. In many ways, their growth has fueled my own and pushed me forward on a daily basis. Recently, I had the privilege of stepping into the role of College Pathways Manager, where I’ve been able to lead initiatives like College Club, Book Club, and tutoring programs, all while continuing to build meaningful relationships with our teen members. These connections remind me daily of the power of caring adults and the impact of creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported, valued, and capable. One of the things I value most about this work is the balance - being able to have fun and create safe, joyful spaces for our teens, while also holding space for the deeper, sometimes challenging conversations that can truly help them grow. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to grow alongside such inspiring young adults (and colleagues - shoutout to the Jordan Club!) and I’m excited to continue supporting our members as they pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. #YouthDevelopment #BGCB #Education #Gratitude
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Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston reposted this
"This isn't about student ability, folks. It's about equal access and opportunity." We're so proud to elevate our partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston and Curry College for this school year and in the many years ahead!
Thought Leader | Social Innovator | Changemaker | Nicholas President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston | Championing Equity, Youth Empowerment, and Community Impact
The latest MCAS results show that only 42% of students in grades 3 to 8 across Massachusetts are meeting expectations. This isn’t just about test scores-it’s about access to the opportunities every young person deserves. Now is the time for all of us—educators, families, businesses, and neighbors—to step up. Read with a child. Mentor a teen. Support a program that builds confidence and literacy. Our young people are ready to succeed—and they’re counting on us to make sure they can.