Our History
A Legacy of Serving Youth. A Future of Greater Impact.
For more than 70 years, Boys & Girls Clubs across Northwest Indiana have provided safe places, caring mentors, and life-changing opportunities for young people.
What began as individual Clubs serving local communities has grown into a regional organization dedicated to helping thousands of youth reach their full potential.
Today, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana serves communities across Lake and Porter counties through a network of Clubs, programs, and partnerships that continue to build great futures for generations to come.
Our Roots
The history of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana is built upon the legacies of two organizations:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana
Founded in Gary in 1954 as the Steel City Boys Club, the organization expanded over the decades to serve youth throughout Lake County, opening Clubs in Cedar Lake, East Chicago, Hammond, Gary, and Lake Station.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County
Established in Valparaiso in 1970, the organization grew to serve youth throughout Porter County, eventually expanding to South Haven, Portage, Duneland, and multiple Kidstop locations.
Though each organization followed its own path, both shared the same mission: helping young people achieve great futures.
A Historic Merger
In 2017, after years of collaboration and strategic planning, the Boards of Directors of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana and Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County voted to merge into a single organization.
On January 1, 2018, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana officially became one organization with:
- One mission
- One Board of Directors
- One unified vision
- Greater regional impact
The merger created one of the largest youth-serving organizations in Northwest Indiana and positioned the Clubs to better serve children and families throughout the region.
Key Milestones
1954
Steel City Boys Club is incorporated in Gary, Indiana.
1969–1979
Expansion begins with new Clubs opening in Cedar Lake, East Chicago, Valparaiso, South Haven, and Hammond.
1988
The organization officially becomes Boys & Girls Clubs, welcoming equal membership opportunities for girls across all Clubs.
1990
Kidstop launches, providing before- and after-school childcare programs for local families.
1996
The Portage Club opens its doors after a successful community capital campaign.
2006
The Duneland Club is established in Chesterton.
2013
A new John Will Anderson Gary Club facility is completed.
2017
Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana and Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County vote to merge.
2018
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana officially launches.
2022
The new Valparaiso Club opens at 708 Evans Avenue.
2024
The renovated South Haven Club reopens, continuing the organization's investment in youth and communities.
Growing to Meet Community Needs
Throughout our history, one thing has remained constant: a commitment to providing young people with opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.
From after-school programs and athletics to leadership development, workforce readiness, STEM education, childcare services, and mentoring, our programs continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of Northwest Indiana families.
Looking Ahead
As we continue building on the legacy established by generations of staff, volunteers, donors, parents, and community leaders, we remain focused on creating opportunities that empower young people to become productive, responsible, and caring citizens.
Our story is still being written—and the future has never looked brighter.
Explore Our Story
Additional historical timelines and organizational milestones are available below.
Accordion Sections:
- History of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana (1954–2017)
- History of Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County (1969–2017)
- History of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana (2018–Present)