1965
Concerned with the rise in juvenile delinquency and unsupervised youth in our community, John and Ruth Mallery founded The Boys’ Club of Santa Cruz to provide a safe and positive place for kids.

1969
On March 2nd, the facility on Center Street was completed and the Boys’ Club of Santa Cruz opened its doors to boys ages 8-15. The Club featured a swimming pool, game room, wood shop, art studio, library and a state-of-the-art gym.

1979
After ten years of service, membership at the facility on Center Street grew to reach 1,000.

1990
To recognize the fact that both Boys & Girls were welcome at the Club, the organization name was changed to the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz.

2003
The enrollment age expanded to children from 7-18.

2004
The Club marked its 35th year of service to the youth of the Santa Cruz Community. From its inception, over 25,000 children count themselves as members and alumni. Programs at the Boys & Girls Club have grown to include the Santa Cruz Stingrays swim team and Boys & Girls basketball leagues. A computer center, after-school tutoring program, and a student-run café have also been added.

2005
The Boys & Girls Club began teen programming in Live Oak at The Club in collaboration with the Santa Cruz County Parks & Recreation and the Live Oak School District at Shoreline Middle School.

2009
The Club celebrated its 40th anniversary of serving youth in Santa Cruz.

Now
The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz now accepts youth ages 6 to 18 and continues to address current youth issues while growing and changing with the community. The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz recognizes the need to focus on at-risk youth. We now have three Clubhouses serving Santa Cruz County. The Downtown Clubhouse, The Live Oak Clubhouse, and The Joe and Linda Aliberti Clubhouse in Scotts Valley.