Our History
About
- Our HistoryThe Boys and Girls Club of Massillon was founded in 1936 by Dr. H.W. Bell, a prominent Massillon physician. With funding from the federal government, the Club opened its doors in the old Seiler and Melvin lock-washer plant in the northwest corner of the city, known as “The Bottoms.” On opening day, 8 boys attended the Club. When A.E. Secrist became the Club’s first part-time director later that year, 351 boys had signed on.
In 1949 the Club became affiliated with Boys Clubs of America. Mr. Secrist became the full-time director, and the Club joined the Community Fund. Henry Potts succeeded A.E. Secrist in 1955. Old timers remember that Mr. Potts first came to the Club to repair the plumbing, became involved as a volunteer, and stayed to make a life-career of helping children of Massillon. Mr. Potts added a summer camping program to the Club when Mr. and Mrs. Ted DeHass donated land for the summer camp in Millersburg, Ohio. In 1960, the Club reorganized to form an Executive Board, with fiduciary responsibilities, and a Corporate Board of prominent supporters and advisors. On April 20, 1966, the Club dedicated a new facility in “The Heights” neighborhood, located at 730 Duncan St. SW, in Massillon.
Robert J. “Joe” Hibbard succeeded Henry Potts as CEO in 1975 and served in that position until December 31, 1998. During his administration, the Club assumed a dominant position in youth development in the Massillon Community. Youth from across Western Stark County joined the Club to participate in flag football, tackle football, and basketball. A computer lab and a teen center were added to the facility and program. Girls were admitted as full time members. Several Club members who became Youth of the Year, advanced to receive State Youth of the Year honors. Ramier Kyles was the most recent recipient of that honor in 2022. One member, Jace L. Smith, was recognized in 1980 as Boys Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. Under Joe’s direction, the Club’s endowment fund grew from $16,000 to $500,000 and a new addition in 1997 doubled the size of the facility. Annual membership rose to 1600.
December of 1998 brought the end of an era as Joe Hibbard retired. James Hurley became CEO. As with any transition in leadership, new ideas and methods were adopted in areas of the club including administration, personnel, resource development, and finance. However, the focus on the “Kids” remained constant. Jim left the Club after a year of dedicated service.
In June of 2000, the Board of Directors appointed Vincent E. Pedro as CEO. Since that time, the club has placed an increased emphasis on after school, education and technology programs, while maintaining the success in sports, recreation and the always popular summer program. In 2005, the club completed a capital campaign and renovation project that completely redefined the exterior of the facility, as well as the physical program space of the club. This enhanced club environment allowed for age appropriate, specialized programming, incorporating a safe, user friendly facility for members and guests of the club.
During the economic downturn from 2008 –2011 the club tightened its belt and worked diligently to continue to provide the excellent education and athletic programs and services for which it was well known. In late 2011, after the implementation of a new strategic plan, the Boys & Girls Club began to implement an enhanced philosophy for youth development. The Boys & Girls Club leadership began to focus on program delivery to improve youth outcomes with BGCA’s Formula for Impact, while providing the most powerful Club Experience possible based on the Five Key Elements for Positive Youth Development.
Going forward, the Boys & Girls Club of Massillon will continue to evaluate the needs of the “Kids” of the Massillon community. The Boys & Girls Club of Massillon will provide attractive programs and activities that will facilitate youth development and meet those needs. The Boys & Girls Club of Massillon will collaborate with community agencies, schools, parks & recreation, the business community and the municipality. The Boys & Girls Club of Massillon will continue to be fiscally responsible by increasing support and effectively managing operations. Most importantly, the Boys & Girls Club of Massillon will continue to provide an environment full of challenges, opportunities, safety, and FUN for the “Kids” of Western Stark County.