In every community, thousands of boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets or spend many hours at home with no adult supervision. Many form groups or gangs, become involved with the wrong "leaders" and eventually find themselves in trouble. Boys & Girls Clubs give them a positive alternative. Club alums say the people at Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago are “like family.” Click here to see a video of how BGCC is a foundation in the community.

See how Boys & Girls Clubs are making a difference in young people's lives throughout the Chicago area:

Having attended a Club when she was younger, Boys & Girls Club mom Mrs. Horton made sure that her four children became active Club members. This year, a third generation will become a Boys & Girls Club member - her grandson.

After an afternoon of speeches delivered by the top nine Club members from across Chicago, Daniel A. Cotter Club member Krystal Lewis emerges as the 2008 Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year.