From a humble start in 1954, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier has grown to be a tremendous resource for area youth.

1954

Gainesville-Hall County Boys Club was founded at 211 Sycamore Street to provide a fun and safe place for children. The original Club included as space for woodworking, arts and crafts, and a library.

1957

Early fundraising efforts allowed the Club to raise enough money to open a new gymnasium.

1962

Jim Smith became Executive Director, a role he held for 32 years.

1963

Girls Club was established offering programming focused on teen pregnancy, sewing, arts and crafts, games and cooking.

1970s

Gainesville-Hall County Boys Club merged with Forest Hills Boys Club. Two new Clubs were opened to accommodate the growth; one at Blackshear Place and one at the current location on Downey Boulevard. The new facilities accommodated new activities such as: drama, folk dance, games, Little League, and swimming.

1980s

Girls Club relocated to New Holland Recreation Center. The facility was donated by Roger Milliken of the Milliken and Co.

1997

Gainesville-Hall County Boys Club merged with Girls Club to form Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County and began operating from the Positive Place Club on Downey Boulevard.

2001

Major renovations to the Positive Place Club upgraded interior space to better accommodate programs for both boys and girls.

2006

The Teen Center was established to provide programs specific to teenagers such as Career Launch and Diplomas to Degrees.

2010

The Joseph F. Walters Club was established on Memorial Park Drive expanding the Clubs ability to serve more area youth.

2017

Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County became Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier to reflect the growing demand for programs in our region beyond Hall County.

2018

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier opened its first site in Forsyth County at Cumming Elementary School.