OUR MISSION

To maintain an agency that can identify and respond to the changing needs of children, adolescents and families of a multi-cultural, urban community.

To achieve this we will:

· Interact with the community and encourage participation in the identification and prioritization of needs.
· Provide programs which promote the physical, social, educational, vocational and character development of boys and girls ages 2½ to 12, and youth ages 13 to 17 years.
· Offer a safe environment, which provides alternatives to anti-social activity.
· Provide direct services in the area of child care (ages 2½ to 12 years).
· Make the physical facility available for local community initiatives.
· Offer family support assistance (referrals to other agencies, information dissemination, and advocacy).

HISTORY

Initially incorporated in 1957 as the Dovercourt Boys’ Club, to provide a variety of services to both boys and girls ages 7 to 17 years, as an alternative to rampant gang activity in the area.
Funds to build the facility were raised by a volunteer Board, and ownership of the building was transferred to the City of Toronto in 1979, with a long term lease agreement put in place.
In 1977, the provision of Social/Recreational Programs to both boys and girls was formally recognized when the Club changed its name to Dovercourt Boys’ And Girls’ Club.
In the years following, services at the Club expanded to include:

1983:
School-age Daycare
Youth Job Experience
1984:
Pre-school Daycare
1986
Seniors Social Program
1988
Lone Parent Support Program
1992
Satellite Programs
1995
Drug Abuse Prevention Program
Club 180, In-house Radio Station, was opened
1996
Technology Learning Center opened
1998
Permanent Satellite Location at 21 Randolph Ave. was acquired as a sub-lease agreement with the City
1999
Kick Start Program for children ages 7 to 9 years was implemented
2004
Board/Staff Retreat commits to capital expansion of second floor by 2008