For nearly 100 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton has worked to inspire and develop area youth through innovative, out-of-school programming designed to help them reach their full potential. In 2023, conversations began about the club’s nearly 60-year-old facility on West Stewart Street and how its aging infrastructure was limiting its ability to deliver high-quality experiences for youth.
When a feasibility study in 2024 showed overwhelming community support for the construction of a larger, modernized facility, BGCD launched From Here, Forward, an $18 million fundraising campaign to construct a new building and ensure the nonprofit organization’s impact for generations to come.
“The From Here, Forward campaign is about creating a place where every young person feels safe, supported, challenged and inspired. It’s about ensuring that the next generation has access to the opportunities, relationships and resources they need,” said Crystal Allen, president and CEO of BGCD. “Most importantly, it’s about strengthening our community by investing in the young people who one day will lead it forward.”
“The From Here, Forward campaign is about creating a place where every young person feels safe, supported, challenged and inspired.”
–Crystal Allen, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton
Demolition was completed on the former facility last fall, and construction on the new 37,000-square-foot facility began in April. The new building will feature amenities such as modern learning environments, a full-sized gymnasium, arts and dance spaces, an esports arena and a teaching kitchen. It also has the potential to more than double BGCD’s daily capacity, increasing average daily attendance from 100 youth to more than 250 and its annual reach from 500 youth to 2,500.
The cornerstone of the project is a Life & Workforce Readiness Center, a first-of-its-kind local resource designed to introduce career exploration as early as kindergarten and continue through high school graduation. The goal of the center is to provide industry-recognized certifications, mentorship opportunities, apprenticeships and hands-on career experiences.
The new 37,000-square-foot building will help Boys & Girls Club of Dayton serve up to 2,500 youth annually.
“Through partnerships with industry leaders, educational institutions and community organizations, young people will gain the skills, experiences and professional networks necessary to graduate future-ready,” Crystal said.
Sensory-rich spaces and a dedicated social-emotional wellness room also are in the plans, with a licensed social worker on site to help address the growing mental health and wellness needs of youth and families.
To date, BGCD has received $15.5 million toward its $18 million campaign goal, with $2.5 million remaining to be raised. The Dayton Foundation supported the project with a $75,000 discretionary grant in 2025.
“We are incredibly grateful for The Dayton Foundation’s grant, its ongoing partnership and the confidence it has placed in our organization,” Crystal said. “This investment, along with the generosity of its fund holders who also supported the campaign, is helping ensure that future generations of young people will have access to the safe spaces, caring mentors, educational opportunities and workforce pathways they need to succeed.”
To encourage donations from the public, the Mathile Family Foundation has provided a $500,000 match for construction gifts, while an anonymous donor has committed a $250,000 match for gifts that support the organization’s long-term sustainability to ensure BGCD can impact youth far into the future.
In addition to achieving the fundraising goal, Crystal hopes the From Here, Forward campaign creates awareness for the organization and the important work it does for youth.
“Too many people in our community are unfamiliar with what happens behind our blue doors each day,” she said. “As we move forward, we are seeking more champions who will share our story, advocate for our mission and help others understand the transformational impact the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton has on young people, families and the broader community.”
One of these champions is James, the 2026 Boys & Girls Club of Dayton Youth of the Year, who recently made two donations to the campaign to ensure other young people have access to the experiences that have helped shape his life.
“I chose to donate because I witnessed the club’s impact firsthand. It provided me with a safe place to grow, caring adults who believed in me and opportunities I may not have had otherwise,” James said. “Giving to this campaign is my way of ensuring the next generation has the same chance I had to dream big, discover their potential and build a bright future.”
To contribute to the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton’s From Here, Forward campaign and receive a matching gift, visit bgcdayton.org.