Boys & Girls Clubs of America had its beginnings in 1860 with several women in Hartford, Conn. Believing that boys who roamed the streets should have a positive alternative, they organized the first Club. A cause was born.

In 1906, several Boys Clubs decided to affiliate. The Federated Boys Clubs in Boston was formed with 53 member organizations – this marked the start of a nationwide Movement.

In 1931, the Boys Club Federation of America became Boys Clubs of America.

In 1956, Boys Clubs of America celebrated its 50th anniversary and received a U.S. Congressional Charter.

To recognize the fact that girls are a part of our cause, the national organization's name was changed to Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1990. Accordingly, Congress amended and renewed our charter.

2006 marked the Centennial year of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, as we celebrated 100 years of providing hope and opportunity to young people across the country.

The mission of the Mashkisibi Boys & Girls Club is: To inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, a sense of usefulness, a sense of belonging and a sense of power and influence.

Our goal is to engage Club members in activities that are fun and enjoyable, while supporting their development. We hope that each child who walks through our Club doors develops a positive self-identity; educational, employment, social, emotional and cultural competencies; community and civic involvement; health and well being; and moral compass.