Media Center
We want to provide useful information for your story or promotion.
Brief description of organization: Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio provides safe, fun places for kids ages 6-18 to go after school with a focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles and character development. BGCNEO was formed in 2019 by the merger of Boys & Girls Clubs in Cleveland, Akron, Lorain County and Sandusky. There is no charge to join a Club.
Mission statement: To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Vision statement: To be Northeast Ohio’s most trusted champion for youth—creating safe spaces, strong mentors, and limitless opportunities.
About the CEO: Allen T. Smith, Jr., a former Club kid who has been a youth development professional for more than 30 years, became Chief Executive Officer for Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio in October 2022. The Toledo native had been BGCNEO’s Chief Programs Officer since 2020 and served in the same capacity for Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland before it became part of a 2019 merger. Smith held executive-level positions at Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo before coming to Cleveland in 2008.
Financial information: Click here to view a summary of our most recent audited financials.
Publications: Click here to catch up on the latest from our print newsletters and annual reports.
For more information:
Media contact: Director of Development Operations Lauren Switzer can be reached at lswitzer@bgcneo.org.
Marketing contact: For permission to use an approved Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio logo, access to our photos, videos and brand guidelines or other marketing requests, please contact marketing@bgcneo.org.