B

oys & Girls Clubs alumni across the world 

attest to the fact that their futures started within 

their Club’s walls. Several 

celebrities such as Jennifer 

Lopez, Mark Wahlberg, Kerry 

Washington, Shaun White, Denzel 

Washington, and many others were 

all products of a Boys and Girls Club 

somewhere.  

The Destin area is lucky to be such 

a vital part of the vibrant and active 

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald 

Coast. Their mission is: “To enable 

all young people, especially those 

that need us most, to reach their full 

potential as productive, caring, and 

responsible citizens.”

Because today’s youth are 

tomorrow’s leaders, it is critical 

to provide every young person 

out there with as much support, 

opportunities, and skills as possible.  

Whether they need a place for 

encouragement, a place to do their 

homework, or just a place to hang 

out, Boys & Girls Clubs of the 

Emerald Coast is ready to assist. 

With club locations from South 

Walton and DeFuniak Springs, into Destin, FWB and 

Pensacola, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast had 

over 1,300 kids enrolled in programs 

last summer with over 1,200 being 

served during the school year.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald 

Coast was founded in 1968 and 

has undergone many positive 

modifi cations and expansions 

since then. The impact that this 

local organization has had on 

the community is immeasurably 

profound. Also, the support that the 

local communities have provided to 

the organization is overwhelming.  

Educational statistics undeniably 

show that the programs provided 

by Boys & Girls Clubs of the 

Emerald Coast are both positive 

and impactful regarding education. 

With such a lasting impression on 

the youth of the area, it will not be 

surprising if we fi nd a future world 

leader, celebrity, or world-class 

athlete attributing their success to 

their time at Boys & Girls Clubs of 

the Emerald Coast.

story by

 

Greg Alexander

 

  |  

photos provided by

 

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast

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