Mission & History
The mission of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club is to improve and enhance the quality of life for all young people, with special emphasis on those who need us most between ages 6-18. Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club exists to assist as many young people as possible to realize and achieve their potential for growth and development and to attain the skills necessary to live and succeed in a complex world.
Major Milestones:
• 1969 - the club moves from mid-Manhattan to the present Clubhouse site in the Southeast Bronx, an area of dire need.
• 1976 - a much needed swimming pool and two classrooms are added to facilities to help accommodate a membership of 2,000 boys.
• 1984 - a second major facilities expansion occurs with additions including a 9,000 square foot auditorium and outdoor recreation area.
• 1988 - The Board changes the Club's name to Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, reflecting what is already a reality.
• 1994 - Through Outreach 91-94, the Club's operation extends to 6 days, satellite clubs are established at 3 public schools and participation of handicapped children increases.
• 1996 - Daniel Quintero is selected as Executive Director after a national search. A Bronx native, he is the first Kips Bay alumnus to lead the organization.
• 1997 - The club completes a comprehensive 2-year renovation program. Results include a new dance studio, lighted outdoor basketball courts and a refurbished educational center.
• 1998 - In partnership with HELP (Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged), we initiate services at two HELP shelters for the homeless in the South Bronx. The next year additional funding will be provided by Community School District #8 to provide service in three additional homeless shelters.
• 2001 - Ground is broken for the new Sports Complex to include the area's only ice skating rink.
• 2002 - Sports Complex (Ice Rink & Dome) is completed.
• 2005 - New direct service sites established at New York City Housing Authority Community Centers at Castle Hill Houses and Throggs Neck Houses
• 2006 - Long term lease secured for Camp Sebago in Harriman State Park. Day camping initiated in Summer 2006
• 2007 - Residential camping initiated at Camp Sebago
Need and Population Served
Kips Bay addresses many critical needs of children, adolescents and young adults.
These needs include:
• a safe place where they can "belong"
• a place to play and grow socially with peers
• adult mentoring
• a place to challenge oneself physically and intellectually and be recognized for
accomplishments, and opportunities to give back something to others.
A Statistical Glance at our Members:
• 51% of our members are living under the poverty level.
• 50% of the kids we serve live in single-parent households.
• 98% of our members are from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
• School dropout rates in the neighborhoods we serve are more than 25
percent and the on-time graduation rate is only 33%.
