News & Events

More than 200 young people from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County got their first taste of tennis on June 30 at The Greater Stuart Club, as the organization hosted its inaugural “First Serve” Experience in partnership with USTA Florida and the USTA Foundation. The event, designed to introduce members in 3rd through 12th grade to the sport in a fun, engaging and accessible environment, brought together participants from all five Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County locations for an afternoon of tennis activities, games and giveaways. Lou Reyes, Athletic Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, was the driving force behind the event, coordinating all five clubs to come together for the day. More than 25 volunteers from the local community helped instruct and encourage participants throughout the afternoon. What made the “First Serve” Experience unique was its approach to showing kids that tennis can be played anywhere. Organizers utilized every available space at the facility to demonstrate that the sport does not require a traditional tennis court to learn and enjoy. Participants rotated through more than 20 stations designed to teach movement, hand-eye coordination, rallying, teamwork and the fundamentals of tennis using age-appropriate games and modified equipment. The afternoon wrapped up with the SWAG Court, where participants put the skills and lessons they learned throughout the day to the test for a chance to win tennis equipment. Every participant also left with a SWAG Bag to encourage continued play and grow their interest in the sport beyond the event. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County became a National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) chapter this year, joining a network that brings tennis and education programming to underserved communities across the country. The “First Serve” Experience is a reflection of that commitment, removing barriers like access to courts and equipment to ensure every young person has the opportunity to experience the lifelong benefits of tennis. USTA Florida and the USTA Foundation are proud to support initiatives that make tennis accessible, fun and welcoming for young people across the state. The energy and enthusiasm at The Greater Stuart Club was a powerful reminder that when the sport meets kids where they are, the possibilities are limitless. To read the full article, click here.

Keith Fletcher Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, President & CEO We’re used to bringing kids to our five clubs. Now we’re bringing our latest “club” directly to them. Through June, we’ve been hosting a kind of popup program at Martin County High School that’s modeled after our Club at Jensen Beach High School. It introduces key facets of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County to a fresh cohort of young people who are at an important stage of their lives. “While the school can help get them academically ready for graduation,” says Lori Vogel, principal of MCHS, “there’s so many things that Boys & Girls Clubs can help with, including testing, resumes, college, jobs and just figuring out what they want to do next.” Nearly 70 ninth- through 12th-graders are in the program from 9 a.m. to noon. BGCMC certified teachers help students looking to improve their performances in math, science, and English. The individualized attention increases accountability measures and overall performances. In fact, we recently assisted in conducting testing for more than 100 seniors who needed to meet final requirements for graduation. But alas, it’s summertime. Everyone deserves a break from schoolwork. Outings and activities are a big part of Club life, so we made sure the Martin County High experience was no different. Every Friday, we’ve gone on field trips to play paintball or visit Dave & Buster’s, Elev8 Fun and Rapids Waterpark. It’s fun, so word is getting out—in the best way possible. “The kids are calling their friends and saying, ‘You need to come here, this is great,’” says Vogel, “which I think is really cool and we’ve been growing all week.” Workforce development is another key part of BGCMC programming. We offer industry certifications, courses, even apprenticeships in such diverse disciplines as drone piloting, coding, fashion design, electrical, HVAC, construction, and more. A centerpiece of our offerings is our culinary program. From our food truck to our growing catering business, the BGCMC culinary program gives participants diverse opportunities to gain marketable job skills and earn a paycheck. At Martin County High School, students get a literal taste of the program. Each day, our culinary team cooks them breakfast and lunch. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, anyone who’s interested in culinary can take part. There’s always more activity during the kitchen those days. By combining academics, fun outings, and jobs training, we’re upholding the core Club principles of academics, good citizenship and nutrition and healthy lifestyles. It’s all possible thanks to our partnerships with the Martin County School Board, the district and principals such as Vogel and Andrew Connolly at Jensen Beach High. We’re excited about the program’s future potential at Martin County High as it contributes to higher graduation rates and more young people pursuing greater goals for their lives. “This program needs to be repeated because it’s helping kids,” says Vogel. “We had to move fast to get this one off the ground. But next year, we’d love to get more job training involved. When we expose them to things through Boys & Girls Clubs and they see what’s out there, they’re like, ‘I’m not just going to work at McDonald’s or Target.’” It was a great beginning and can only get better, says my colleague, Dr. Timothy Aitken. "We're grateful for the opportunity to partner with the leadership of Martin County High School and bring this experience to the students so they can not only get help academically,” says Aitken, “but also experience the acceptance and support of Club culture—discovering more of what they're interested in and capable of achieving." To read the full article and more, click here.

Keith Fletcher Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, President & CEO We can all recall the challenges of early adolescence. The strong desire to fit in and the sting of insecurity when you felt left out. Something as simple as wearing the “wrong” brand of sneakers could easily impact your social standing. But at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, many of our members would be happy to have ANY brand of sneakers. Coach Steven Binder—founder and CEO of Project New Step Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring confidence, hope and opportunity for undeserved children—is a longtime basketball coach, skills trainer, mentor, and youth advocate. Steven created the foundation after recognizing something simple yet profound: A new pair of sneakers isn’t just a physical necessity; it can lift a child’s spirits, raise their self-esteem and confidence, and increase their sense of belonging. Coach generously volunteers his time at our Hobe Sound Club to teach our members the game he loves. He noticed that many of the kids lacked sneakers suited for running the floor, pivoting, jumping and properly enjoying the game. Some only had off-brand Crocks. Others had shoes so inadequate they resorted to playing in their socks. So, Coach stepped up—in a big way. Marshalling his network of contacts in the athletic sportswear industry, he teamed with his foundation’s outstanding board of directors. Then, with support from dedicated BGCMC donors, he secured nearly 1,500 pairs of shoes for every one of the members in the daily care of our five clubs. To help make the event a lifelong memory, BGCMC staff and his foundation created “Sneaker Celebrations.” They refashioned sections of each club to resemble a sneaker store at the mall. When the kids arrived at their respective clubs after a day at school, they experienced world-class customer service. First, they got measured for their perfect fit. This was a little for show as our team had already secured the ideal size for every child. Still, it was no small task. As any parent of multiple children can attest, kids’ feet grow fast. Imagine trying to get pairs for 1,500 kids. This lifted a significant financial burden off our families. Nearly nine in 10 of our kids hail from households that are economically constrained. Most members qualify for free/reduced lunch. We provide them with a healthy snack and meal daily, two meals a day during the summer, and backpacks full of food staples over the weekend and holidays. Thanks to the kindness of our community, we’re able to help our members with academics, workforce training, job opportunities through our culinary program, specialized vocational training and apprenticeships, and more. Now thanks to Coach Steven and Project New Step, we were able to give them something that’s pretty spectacular—the simple sense of satisfaction that comes with a new pair of cool shoes. Nike Dunks, in case you’re wondering, one of the most popular styles of retro sneakers available right now. Ideal for making sure our members can confidently put their best foot forward. To help make this free sneaker program an annual event, please visit ProjectNewStep.org.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County hereby notifies the local community of our intention to apply to the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grant Program through the Florida Department of Education to support our of school time (OST) programming for students attending the following schools: Port Salerno Elementary, Pinewood Elementary, Seawind Elementary, Hobe Sound Elementary, Warfield Elementary School, Dr. David L. Anderson Middle School, Murray Middle School, Indiantown Middle School, and Martin County High School. In addition, area private school students are eligible to attend. The Boys & Girls Clubs will submit the application to the Florida Department of Education by April 22, 2026. If granted, funds will be used to support additional learning time for students attending these schools and area private schools. A copy of the submitted proposal will be made available to the public on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County website following submission and may also be requested directly from the organization. Questions or public input about the 21st CCLC program and grant proposal may be directed to our administrative office at (772) 545-1255.

Where Country Meets Compassion: A Night for Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County! The third year of Songwriters & Storytellers promises to be an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and community, all in support of Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County . This unique event brings together some of the most talented songwriters from Nashville and beyond, sharing the stories behind their chart-topping hits in an intimate and captivating setting. Guests will enjoy a night of soulful performances, heartfelt connections, and the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of local youth. We have an incredible line up with an opening act for cocktail hour, the songwriters round and finish the night out with dancing with one of our local favorite bands. Building on the incredible success of its debut year in 2023, this year’s Songwriters & Storytellers is set to shine even more brilliantly, creating a powerful harmony of music and purpose that will resonate throughout our community for years to come. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring celebration! Please join us as a sponsor or as a ticket holder to help support the mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County. The future of our children is our future, and we have the chance to make it brighter for our community. For more information about this event and sponsorship, please contact Meg Shirey at specialevents@bgcmartin.org or 772-545-1255.

STUART—The door to opportunity will open even wider for local young people seeking to sharpen their employment skills thanks to a generous grant from Truist Foundation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC). BGMCM’s Workforce Development Programs—created in conjunction with business leaders and offering in-depth insights on a variety of in-demand trades, vocations and professions—received a $60,000 grant from Truist Foundation. Committed to creating economic mobility for all, Truist Foundation prioritizes strengthening small businesses and opening pathways to career opportunities. By focusing on job‑ready skills and real‑world career exposure, BGCMC aligns with Truist Foundation’s mission to build career pathways that equip individuals for middle‑skill jobs and upward economic movement. The Foundation focuses on helping workers navigate employment, access reskilling or upskilling opportunities, and secure sustainable, living‑wage jobs.Thanks to its support, the BGCMC will be better positioned to help young people · Strengthen their career readiness · Increase their access to job opportunities · Carve out sustainable pathways to their own economic mobility The grant funding will support BGCMC’s skilled trades training, career exploration, virtual training, culinary arts, drone piloting, and Manufacturing 4.0 coursework, which provides hands‑on learning experiences and the chance to earn credentials relevant to a prospective employer. The grant will also help more youth and young adults receive enhanced support to overcome barriers to employment, education, or professional growth. “On behalf of everyone at BGCMC—our staff, our Board, and most importantly, our youth—we are deeply grateful to Truist Foundation for believing in our mission and investing in our future,” says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, President & CEO of BGCMC. “This grant will have a transformative impact on our workforce readiness offerings and help open doors to stable, meaningful careers for so many teens and young adults in our community.” Through this grant, BGCMC’s Workforce Development Programs directly support Truist Foundation’s goals by equipping local youth and young adults with the skills, training, and support needed to succeed in the workforce—creating real career pathways and potential for economic mobility in Martin County.  “At Truist, our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities,” said Truist Treasure Coast Market President Steven Rivera. “That purpose comes to life through our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County to expand workforce readiness, helping teens and young adults gain job‑ready skills, industry‑recognized credentials and exposure to in‑demand careers. We’re proud to invest in programs that open pathways to stable, meaningful work and upward economic mobility.” About Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County For more than 30 years, BGCMC has provided a safe, nurturing, and opportunity-rich environment for young people across Martin County. Through our Workforce Development Programs, we strive to ensure that every young person, regardless of background, has access to the training and resources needed to thrive. About Truist Foundation Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation’s leading initiatives – the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.

Keith Fletcher Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, President & CEO  This is the season for believing—and in a community as kind as Martin County, it’s not difficult to do. Even in the last-minute rush of the holiday season, the giving spirit locally is alive and shining through. That generosity can show up in wonderful and surprising ways. I’ll give an example in a moment. But first, we recently held our annual holiday relief effort Operation Merry & Bright. Civic groups, church groups, small-business owners, retirees and more volunteered in droves to assist our staff in the massive effort. Preparing food packages. Organizing toys. Wrapping gifts. Basically, doing everything necessary to ensure thousands of local children and their families can share in the celebration of the holiday. While you might expect extra goodwill during the holidays, Martin County thankfully embodies this spirit year-round. I recently shared this point with the Business Development Board of Martin County in its monthly newsletter Martinomics. “There’s a commitment (to others) here that really makes Martin County special. It’s hyper-realized during the giving season, but it plays out over the course of the year.” That’s especially important as food packages remain our highest priority this coming year. We’re grateful for the community’s recent response to local instances of heightened food insecurity following cuts to federal assistance programs. Your support helped ensure local families in need got the essential food supplies they rely on. Such needs persist, so if you feel called to help us meet them, please visit www.BGCMartin.org to contribute. It’s longstanding BGCMC practice to send all club members home with backpacks full of food every Friday so they can eat healthfully over the weekend. Everything we provide, including our services, are completely free to club members. The healthy meals and snacks they get afterschool at the clubs are among the most reliable nutrition they receive. Nearly nine in 10 children in our care qualify for Martin County School District’s free/reduced lunch program. So, we don’t just provide food, we equip them to make healthy decisions. From the vegetables they grow in the club gardens to the recipes, cooking tips and kitchen skills they learn in our culinary program—all tailored to lead to viable careers in hospitality—we emphasize principles of healthy choices and self-sufficiency. Such independence is further instilled through our youth workforce development programs, which include industry-led and directed training in HVAC, welding, electrical, construction and much more. The program helps kids acquire durable, in-demand skills for the local job market and lets business leaders share their knowledge in shaping the future workforce. Not all our contributors need be business leaders nor share employment tips, per se. One woman approached us wanting to teach kids at our Port Salerno Club how to crochet. We agreed, but I was admittedly doubtful that such lessons would appeal to middle schoolers. But by sharing her passion from an authentic place, the kids responded with an excitement that’s been contagious, making crocheting one of the club’s most popular activities. It’s a reminder that with the right mindset, anything is possible. And that’s why this time of year—and anytime of year—it’s easy to believe in Martin County that anything is indeed possible. Happy Holidays, everyone! To read the full article and more, click here.

Join us Thursday, February 26, 2026!

Golf Tournament at Sailfish Point Benefiting: