Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast Corporate Office, 923 Denton Blvd NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
About
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast offers core programs in Academic Success, Good Character & Success, and Healthy Lifestyles. The organization operates as a registered IRS 501(c)3 charity.
The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast is to enable all young people, especially those that need the organization most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Its vision is improving the lives of all Emerald Coast youth as the premier youth development organization. The organization’s core values are Safety, Commitment, Empowerment, Excellence, Initiative, and Trust.
The organization’s history dates back to 1968 as the Boys Club of the Playground Area, with a membership of 15. In 1988, local businessmen stepped up to support the Club during economic difficulties. In 1990, it became the Boys & Girls Club of Okaloosa County and began welcoming girls. In 2001, a Smart Center opened in South Walton County, followed by a fully operational Club in 2002. The organization was later renamed Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast to reflect its impact on children and families throughout the region. Smart Centers were also established in local middle schools. In 2010, the organization expanded by welcoming the existing Pensacola Club. In November 2014, it took over the After School Program at Kenwood. In August 2015, the Montclair Club opened, and in August 2020, the Riverside Club opened during the pandemic.
In 2022, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast registered almost 2,200 kids and reported serving over 2,100 additional youth. Reported impact metrics include an average 3.1 grade point average, 1,274 members participating in community service, and more than 130,000 healthy snacks provided.
The leadership team includes Shervin Rassa, Crystal Mayes, Anthony Lanier, Leslie Mickles, Rita Cummins, and Lindsey Thomas. Funding comes from contributions, special events, grants, and donors such as the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and United Way agencies in Escambia and Okaloosa/Walton Counties.
Parent and member feedback includes comments such as, “My kids have been attending B&G for years. Their staff is excellent & very attentive. They really work with parents to make sure the kids are successful,” from parent Tamika D. Club member and Youth of the Year candidate Daishawn K. shared that before coming to the Club, they did not really believe in themselves and that the Club’s impact has been to “strive for greatness” and “believe that I can do or be anything I want in life if I work hard for it.” Parent Nathan M. stated that his son enjoys attending, described it as a safe place for kids to go after school and a good summer program, and noted that staff teach the kids, help them with homework, and have fun with them.
Last updated February 12, 2026.
The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast is to enable all young people, especially those that need the organization most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Its vision is improving the lives of all Emerald Coast youth as the premier youth development organization. The organization’s core values are Safety, Commitment, Empowerment, Excellence, Initiative, and Trust.
The organization’s history dates back to 1968 as the Boys Club of the Playground Area, with a membership of 15. In 1988, local businessmen stepped up to support the Club during economic difficulties. In 1990, it became the Boys & Girls Club of Okaloosa County and began welcoming girls. In 2001, a Smart Center opened in South Walton County, followed by a fully operational Club in 2002. The organization was later renamed Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast to reflect its impact on children and families throughout the region. Smart Centers were also established in local middle schools. In 2010, the organization expanded by welcoming the existing Pensacola Club. In November 2014, it took over the After School Program at Kenwood. In August 2015, the Montclair Club opened, and in August 2020, the Riverside Club opened during the pandemic.
In 2022, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast registered almost 2,200 kids and reported serving over 2,100 additional youth. Reported impact metrics include an average 3.1 grade point average, 1,274 members participating in community service, and more than 130,000 healthy snacks provided.
The leadership team includes Shervin Rassa, Crystal Mayes, Anthony Lanier, Leslie Mickles, Rita Cummins, and Lindsey Thomas. Funding comes from contributions, special events, grants, and donors such as the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and United Way agencies in Escambia and Okaloosa/Walton Counties.
Parent and member feedback includes comments such as, “My kids have been attending B&G for years. Their staff is excellent & very attentive. They really work with parents to make sure the kids are successful,” from parent Tamika D. Club member and Youth of the Year candidate Daishawn K. shared that before coming to the Club, they did not really believe in themselves and that the Club’s impact has been to “strive for greatness” and “believe that I can do or be anything I want in life if I work hard for it.” Parent Nathan M. stated that his son enjoys attending, described it as a safe place for kids to go after school and a good summer program, and noted that staff teach the kids, help them with homework, and have fun with them.
Last updated February 12, 2026.
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