The Safety and Wellbeing of our Youth is Our Number One Priority
About Us
The Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee has been a cornerstone of the community for over a century. The earliest known facts of the Club go back to 1912 when the Club was incorporated. The Club was then located on Dwight Street with approximately 100 boys in the program. In 1914, newspaper articles indicated that the Club was still in existence with a very active basketball team which participated in competition with the Springfield Boys Club. The City of Chicopee later gave the Club an old school building located on Royal Street in Chicopee. According to newspaper articles, the Club was very active.
The Chicopee Boys Club was elected to the National Boys Clubs of America in 1952. The Fraternal Order of the Eagles (Chicopee Boys Club official name) was very active in programming and activities. On June 1, 1956, the Fraternal Order of Eagles was incorporated. Sometime in 1956 the Fairview Lodge and the Boys Club merged, duly noted on April 1, 1957 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Hampden County Registry of Deeds.
From that day forward, the Boys Club had been known as the Chicopee Boys Club, Inc. In 1988, the Club's name changed again to the Chicopee Boys & Girls Club, Inc., duly noted March 1988 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Secretary of State's Office.
We are committed to creating a fun, safe space where every child can succeed. We maintain a zero tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior, including child abuse or misconduct. Our dedication to child safety is reflected in our comprehensive and ongoing efforts to provide a secure environment.
Our Safety Initiatives Include:
Secure Facilities: Front entrances with a locked doors, requiring all visitors to check in at the front desk for access.
Monitoring: Cameras in all program spaces, monitored by staff to ensure a safe environment during all hours.
Internet Safety: Restricted access to certain websites during computer time to ensure a safe online experience.
Our Comprehensive Safety Policies:
Supervision, communication, and prohibiting private one-on-one contact between staff and members are critical elements of our safety protocols.
Background Checks: All staff and board members undergo mandatory criminal background checks annually. Volunteers who interact directly with children also go through this process.
Annual Safety Assessments: We conduct regular safety evaluations to ensure ongoing improvements and the highest standards for child protection.
Ongoing Training: Our staff members participate in regular child safety training sessions, including webinars and seminars.
Our Safety Committee
Our dedicated Safety Committee includes staff, board members, and local community partners, including representatives from the Chicopee School Department, Police and Fire Departments. This team works together to continuously evaluate and improve our safety measures.
Partnering for Safety
At the Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee, we are more than just a place for kids—we are a safe haven where children grow, learn, and develop into the leaders of tomorrow. Join us in helping them reach their full potential.