Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo designated as Hero for Youth

TOLEDO – Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo received a Hero for Youth award from its national organization, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, for the local group’s advocacy for Ohio’s youth.

“We’re honored to receive the Hero for Youth Award, but this recognition truly belongs to the young people we serve and the communities that support them,” said Jim Ravas, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo. “Every day, we witness the hope, resilience, and potential in our kids—and we’re grateful to walk alongside them. As the saying goes, ‘The future starts today, not tomorrow,’ and at Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo, we’re building that future with conviction, love and a deep belief in every child’s worth. This award is a reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together for its youth.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo has nine locations across the city and served almost 4,000 children 7 years old through high school graduation in 2024 through its after-school and summer programming.

The number of Clubs in Toledo has more than doubled since 2021. The latest opened at Washington Local’s Hiawatha Elementary School in September. The Hiawatha Club is the first in partnership with Washington Local and counts 130 members ages 7 through 12 enrolled at the school.

With its beginning in 1892, Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo is one of the city’s oldest youth programming organizations and is a charter member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Each Club offers nationally recognized programs in core areas that closely align with the developmental needs of youth: character and leadership; sports and recreation; arts and crafts; health and wellness; and academic success.

An annual membership for the local Clubs is $3 for children 7 to 13 and $5 for older teens. Visit bgctoledo.org for more information.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Club Advocacy Engagement Recognition Program recognizes the advocacy work Clubs do daily, with a major emphasis on impact, creativity and innovation. The program consists of three tiers for Clubs: Advocate (top 50% of Clubs), Hero (top 40% of Clubs) and Champion (top 10% of Clubs). Clubs get points for impactful engagements and those points determine what tier a Club is placed.