Boys and Girls Club of the Ozarks launches 2026 Great Futures Annual Campaign to support local youth

The Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks has launched its annual Great Futures Campaign, calling on community members to help ensure every child has access to the support, safety and opportunities they need to thrive beyond the school day.

Every afternoon, countless children across the Ozarks leave school with no safe place to go—putting them at risk of being unsupervised, unguided and unsafe. During the summer months, many also lack access to structured learning programs, increasing the likelihood of learning loss and leaving them at a disadvantage when school resumes.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks is working to change that.

“Out-of-school time is one of the most overlooked yet essential components of a child’s development,” said Stoney Hays, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks. “It takes both in-school learning and out-of-school experiences to put young people on the right path. Our Club is committed to making sure this critical time is part of the conversation.”

Through outcome-driven programs, caring mentors and a safe, welcoming environment, the Club provides local youth with opportunities to build healthy habits, develop strong relationships, make education a priority and discover their purpose. Many children rely on the Club not only for enrichment, but for stability, meals and a sense of belonging.

The Great Futures Campaign invites influential and compassionate community members to invest in this mission. Contributions directly support expanded access to programs, increased capacity and the ability to reach more children who need the Club most.

The staff and board members see firsthand the impact of every donation, noting that kids walk through the Club’s doors each day seeking safety, support, and someone who believes in them, and while the Club provides all of that and more, they emphasize that the organization cannot do it alone.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks encourages community members to make their best financial contribution to help ensure that every child—regardless of circumstance—has the chance at a great future. Those interested in learning more or seeing the impact firsthand are invited to schedule a tour of the Club.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ozarks

For over 32 years and through economic crises, tragedies and natural disasters, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ozarks has been a constant in the lives of children and families in our community. The Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks consists of four separate Units located in Taney and Stone counties: Branson, Crane, Forsyth and Reeds Spring. Our programs are closely aligned with the goals of our respective school districts and are designed to improve academic achievement and expand enrichment opportunities for youth by maintaining high-quality, engaging programs and activities during after-school hours and summer months.

Additionally, our clubs are a part of a referral network for families in need of educational opportunities, services and resources that might not otherwise be available through state and federal assistance programs.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks, visit www.bgcozarks.org

To donate or inquire about the Great Futures Campaign, please contact Stoney Hays – Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks, shays@bgcozarks.org, or phone 417-335-2089.