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Boys & Girls Clubs leaders report growth at Flint River site, ask for ongoing county partnership
Summary
Leaders of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta updated the Clayton County Board of Commissioners on the Flint River Club’s enrollment, programs and volunteer needs and thanked the county for support; club leaders said the site now serves roughly 250 children annually and averages 60–65 children per day.
David Jernigan, president and CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, and local club leaders briefed the Clayton County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 14 about programming growth and volunteer needs at the Flint River Community Center site.
"This is a county, as I go across our 10 county footprint, that I really hold up as an example for other communities," said David Jernigan, who described the county partnership as central to the club’s expansion. Jernigan said the organization serves children aged 6–18 across Metro Atlanta and that the Flint River Club provides a mix of academic support, arts, sports and leadership programming.
Regional director Amelia Davis said the club opened in February 2021 with about 24 children during the pandemic and has since grown to serve close to 250 children per year, with an average daily attendance of about 60–65 and an active roster of roughly 50 registered teams. Executive Director Michael Maxwell outlined daily operations, saying the site operates Monday–Friday from roughly 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the school year, with extended programming during breaks and camps.
Maxwell described the club’s staffing mix and partnerships: one full‑time director, eight part‑time staff, two academic support coaches provided through Clayton County Schools, and partnerships with churches, companies and volunteers. He described after‑school offerings including academic support, Triple Play fitness programming, dance, youth leadership, sports and the organization’s Youth of the Year program; the club’s 2024 Youth of the Year was Louise Davis, and the club’s junior youth of the year represented Metro Atlanta at the regional level.
When commissioners asked about capacity, Maxwell said the Flint River Club currently has about 40 children on a waiting list and staff are reviewing enrollment as families change residence or circumstances early in the year.
The presentation closed with a request for county continued partnership and encouragement for commissioners and residents to volunteer and visit the center. "We would welcome that," Maxwell said when invited volunteers from the audience.
Why this matters: The local Boys and Girls Club provides out‑of‑school supervision, academic support and enrichment that county officials cited as an important complement to public schools and community services. Growth in membership and a standing wait list indicate demand for expanded capacity and underscore the county’s role as a partner in youth services.
Next steps: Leaders said they will continue to coordinate with county staff, the school system and community partners; commissioners said they would arrange site visits.
