OUR HISTORY
Fairhope / Point-Clear Rotary Youth Club: Building Brighter Futures
Since December 1996, the Fairhope Point-Clear Rotary Youth Club has been a cornerstone of our community, offering a safe and supportive environment for local youth. It all began with the opening of an 11,000-square-foot gymnasium and activities building—the first facility built specifically for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Baldwin County. In June 1997, this building was renamed the Rotary Boys & Girls Club to honor the incredible generosity of the Rotary Clubs of Fairhope and Point Clear. Their contributions, along with donations from individual Rotarians, helped retire the construction debt, with nearly $100,000 raised.
The Rotary Clubs remained dedicated supporters, ensuring the club continued to thrive. However, in May 2009, the Boys & Girls Club of South Alabama announced plans to close the Fairhope facility. Recognizing the immense need for youth services in our community, volunteers and staff took action, reorganizing as the Fairhope–Point Clear Rotary Youth Programs, Inc., now known as the Rotary Youth Club.
In the fall of 2017, with support from the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation, Impact 100, the City of Fairhope, and other generous donors, we proudly opened a new classroom wing. This expansion added a computer lab, three versatile classrooms, an administrative office, and handicap-accessible restrooms. We also launched a Pre-K program that same year, thanks to local donors and grants.
In 2019, an Impact 100 grant enabled us to make critical repairs to our gymnasium, enhancing safety and ensuring a secure space for our members.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in spring 2020, we had to temporarily close our after-school program. However, our commitment to the community didn’t waver. We pivoted to serve lunches to children in need and partnered with local churches to provide meals and care packages for the elderly.
Where We Are Today: Looking Toward the Future
Our vision for the future is bold and exciting. We are currently focused on upgrading our kitchen to launch a culinary program. This initiative will equip our students with practical cooking skills they can use at home or in the workforce. By teaching healthy food preparation, we aim to empower our youth to make better nutritional choices and prepare them for potential careers in the culinary field.
We’re also planning to build a new playground, replacing the aging equipment that our own director played on as a child. Our goal is to create a vibrant, fun, and safe space that benefits both our members and the surrounding community.
Stay tuned to see the incredible things happening at the Rotary Youth Club as we continue to grow and serve our community.