The Boys & Girls Club of Chattanooga invites residents to the Grand Opening Celebration
Chattanooga, TN —The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga (BGCC) and the City of Chattanooga’s Department of Community Development announce the transition of the Westside Community Center, formerly the Sheila Jennings Building. The BGCC will open its new Club this summer at the former Westside Community Center location at College Hill Courts. This marks the close of a longstanding chapter of City-led programming and the beginning of a new era of service for the Westside community, continuing the City’s commitment to ensuring children and teens have access to high-quality youth development programming in one of Chattanooga’s most historic neighborhoods.
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As of April 24, the City of Chattanooga no longer occupies the facility, and operations will transition to the Boys & Girls Club of Chattanooga. This transition ensures a strategic investment in increasing access to high-quality youth development programming for children and teens in one of Chattanooga’s most historic neighborhoods.
“This transition represents both a moment of reflection and a commitment to the future,” said Cedric Henson, Administrator for the Department of Community Development. “We are proud of the impact the Westside Community Center has had over the years and are confident that the Boys & Girls Club of Chattanooga will continue to provide meaningful opportunities for the community.”
The City of Chattanooga is preparing to resume and expand programming at the new James A. Henry Community Hub on Grove Street in the coming months. This modern facility will feature a gymnasium, a multipurpose room, an IT center, and more. These additions will allow the City and its partners to provide a wide range of services—from sports and recreation to workforce development and youth programs— ensuring continued investment in the well-being and growth of Chattanooga residents.
A Grand Opening Celebration for the new Boys & Girls Club will be held on Saturday, May 23, welcoming community members, partners, and families to tour the facility and learn more about available programs. The first day of programming will begin June 1, with services available to youth ages 6–18.
The new Westside at College Hill Courts Club will provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for youth during critical out-of-school hours. Through evidence-based programming aligned to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga’s six core pillars: sports and recreation, academic success, the arts, health and wellness, career development, and character and leadership, BGCC will intentionally equip young people with the skills needed for life and workforce readiness. Each day, students will engage in high-quality exp riences designed to drive measurable outcomes in academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and career preparedness.
“This new Club reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that all young people, especially those who need us most, have access to substantial opportunities that empower them to reach their full potential,” said Dr. Le Andrea Ware, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga. “We are honored to partner with the One Westside community to deliver transformative programming in a location that is highly accessible and deeply rooted in rich history, legacy and strength.”
The Westside at College Hill Courts Boys & Girls Club location will be staffed by trained youth development professionals and will offer structured after-school and summer programming. BGCC will also collaborate with local schools, community partners, and families to ensure alignment with broader educational and community priorities.
The opening of this Club aligns with BGCC’s long-term strategic vision to expand reach and deepen impact across Chattanooga. Additional details regarding enrollment, programming schedules, and partnership opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga or to learn how to support this initiative, please visit bgccha.org or contact the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga at 423-266-6131.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga’s mission is to enable young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Since 1955, the Boys & Girls Club of Chattanooga has helped put young people on the path to great futures. With six local Club units, the BGCC serves over 5500 youth, ages 6-18.