Boys & Girls Clubs members at 50th anniversary gala. -COURTESY PHOTO

Fifty years ago, Lee County’s population was about 160,000. Fort Myers and Cape Coral were the county’s only incorporated areas. Agriculture drove the economy, not tourism. There wasn’t a whole lot for locals to do beyond the beaches, with just a handful of shopping plazas, movie theaters and recreational amenities at the time.

Yet, even in a largely undeveloped community, children and teens had a place to go. Back then, community leaders had just established Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County to give youth a safe place to play, study and socialize. Its after-school program offered “latchkey kids” a place to go for a few hours after school. The summer program was ideal because it provided full-day programs when school wasn’t in session.

Here we are five decades later, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County is still serving a vital role. Today, there are eight community-, neighborhood- and school-based centers that serve 1,400 club members annually.

In November 2025, the organization hosted a 50th anniversary celebration while unveiling renovations to its first flagship club, the Park Meadows Community Club in Fort Myers. The 225 guests in attendance heard our story of quietly building a foundation for members to experience success in life, no matter what path they take. They heard our plans for the future – additional club locations, expanding club membership and igniting a greater impact on the next generation.

Supporters celebrated Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County’s 50th anniversary. -COURTESY PHOTO

Our former club members have gone off to college, gotten married and had children. They’re serving our community as health care professionals, educators, public service workers, coaches and other highly regarded careers. One of those former club members is Jaylen Watkins, who credits his time as a club member with his success as a student-athlete at the University of Florida and as a safety in the NFL.

“The opportunities that had been presented to me at a young age, I like to equate to being part of my bigger journey,” said Jaylen, who returned to Lee County and is serving as the head football coach at Cape Coral High School, where he’s guiding the next generation on and off the field. “At 14, 15 years old, I spent so much time at the Boys & Girls Club. If you remove that from my life, sometimes I think where I would be if I didn’t have those two years in this program.”

Jaylen’s story mirrors the experience of thousands of local youth who have participated in Boys & Girls Club programs. Clubs are so much more than a physical space. They are where children and teens make lifelong friends. They are where youth learn values and fundamental skills like teamwork, character, cooperation, listening and citizenship. The future of Southwest Florida is “club kids” like Michael Tambunga, a tech-obsessed 9-year-old who wants to be a robotic engineer. Michael absolutely loves the My Futures program, which includes lessons covering internet safety, cyberbullying and other important topics.

Boys & Girls Clubs have the power to transform lives, strengthen families and build a brighter tomorrow for youth in this community. As we turn the page to our next chapter, we are focused on growth and expanding our reach, creating even more impact in Lee County with new facilities and additional academic programs. One of those next steps is adding a Teen Center to the Park Meadows Community Club. Although many schools and private centers offer after-school and summer programs for younger students, teens often have no place to go once school is out. The Teen Center will be their place, a space to socialize and build leadership skills while also exploring college and career options.

Denise Gergley, CEO for Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County. -COURTESY PHOTO

We are preparing today’s kids to become tomorrow’s leaders.

To participate in our journey, please consider supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County by visiting bgclee.org/get-involved.

 

About the Author

Denise Gergley is CEO for Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County. For more information, please visit bgclee.org or call 239-334-1886.