1967

The Boys Club of Waterloo is founded

Leading business and city leaders sought to provide a safe place for neighborhood youth. James R. Sulentic, President of Waterloo Industries, and William Schmid, former Board Member of the Boys Club of Dubuque spearhead the formation of the club.

1979

Lime St Club

In 1979 the club moved to the former Walnut Ridge Baptist Church Sunday school at 515 Lime St., the club's present location. Shortly thereafter, services were extended to girls as well.

1967-1985

Sam Walthour Sr. serves as First Executive Director, Succeeded by Frank Esser

Sam Walthour was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who had previously run clubs in Milwaukee, Detroit and Ypsilanti, Mich. Described as an "old school" administrator and a "stickler for detail", Sam was "a program director at heart" according to his successor, former Boys & Girls Club of Waterloo Executive Director, Frank Esser.

1985-1995

"The Club that Beat the Streets"

Frank Esser serves as Executive Director and guides the club through expansion and critical moments during a twenty-year career at the club. Frank sees the creation of the Club's Youth Foundation and grows the club's reputation and resources through key community partnerships and programs.

1995-Present

"Great Futures Start Here"

From the Boys Club of Waterloo to Boys & Girls Clubs of Blackhawk County, to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley, the mission has stayed the same: To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.