Inside the New Richard T. Farmer Club:

A Beacon in the Villages of Roll Hill  

We’re excited to introduce our newest and most transformative space: the Richard T. Farmer Boys & Girls Club in the Villages of Roll Hill. This 22,000-square-foot facility, which opened in April 2025, has already begun to change the lives of young people in the community. It allows us to triple our reach from serving 100 K-6 children during the school year to more than 300 K–12 youth year-round, including a full summer program. For a neighborhood that previously had no library or recreation center, this building is a turning point for a community that deserves it. 

Take a virtual walk with us through the new club and see how each area was designed to uplift, empower and inspire the youth of the Villages of Roll Hill. 

A New Landmark for the Villages of Roll Hill  

As you arrive at the Richard T. Farmer Club, the facade stands as a symbol of opportunity. Before this facility, we operated a small, part-time after-school program out of a local elementary school for students from kindergarten through 6th grade with limited summer programming. Now we can offer a dedicated space where hundreds of children aged 5-18 can safely gather, learn and thrive all summer long. In a community that lacked spaces for youth, this club fills a critical need. 

Welcoming Every Child, Every Day 

The front desk is where each child starts their day at the club. Staff members greet each child with a smile, takes attendance and tracks daily activities. It also serves as the main hub for parents to meet with staff, schedule meetings and pick up their children. It's the heartbeat of the building and the first step into a safe, structured environment. 

Where Learning Comes to Life 

Inside the club, we group kids by age and focus on three key programs: Graduate, Fit for Life and Ready to Serve. Each day includes: 

• Homework help and tutoring 

• Programs focused on self-esteem, anti-bullying and gun violence prevention 

• Trauma-informed care with a 1:15 staff-to-student ratio, better than most classrooms 

“Graduate” provides tutoring, mentorship, literacy and math support, as well as computer-based instruction to help members graduate high school, pursue college and prepare for 21st century careers.  

“Fit for Life” emphasizes healthy daily activity, nutritious meals and positive relationships. Kids receive USDA-approved snacks and meals, and learn about making good choices, treating others with respect and living healthy lives. 

“Ready to Serve” teaches the value of community service, both within the club and around the community. Hands-on projects like community cleanups, service challenges and everyday acts of kindness instill children with a lifelong commitment to taking care of those around them.  

And of course, fun is always part of the day. We offer trips to the museum, Reds games and the Newport aquarium, among others, all completely free. 

Active, Inclusive and Always in Motion 

The gym is where “Fit for Life” comes to life. It’s not just for basketball, though you’ll hear plenty of cheering, squeaking shoes and bouncing balls. The gym is also a space where all kids can move and play. Every child has a chance to be active and engaged with a wide variety of activities, whether they are naturally athletic or not. 

The gym also serves the larger community. When the club isn’t using it, the space is open for basketball and volleyball leagues, making it a shared resource for the entire Villages of Roll Hill community. 

Investing in Teen Futures 

On the second floor, the new Youth Workforce Development Center expands our long-standing commitment to teens. Through this initiative, we help high school students explore real options for life after graduation. Here, teens can receive guidance on college, trades, military service and job opportunities, support finding that first job and one-on-one mentorship from trained staff members.  

Many teens report they rarely meet with school counselors. We’re filling that gap, making sure every teen leaves the club with experience, a mentor and a plan for their future that they can believe in. 

Built for Everyone 

The club is more than a place for youth, it’s a resource for the entire Villages of Roll Hill community. Our community space is open to host neighborhood events such as local school decision making gatherings and Roll Hill Community Council meetings.  

A Brighter Future 

The Richard T. Farmer Boys & Girls Club is already making a difference in the lives of hundreds of kids. In a neighborhood that needed support, structure and opportunity, this new facility provides all three and so much more. 

We’re proud to open our doors to the Villages of Roll Hill and can’t wait to see what the future holds. 

To learn more about how you can support the new club, visit bgcgc.org. For more information on how to support the “A New Generation” campaign, visit bgcgc.org/capitalcampaign.