IN 1860, three women in Hartford, Connecticut, started an after-school club to provide young boys with a safe place to stay out of trouble. By setting high expectations, the boys learned positive alternatives to street life. The clubs continued to expand, and in 1990, they officially became the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Though their name changed through the years, their mission of helping children succeed in school, live healthier lives, and become future leaders remains unchanged. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County opened in 1986 and now includes three locations in Murfreesboro, Shelbyville, and Smyrna.
The Boys & Girls Club of Bedford County, at 1055 Madison St., has nearly 100 students enrolled in its after-school program. “We anticipate that number will continue to grow as we expand our reach to serve more middle and high school students through our new teen center, which is dedicated to teen- and ‘tween’-specific programming,” said unit director Gracie Turner.
Growth often leads to growing pains, and the Boys & Girls Club of Bedford County needed a bus to transport students from Eakin Elementary, Learning Way Elementary, and Liberty. Turner said, “While we are thankful to our neighboring clubs for their transportation support over the last 1 1/2 years, having a brand-new, dedicated, reliable bus of our own is a game changer.”
On Sept. 27, 2025, after months of preparation, Titan Transfer Inc. hosted its first-ever golf tournament at Saddle Creek Golf Club in Lewisburg. When they first began planning the event, the committee provided employees with a list of potential nonprofits and, by popular vote, they selected the Boys & Girls Club of Bedford County.
The Titan Transfer golf committee, which includes Charles Housch, Christy Martin, Jenny Barber, Rusty Fleshman, Jeff Roberts, and Adam Saner, said, “We want our community to have a better understanding of what the Boys & Girls Club of Bedford County provides. From helping kids have a place to go after school, to staying out of trouble, to helping show that we all need to support each other to ensure our community stays strong and continues to thrive into the future.”
Thinking back on that day, the committee said, “We were fortunate to have great weather, a great venue, and 125 golfers who were out to have a good time. Since this was our first tournament, we had no idea what to expect, but we ended up donating $26,500. It feels great to be able to impact young lives in our local community, and to put funds toward the purchase of a new bus that the Boys & Girls Club of Bedford County had already started saving for.”
With 16 locations across the country and 25 years of experience, Titan Transfer employs 125 support staff and mechanics, as well as nearly 500 drivers who deliver across the United States. Though the company plans an annual Safety & Service Banquet and a company picnic at H.V. Griffin Park, they had never planned an event quite like this.
“The success of the event was a direct reflection of how our ownership is viewed within the community and by our vendors. Tommy Hodges and Phillip Edwards care about their employees. They care about the communities where Titan Transfer is located, and the way that local businesses and vendors stepped up in order for us to donate over $25,000 is as much a reflection of Tommy and Phillip’s generosity as it is of Titan Transfer,” the committee said.
There were a few bumps in the road while planning the tournament. The committee said, “We read at our local schools, we attend career days, we have participated in the Alzheimer’s walk and cancer awareness programs, but this was the first time we’ve done anything like this — certainly to this magnitude.”
However, this event was so successful, they have already booked Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, for their second annual Titan Transfer Golf Tournament, which will also take place at the course in Lewisburg. They said, “We saw the impact the first event had and hope to have that impact for years to come.”
Turner said, “Titan Transfer’s leadership, along with the generosity of our community, is a powerful reminder that Bedford County not only supports our mission at the Boys & Girls Club of Bedford County, but they truly believe in the potential of our young people. Community support is critical to ensuring youth have safe access to academic support, enrichment programs, and life-changing opportunities. We encourage those who wish to support our mission to get involved by donating, volunteering, or partnering with the club.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Bedford County offers an affordable option for families who need after-school care or structured programs during the summer months. Parent Jennifer Clark said, “As full-time working parents, the Boys & Girls Club of Bedford County has been a huge blessing for our family. Our kids get to go on field trips, swim, do creative projects, and experience things we wouldn’t be able to offer on our own. During the school year, our children often finish their homework there, which gives us more quality time in the evenings. In the summer, they stay sharp with reading, STEM activities, and fun physical challenges that keep them active and motivated. The staff truly cares. They treat our kids like family, they celebrate their wins, and even check in if we miss a day. They’ve helped encourage good habits at home, and they’re always helpful and responsive when it comes to registration or any questions we have. We are so grateful our kids have this opportunity.”
If you’d like to donate to the Boys & Girls Club of Bedford County, its wish list includes sports balls, art supplies, Legos, and games for older youths. They also need volunteers to help with tutoring, homework assistance, or one-on-one reading. GN
To enroll in the program, sponsor a student, or volunteer, go to www.bgcrc.net/shelbyvilleboys-girls-club.
