Thanks to the generosity of countless community supporters of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s Rising Together Comprehensive Campaign, our Club in Chamblee has been fully renovated! The newly transformed Club also has a new name that honors the legacy of lifelong BGCMA champions.
New Look
Club transformations include new elementary and middle school spaces, a teen loft, an updated gymnasium, and cooking kitchen.
“Our kids now have a space they can truly call their own—a space where they feel safe, valued, and empowered,” said Club Executive Director LaSonya Hendrix. “From the vibrant new teen loft to the state-of-the-art gymnasium, every corner of our Club has been designed with our kids in mind. And the difference it has made in their lives is tangible.”
Gensler’s Atlanta office took lead on design with general contracting by Leapley construction, and project management by UDS. Gensler’s team contributed over 450 hours of their time to bring the renovated spaces to life. They provided low-bono efforts, leveraging their relationships to help save BGCMA $75,000 in donated materials and more than $100,000 through donated furniture. Read more about Gensler’s impact here.
“These renovations aren’t just about sprucing up a building. They’re about investing in our future,” Hendrix said. “They’re about sending a powerful message to our kids that they are worthy of every opportunity, every resource, and every ounce of support we can offer.”
New Name
Pictured from L to R: David, Will, and Billy Small.
The new look also comes with a new name: the William M. and Betty E. Small Boys & Girls Club –honoring the legacy of BGCMA Board Member Billy Small’s late parents who dedicated decades of service to BGCMA as volunteer leaders.
“BGCMA has held a special significance for my family since my father first began supporting what was then, the Joseph B. Whitehead Boys Club,” Small explained at a ribbon cutting unveiling held March 27. “He joined the Club’s board in the late 1950’s followed by my mother, who joined in the late 1960’s. Despite both of my parents facing significant health challenges, they worked tirelessly on behalf of the Club and its members. They coordinated holiday parties, events, and field trips. They raised funds through fish frys and cookouts. They personally supported the Club financially and also found large donors to fund major projects. Whatever it took, they were willing to do it in service of kids having a brighter future. Both of my parents loved the Boys & Girls Club and its mission.”
Small’s late mother Betty was the longest-tenured board member at Whitehead. She was incredibly passionate about Club members who lovingly referred to her as “Miss Betty.” In 2004, with his mother’s very strong encouragement, Small joined the Whitehead Board and subsequently became Board President carrying on his family’s tradition of community service.
“I am now a Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta Board member, but nothing can ever top the years I spent serving together with my mom,” he said.
“Mrs. Betty” Small attending an event at the Joseph B. Whitehead Boys & Girls Club.
On the cusp of renaming the Chamblee Club in honor of his parents, Small says he was reminded of the profound impact Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta has had on generations of children— including himself, his brother, and his son.
“As children, my brother, David, and I spent countless hours at the original Whitehead Club participating in various Club events. From holiday parties to summer programs, it was a second home for us,” Small said. “My son, Will, also spent his childhood participating and volunteering at the current Whitehead Club. From helping with golf tournaments to organizing gift drives and basketball clinics, the Club was a cornerstone of his upbringing.”
Although his family has always had very strong ties to the Whitehead Club, Small explains that the Club in Chamblee stands just over a mile from his childhood home: “This Club is in the backyard of where my brother and I grew up. This Club is our community. And just as my parents were unwavering in their support of Boys & Girls Clubs, so too are we committed to continuing their legacy.”
“For my family, the renaming of this Club holds profound significance. It validates the tireless efforts of my parents and honors their legacy in a truly meaningful way. But beyond personal sentiment, we are thrilled about the possibilities this Club holds for future generations. Our family has always been forward-looking, committed not only to supporting children in the present but also to building bridges to a brighter future.”
Same Club
Hendrix couldn’t agree more, emphasizing that the Club’s transformations are a reflection of the community coming together to make a profound impact on the lives of kids & teens.
“New name. New space. Same Club. What do I mean by that? Well, despite the physical changes, the heart and soul of our Club remain unchanged. It’s the same Club that has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for our youth for years. It’s the same Club where friendships are forged, dreams are nurtured, and futures are shaped,” Hendrix said.
“Let us continue to stand behind our kids, championing their dreams, celebrating their successes, and igniting their unlimited potential,” she added. “Let us never forget that, no matter how much things may change, our commitment to their well-being will always remain steadfast.”