About Us - The Hoe Avenue Alumni Association

The Madison Square Boys & Girls Club (Madison) organization opened its doors to residents of our community in 1957 after acquiring the Freeman Street Clubhouse from a local YMHA. Although a neighborhood in transition, the implementation of creative programming compensated for the availability of limited space for in-house activities. Weekly field trips were scheduled so members could utilize a pool or gymnasium at another remote facility. Membership began bursting through-the-seams which left Madison little choice but to relocate.

The neighborhood started to deteriorate rapidly due, in part, to the infamous Bronx fires, gang violence and dwindling property values. Undeterred, Madison opened the doors to a state-of-the-art facility on Hoe Avenue in 1970 which was within walking distance of Freeman Street. Two of the aforementioned issues were addressed head-on. Clubhouse staff met the needs of fire victims by offering private cooking and personal hygiene sessions daily. Purchases of essential items were also made on their behalf. Further, an adult program was created and remained open until 11 p.m. on week nights in order to reduce the amount of time everyone spent on the streets.

At the new facility outside negativity was kept at bay by enrolling everyone in as “Family” and instilling “Respect, Responsibility & Exposure” as family values. The family theme touched everything from Family Nite, to the La Familia group club and even our Family Day Camp. It’s not hard to understand the tremendous outpouring of love as hundreds return annually to participate in our Alumni Reunion.

The Hoe Avenue Alumni Council was born in 1977 as a means for former members and staff to show their appreciation by giving something back to an organization that has meant so much. Some alumni members have given up valuable time to mentor our little brothers and sisters in order to guide them on their journey while others unselfishly reached into their pockets to help financially. Many have done both.

Giving back is not something done by anyone who merely uses an organization as a stepping stone for temporary gratification then moves on at the first opportunity. Rather, our members give because of something special he/she received that has positively affected his/her life. It’s done unconditionally and without hesitation.

We understand what we do is an integral part of the development of the youngsters we serve. It will determine whether these same youngsters mature into decision makers at establishments not unlike your own or fall between the cracks. We prefer the former and will continue to work tirelessly towards that end.

As long as there are members at the Smilow Clubhouse, there will be an Alumni Council working in support of their needs.