The Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club of Paducah has been an essential part of the Paducah-McCracken County community in Kentucky for over seventy years. Much has changed during this time. It all began with a vision from Oscar M. Cross, a probation officer, who recognized the need for young men to set higher goals and prepare for their futures. Cross, along with his devoted wife Dorenda and their two young daughters, Martha and Gail, was genuinely committed to fostering the positive development of the youth in our area. His goal was to keep them off the streets, out of the juvenile justice system, and provide educational experiences that went beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Initially, the members, who were all boys at that time, gathered in the basement of the courthouse under the name Junior Legion Club. As membership grew, a larger space was required, leading to a relocation to the Masonic Temple Building, which was formerly located at the corner of Seventh and Adams Streets. This new location brought about a name change to the Boys Club of Paducah, following the club’s affiliation with the National Boys and Girls Club of America in 1953. Over the years, more youth, including girls, became active members and were introduced to values such as good character, academic achievement, and citizenship. The club later moved to the old Longfellow Elementary School at the corner of Twelfth and Jackson Streets, and in 1990, to honor Mr. Cross’s years of service, the club was renamed the Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club of Paducah. In 2004, in recognition of Mr. Cross’s contributions to generations of youth, Jackson Street was renamed Oscar Cross Avenue.

As the club continues to grow year after year, we identify new opportunities to expand and enhance our programming for youth. Our primary focus will always be on empowering young people. For instance, during the recent pandemic, we collaborated with Paducah Public Schools to provide targeted support for virtual students. Clearly, the needs of our youth have evolved, but they remain just as important and relevant as when Mr. Cross first established his mentoring program.

The Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club has a proud tradition of developing boys and girls into well-rounded adults and responsible, productive citizens. Throughout the years, we have adapted to meet the changing needs of youth in a rapidly evolving and increasingly challenging society. The Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club has created solutions and alternatives for many of the pressures and issues that today’s kids and teens face. We intervene with positive, life-shaping programs that provide the guidance many young people need. As we look to the future, we remain committed to upholding the vision set by Mr. Cross to have a positive impact on our youth.

We are the Positive Place for Kids! Go be Great!!

Meet Our Director and Staff

Meet Our Board of Directors