Bryant Boys and Girls Club to change name

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — The Bryant Boys and Girls Club has decided to change its name back to the Bryant Youth Association.

With this change, the organization hopes to get back to their humble beginnings, while also putting more of an emphasis on community.

They are disassociating themselves from the Boys and Girls Club, allowing for a reset back to their roots.

For 20 years, the Bryant Youth Association has ensured the safety and nurturing of countless children, while also supporting the community.

What began in the Bryant Middle School gym in 2004 has grown to what it is now, serving more than a thousand kids a year.

"We believe that embracing our roots will help us rediscover the passion and community spirit that fueled the establishment of this organization," said CEO Suzanne Passmore, "The Bryant Youth Association will continue to be a beacon of hope for the youth of our community, just as it was when it first began."

Through its 20 years of being open, the Bryant Youth Association has relied on local business, individuals and organizations to keep their programs going and thriving.

Some ways the program has supported the children of the community include free breakfast and lunch, afterschool programs, free swim lessons, clothes, and a mentoring.

The goal of the Bryant Youth Association is to bring the community together to ensure that they have a stake in and the ability to support the children's success.

The Bryant Youth Association will host a fundraiser as a way to celebrate its relaunch, while also getting the community to contribute and invest in the youth's future.

Everyone can contribute, whether that is donations, volunteering, or sponsorships.

Despite the name change, the Bryant Youth Association's goal of supporting and empowering the youth remains the same.

They look to the future with the help of the local community funding and leading the program.

More information can be found here.