Boys' Club of New York offers after-school program that supports mental health of at-risk boys

The Boys' Club of New York, a 150-year-old organization, runs three clubhouses serving about 2,500 middle-school boys from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The program provides after-school and weekend activities that focus on social connection and mental well-being, aiming to counter a growing mental-health crisis among boys.

A recent attempt by a reporter to document the crisis found the club's environment different from expectations, highlighting the supportive vibe that the club fosters.

Staff say the club's time-tested recipe of community, mentorship, and safe space helps mitigate risk factors such as single-parent households and immigration stress.