Scott Carpenter
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 12:24 pm
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Dozens of school-age children across Rutherford County, now have a safe, nurturing place to spend afternoons-the recently formed Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford. The Carolina Foothills Foundation, which spent two years researching and planning for the new organization, provided the critical initial start-up funding.
The new club opened August 11, and currently serves kids in grades one through five, with plans to expand in the future.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Rutherford is housed at 376 Hudlow Road in Forest City, formerly the Carolina Event Center. Renovations were made to the existing building, and a new gym was constructed.
Each day, nearly 60 students, who hail from the traditional and charter schools, come to the club after school and on teacher workdays. About 80 are enrolled. There is also a waiting list.
Maggie McMahon is Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford executive director. She and her husband, who is a high school football coach, reside just across the state line in South Carolina. Her passion for the job is obvious.
"I never feel like, 'Oh I have to get up and go to work.' I love my job," McMahon said recently. "It is a joy being here."
She makes a point of personally building connections with the students.
"Building connections is critical," McMahon said. "The students have to trust us. They have to know that they are safe here. I love seeing the students come here, and thrive."
Cost for a child to attend is $35 per week, and on a sliding scale according to family income.
The organization supplements the costs through foundation support, fundraisers, and private donations. The actual cost per child is estimated at approximately $4,000 per year.
The activities at the club are planned with intention, McMahon says. These include homework assistance, fitness and games, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) activities, as well as art. The club instructors follow what the kids are learning in their schools, and utilize additional lessons provided by the national Boys & Girls Clubs.
There is an emphasis on reading and overall academic support. McMahon says the students are happy to share their test scores with the club instructors.
Club staff have received extensive training from the national Boys & Girls Clubs, and that support is ongoing. McMahon describes the staff as "very capable and enthusiastic individuals."
The national organization wants the local club to succeed.
"We are the first new club in the United States, to be established and accredited, in 13 years," McMahon shared. "Not long after we opened, two more opened in North Carolina-in Asheville and Charlotte."
Why did local community leaders see a need to establish Boys & Girls Clubs in Rutherford County? Officials say the need is here for quality after school programming.
Rutherford county is home to 14,200 children, but fewer than 2,400 are enrolled in formal after-school programs. A total of 42% of households in Rutherford county, including those with children under 18, are single parent households. 69% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, and 41.7% of Rutherford County residents have reported experiencing food insecurity.
"The need is definitely here," McMahon stated. "We are providing a top quality, safe program, where the children can gain confidence, build friendships, and stay on track academically."
One unique aspect of Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford is that it draws students who attend schools across Rutherford County, including Rutherfordton, Spindale, Harris, Forest City-Dunbar, Thomas Jefferson, and Lake Lure Classical.
"These students are quickly getting to know, and making friends with, others who do not necessarily attend their school. It's great to see these new friendships as they are developing," McMahon said. "Most of the students came here not knowing anyone else, but that soon changed. They are developing their social skills, and learning to interact with others in positive ways."
The students all receive academic support, though officials say they are not all at the same level academically. Some, in fact, have never had much homework help.
"We are seeing definite improvements. Some of the kids, they cried on their first day. But now, they run in with laughter and smiles on their faces, happy to be here and eager to see their friends," McMahon said. "I'm seeing kids really enjoying themselves, learning, and helping each other. I love to see these bonds forming among kids from different backgrounds, different schools."
McMahon believes the future is bright for Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford. She is excited about the possibilities.
"I want more people to know about us. We need strong community partners in order to grow and become more successful," McMahon added. "We want to partner with those who share our vision and support our mission. We also need more volunteers. And now, we are looking for funding to purchase a mini-bus."
McMahon believes the support will come as more people learn about the organization.
"This is a great place, where children thrive, and it's a place where they enjoy coming," she added. "I feel very blessed to be here."
For additional information on Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford, visit www.bgcrutherfordnc.org, or call 828-202-7171.