Over the last two decades, Club Esteem has experienced incredible growth ? from the number of youth served to the range of services and programs. But one thing has stayed the same: the belief of founder Gladys Williams, that "all youth can achieve success with a solid educational foundation and caring adult relationships".

Club Esteem was established in 1991 by Ms. Williams, a grandmother who was alarmed by the challenges facing young people in her South Melbourne neighborhood of Lipscomb Park. Ms. Williams recognized the difficultly of youth making positive choices while living in a community struggling with crime, drug use, unemployment, teen pregnancy, and school dropout.

While many may have given up hope, Ms. Williams, Ms. Dorothy "Dot" Linson, and others believed that the efforts of a few could change the direction of the youth of their community. In Spring 1991, they began a "club" for children and teens. The youth choose the name "Club Esteem" and defined their goals as staying in school, making good grades, and making positive life choices. From 1991 to 2003, Club Esteem met one night per week at Lipscomb Street Community Center. In 2003, the Junior League of South Brevard, City of Melbourne, and M.H. Williams Construction joined together to build Club Esteem a new facility. In 2004, the Club Esteem Youth and Family Center opened, offering expanded programs and services, five days per week.

In 2005, the first annual Club Esteem fundraiser -- The Halloween Masquerade Ball -- was held. In 2006, the Club Esteem Guild was established to support Club Esteem through volunteerism, networking and fundraising. In 2007, Club Esteem's volunteer program was formalized with volunteers providing tutoring and mentoring to Club Esteem students. In 2008, our programs and leadership team continue to expand.

Club Esteem has exciting plans for the future as we continue to fulfill our mission of helping children and youth from economically disadvantaged communities overcome the cycle of poverty to develop into healthy, happy, productive adults. We invite you to partner with us in this important mission. When our children succeed, we all succeed.