Herren Project Club at the Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula

This month, we’re excited to spotlight the Herren Project Club at the Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula York Unit in Yorktown, VA. Thanks to the hard work of local leaders and partnerships with York County, the York/Poquoson Department of Social Services, and the Historical Drug Prevention Coalition—and with funding from the Virginia Opioid Authority—this club is making a real difference for local youth.

We’re especially grateful for Denise Hall, Madison Owens, Noelle Mangus, and everyone who put in countless hours to bring this club to life. It all started back in February 2023, when Denise Hall reached out to Herren Project with the idea of starting a club. After months of planning, meetings, and dedication, their vision turned into reality. With the help of Opioid Abatement funds, the club opened its doors and quickly became a safe, welcoming space for teens to learn, grow, and connect.

Chris Herren visited the club’s teen lounge and was moved by what he saw:

“To walk into the Herren Teen Lounge at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula was truly inspiring. Not only is it a special space, set aside for Herren Project Club meetings and activities, but you could feel the positive energy, the support of the staff, and the commitment to the importance of wellness. It was an amazing afternoon connecting with so many young people, and I am grateful to have seen firsthand how impactful this program will be for so many students in the Virginia Peninsula.” – Chris Herren

The club has already made a big impact, with 20 teens attending regularly. Noelle Mangus, Director of Programming, shared what’s been happening so far:

“We’ve had kids making birdhouses, slime, and jewelry. They love having a place to hang out, and we make sure there’s ‘talk time’ where they can share whatever’s on their minds.”

Looking ahead, the club is planning even more activities based on what the teens are interested in, like cooking and baking classes, pottery, 3D printing, crocheting, and model car projects. And with community service projects on the horizon, these young members are building skills and making memories that will last a lifetime.

The Herren Project Club at the Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula York Unit isn’t just an after-school program—it’s a place where teens can be themselves, feel supported, and learn how to make healthy choices. With such strong community backing and the passion of its leaders, the club is set to keep growing and inspiring.

Learn more about Herren Project Clubs and register to start a club at your school.