MISSION STATEMENT
“To inspire and prepare individuals and families to reach their full potential, while embracing and honoring traditional Cherokee values.”
HISTORY
The Cherokee Boys Farm Club was established at the Cherokee Boarding School in 1932. Two years later, the Cherokee Motor Club was founded. The Cherokee Day School continued to host the two clubs after the boarding school closed in 1954. The clubs were combined in 1958 and continued to grow. On May 4, 1964, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians incorporated the Cherokee Boys Club as a non-profit, self-supporting tribal enterprise.
REVENUE
The Club earns its revenue by providing services for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Performance of these services provides full-time employment for our staff and on-the-job training for Cherokee youth. All funds earned by the Club are used for operational expenses, repayment of debt incurred for the purchase of Club buildings and equipment, and projects for Cherokee youth.
Operations and Membership
The Club relies on donations to support the Children’s Home, Child Care Services, vocational training, and scholarships. Its other operations are self-supporting.
The Club finances its vehicles, equipment, and most buildings through loans, which it repays with interest.
All current and former Cherokee Central Schools students are eligible for membership. Members elect five Board members and one student representative. The Tribal Council appoints one member, and the Board selects two local business representatives.
Administration
The Administrative Department provides financial, technology, human resources, and payroll support for the Club and Cherokee Central School System.
Its experienced staff has more than 138 combined years of service. The department operates on less than 2% of the Club’s total budget and undergoes annual independent audits. Annual reports are available upon request.
Leadership
The Executive Division of the Administrative Department is made up of the General Manager and the Executive Assistant. They provide oversight of all club operations and contracts, prepare for board meetings, and maintain all resolutions, club public relations, and liaison services between our contract customers, including Cherokee Central School, Oconaluftee Job Corps, Cherokee Historical Association, Cherokee Preservation Foundation, and many programs for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.