Celebrating Our Roots
Boys & Girls Club of Lake County has a long-standing tradition of serving young people in the Waukegan area. In 1993, Ed and Kitty Shumaker founded the Lake Shore Youth Center (LSYC) on Belvidere Avenue, serving 150 youth in its first year. As demand grew, the Shumakers expanded programming and, in 2000, partnered with Boys & Girls Club of America – gaining access to nationally recognized, evidence-based programs to better serve Lake County’s youth.
By 2003, LSYC was serving over 2,200 youth across three school-based sites and a standalone location in a restored factory building. The Club later moved to the former Lake County YMCA building on Sheridan Road, which became the flagship Genesee Site. In 2010, a house across from the Genesee Site was converted into a dedicated Teen Center for ages 13 – 18. That space was transformed into the current Administrative Office in 2022 to support expanded Teen programming.
26 years of positive impact
Over the past 25 years, Boys & Girls Club of Lake County has positively impacted more than 15,000 young people and their families. Today, 11 Club locations across Waukegan, North Chicago, and Gurnee serve an average of 600 youth daily. With comprehensive, evidence-based programs, we provide a safe, nurturing environment where young people can grow, learn, and thrive.
Our Story, Our Impact
1993
Founding
Ed and Kitty Shumaker founded the Lake Shore Youth Center (LSYC) on Belvidere Avenue in Waukegan, which served 150 youth in its first year.
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