Boys & Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region Expands to Ripley

Boys & Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region Expands to Ripley

First-ever expansion will bring proven youth programs to Ripley Middle School

RIPLEY, TN—October 5, 2026: A new chapter begins in August for the Boys & Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region as the organization announces its first-ever site expansion, bringing its programs and services to Ripley Middle School.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region–Ripley, which has been in the planning stages for almost two years, is a partnership between the Boys & Girls Club and Lauderdale County Public Schools. The Ripley Boys & Girls Club will be located at Ripley Middle School and will initially serve approximately 50–75 students in grades 6–8, ages 11–14.

“School-based sites are the main way the The Boys & Girls Club of America adds new sites. Ed Doyle, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region said, “Partnering with Lauderdale County Schools at the Ripley Middle School location is perfect for our after-school programming. It resolves transportation barriers, provides our Club Kids with classrooms and a gym, security cameras and more. We wouldn’t be able to do this without the vision of Lauderdale County Superintendent of Schools Selina Sparkman and the support of The Lauderdale County School Board.”

The new Club will bring many of the same programs that have become a part of the Boys & Girls Club's work in Covington, including four key initiatives:

Reading Success Academy will provide students with additional academic support and targeted reading instruction designed to strengthen literacy skills and improve academic success.

STEM Discovery Den will introduce students to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math through hands-on experiences involving Robotics, Drones, 3D printing, problem-solving and critical thinking.

Workforce Warriors will expose young people to careers, employers and the skills needed to prepare for the emerging employment world, helping students to connect what they learn in school with their future opportunities.

Healthy Minds = Great Futures will provide emotional, social, and mental support for Ripley Club Kids. Mental health professionals and other resources will be available to help young people develop healthy emotional and social skills.

“This is a historic moment for the Boys & Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region,” said Doyle. “For the first time, we are taking what God has done for youth in Covington and making the same opportunities available for our new Club Kids in Ripley. To say we are excited is an understatement! We can’t wait to pour into the young people of Ripley!”

Linda Tayor will lead the new Ripley location, serving as the on-site Director. Taylor is a graduate of Ripley High School and an experienced employee of the Boys & Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region in Covington.

“Linda knows Ripley, she knows young people, and she knows the Boys & Girls Club,” Doyle said. “That combination makes her the perfect person to help us launch this new Club. We are excited about what she will bring to the students and families of Lauderdale County.”

The expansion represents more than simply opening another Boys & Girls Club location. It marks the beginning of a broader vision for reaching young people throughout the Hatchie River Region.

We have seen what can happen when a community comes together and says that its young people matter,” Doyle said. “We believe the same thing can happen in Ripley. Our message is simple: We have God-sized Dreams for these kids—and we’re devoted to make those dreams come true. A lot of organizations focus on serving youth. We are committed to more than just serving. Everything we do is focused on transforming young lives and helping them build a great future. Every kid deserves that.”

The Boys & Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region is currently seeking community partners, businesses, organizations, and individuals who will support the new Ripley location through financial support, volunteer opportunities, program partnerships, or other resources.

“The futures we are building for these kids can’t happen if we’re the only ones building,” Doyle said. “The strongest Boys & Girls Clubs are built and sustained through strong community partnerships. We have been blessed with the enthusiastic support of County Executive Ronnie Jackson and Ripley Mayor Craig Fitzhugh, and we’re looking forward to partnering with churches, businesses, industries, and other organizations so we can all come together to create something special for these young people.”

For questions about the new Ripley location or information about partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region, contact:

Ed Doyle, CEO

Boys & Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region

Cell: (901) 800-6186

Email: edoyle@bgchrr.com