The Denison Boys Club was founded in 1959, and became affiliated with the Boys Clubs of America in 1964. In 1974, the Salvation Army of Grayson County began operating the Club, providing after-school, summer, and sports programming to boys.

The Denison Girls Club was founded in 1966, and provided similar programming for girls. Eventually, as times changed, the Clubs recognized a need to serve both boys and girls.

In 1990, Boys Clubs of America officially changed their name to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Denison Girls Club became an affiliate Club, and shortly afterward, both Clubs changed their names.

While both Clubs provided very similar programming and experiences for youth, they continued to be operated by separate organizations. In recent years, funding for programs like those provided by the Clubs has become increasingly difficult to identify and obtain. This put a financial strain on both Clubs, and had many in the community questioning the need to continue to try and support two organizations doing essentially the same thing. In August, 2012, the Salvation Army of Grayson County announced they were cancelling their after-school program due to financial difficulties.

At that time, members of the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of Denison began meeting with Salvation Army officials to see what could be done to ensure the programs offered by both Clubs would continue. The Boys & Girls Club of Denison saw an immediate rise in the number of youth attending their after-school programming, and has worked with the Salvation Army to secure an agreement that will allow them to take the lead on additional programs.

After several months of negotiations, the two Clubs are ready to announce a partnership that will ensure traditional Boys & Girls Club programs like Torch Club and Smart Moves; and sports programs including football and basketball will continue to be offered to Denison Youth. While the Boys & Girls Club of Denison is taking the lead on providing services, the Salvation Army is making their building, football field, and sports equipment available to support the programs. Eligible Club Members will also be offered an opportunity to attend the Salvation Army Summer Youth Camp in Midlothian Texas.

Patrick Guarino, Chief Operating Officer for the Boys & Girls Club of Denison said, "This is a great step forward for area children. The merger of the Boys & Girls Club of Denison with the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club means overhead is reduced and more resources are directed to the children’s programs. The community owes the Salvation Army their gratitude for their willingness to discuss the possibilities and to see a brighter future for both organizations."

The Club operates after-school and summer programs at their location on Mirick Avenue, and provides after-school programming at Hyde Park and Terrell Elementary Schools through a partnership with the Denison ISD. The combined programs serve approximately 130 children per day.

With the Boys & Girls Club of Denison taking the lead on providing services to youth, the Salvation Army is able to focus valuable resources on community services including food, shelter and clothing; disaster relief; and assistance with rent, utilities and prescriptions.

Major Don Wildish, Grayson County Corps Officer said, "Major Helene Wildish and I arrived in Grayson County in June 2011. Our goal was to serve the Grayson County in the most effective and efficient way possible."

"By uniting The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club and Boys and Girls Club of America in Denison will allow long standing programs to continue. The children will still have the opportunity to play in the sporting programs provided for over 40 years in Denison.

"Uniting both clubs will also allow donated dollars to be used in the most efficient way. The Salvation Army will bring more focus upon our social service work in Grayson County. The Salvation Army will continue our involvement in the Boys and Girls Club work through providing available facility and property to the Boys and Girls Club in Denison."

For more than 50 years the Clubs have served the Denison Area. In that time literally thousands of young people have been involved in programs designed to build character and leadership; promote healthy lifestyles; and provide access to sports, fitness and recreation.

Tim Neal, Chief Volunteer Officer for the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of Denison was a member of the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club when he was growing up, and offered this: "I want to thank the members of the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club, and the Boys & Girls Club of Denison who have spent many hours to make this union possible. I believe this group of volunteers has made the best decision for children in the Denison Community. We look forward to carrying on the great work the Salvation Army Club, and our Club, have done to help build our youth into some of the best leaders around. I’d like to invite those who are interested to please drop by the Boys & Girls Club of Denison and see the exciting things we are doing for the youth of our community."

While this day may seem long overdue to many, a lot of local residents will long remember the good work done by the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club, and the Boys & Girls Club of Denison. This partnership between the two Clubs provides an opportunity to honor the proud accomplishments of both, and lays a strong foundation for the future of the Club.