At the time of our earlier research, West River had the reputation as the best Boys & Girls Club in the region. During the intervening years, it had gone through a rough spell, with lots of administrative and staff turnover. However, as we came to know the center during this second study, it was clear that West River had gotten back on its feet and was again a beacon of excellence.

The West River Center is in a large, free-standing building. It has a gym, game room, and multiple meeting rooms spread out over two floors. The neighborhood is primarily African American, although other groups have come to reside there in increasing numbers. Retail establishments mix in with single-family homes and apartment buildings, including several public housing units. Although there is less violence here than around the other two clubs, nearly all the young people who attend tell us that they do not feel safe in the neighborhood.