Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Mathews-Dickey Boys' & Girls' Club has been in business since 1960.
What is your primary product or service?
Providing cultural arts & health, educational enrichment, sports & recreation and summer day camp programs for youth ages 5-18 of diverse backgrounds.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
The Club's co-founders, Martin Luther Mathews and the late Hubert "Dickey" Ballentine, were neighborhood baseball coaches who shared a similar interest in providing youth programming to counteract idle time and keep them out of trouble. Our goal was to provide positive programs so they could build character and work as a team in the classroom, on and off the field.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We provide programs that address the overall development of youth according to their individual needs, show them love, respect and listen to their concerns to ensure that we're abreast of the latest trends and issues that impact them.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We operate out of one main location at 4245 N. Kingshighway Boulevard and have no plans to expand.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Mathews-Dickey is located at the intersection of Penrose Avenue and Kingshighway Boulevard, just south of Interstate 70 and about three miles north of Highway 40.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, credit cards and money orders for memberships, activities fees and contributions.
Which areas do you service?
Our core constituency resides within three depressed areas of St. Louis (the 63106, 63115 and 63120 zip codes) but our services extend to a diverse population from a 50-mile radius.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Our organization is a 501(c)(3) corporation. Our Co-founder & President & CEO Martin Mathews runs the day-to-day operations.
What are your hours of operation?
Our hours of operation are from 9 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Fall, Winter and Spring; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Summer and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
The best compliment we can receive is that we produce a great product of members, alumni and quality programs.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it."