In October 2007, a partnership between the Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast (BGCEC), Walton County Board of County Commissioners, School District, and the City of DeFuniak Springs resulted in the establishment of the Boys & Girls Club of DeFuniak Springs (Teen Center).

In order to establish the Teen Center quickly, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners approved the use of the former National Guard Armory Building, at no cost to the organization. The City of DeFuniak Springs provided free water, sewer and garbage collection to support the site. Walton County School Superintendent Carlene Anderson authorized bus transportation, from the area middle and high schools to the center site. Initial start-up funding for the staffing and program resources has been provided through the BGCEC Foundation. Renovations to the building are ongoing, and fundraising efforts have been scheduled.

Local businesses have already begun to pledge their continued financial support and in kind donations to make the center a self sustaining entity. One such business is Bright House Networks. They will provide cable and wireless cable and web for the lifetime of the Club at no cost. The Teen Center is scheduled to open on March 3, 2008 and will deliver the Boys and Girls Clubs of America core programs that include: Character and Leadership Development, Education and Career Development, Health and Life Skills, The Arts and Fitness and Recreation. The program space will serve approximately 100 children ages 12-18, and will provide a fun and “Positive Place for Kids.”