Partnering with Mystic Aquarium to Empower the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders

Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse Receives Funding to Implement Program

Mystic Aquarium announces the expansion of its national youth conservation initiative in partnership with community-based organizations in 28 states, Puerto Rico, and on several Native American reservations. The initiative will engage thousands of underserved youth in communities that have been disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and have traditionally borne the brunt of environmental issues such as pollution and climate change.  Wakeman Boys & Girls Club is among the youth development organizations receiving funds to administer this impactful program in the local community.


“Mystic Aquarium is a national leader in working with underserved youth and engaging them in conservation projects while empowering them to take action to protect and restore their local environment. We are celebrating our tenth year of implementing this program model, and it is core to how we think about the role of Mystic Aquarium, not only as a place people visit, but as a resource for addressing challenging environmental issues, including the inequity and injustice of how these issues, such as air and water quality, impact low-income communities and communities of color,” said Katie Cubina, Senior Vice President for Mission Programs.


This summer, Mystic Aquarium will bring together teen mentors from all over the country in a series of intensive summer workshops that will build their environmental leadership and advocacy skills, connect them with the Aquarium’s research and conservation efforts, and engage them in environmental stewardship projects such as planting marsh grass, removing invasive species, testing water quality, and monitoring populations of threatened animals.


Mystic Aquarium staff will work directly with these teens to develop a customized environmental stewardship project for their community. This will include asset mapping, identifying a local environmental issue and a physical site such as a park with a stream where they can address the issue, identifying important community partners to connect with, and mapping their location. Each group will leave with an implementation plan to bring back to their community organization and implement with staff, youth, and families. These projects will be shared and showcased across the national network through a customized mapping tool, and Mystic Aquarium staff will continue to support and track this growing movement of environmental leaders.


“Empowering and lifting up youth is key to this project. Many of us underestimate young people. But I’ve seen what they are capable of. They are often our most passionate, knowledgeable, and effective advocates for the environment. It’s a privilege to work with our dedicated community-based partners and the youth that they serve,” said Cubina.



Wakeman Boys & Girls Club Program Director, James Murphy, agrees that this collaboration is a win-win: “This initiative bridges the gap between STEM and Character & Leadership, which is a priority outcome area at Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Our youth are future technicians and politicians; we want them to build skills and have access to knowledge to combat climate challenges. As a coastal city, we see firsthand how marine environments have been affected. Hopefully our youth can offer solutions locally.” Murphy works directly with the teens at Wakeman BGC’s Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse, which is in Bridgeport.


The expansion of this national youth conservation initiative is the logical next step for Mystic Aquarium, which is a leader in the conservation of marine ecosystems and wildlife and the establishment of marine protected areas. Increasing equitable access to public land and water while advancing community-based, locally-led conservation and restoration efforts contributes to the global goal of protecting at least 30% of all land and water by 2030. That is a goal that we must hit to effectively stave off the current global biodiversity and climate crises.


With the assistance of a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Mystic Aquarium will invest more than $1.5 million in the participating communities to support their work at the local level in the form of subawards that average $30,000 per site. The subawards will cover local staff time, travel expenses, and all training, curriculum, and supplies needed to successfully implement the program.


About Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is one of the world’s leading aquariums, offering exemplary care to thousands of species while also serving as the northeast’s premier marine animal rescue and rehabilitation center. Mystic Aquarium’s mission is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education, and research. The Aquarium is the largest provider of informal education in the region and engages over 100,000 students and educators annually through its national youth conservation initiative. As a premier research organization, the Aquarium also employs a full staff of scientists engaged in projects focused on the conservation and sustainable use of our ocean planet and is internationally recognized for its work in the establishment of marine protected areas and the conservation of marine mammals.

Legislators Act to Recognize Connecticut as the Birthplace of the Boys & Girls Clubs Movement in America

February 6, 2026
The Connecticut Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs will hold a press conference on Tuesday, February 10th at 12:30 PM in the Second Floor Atrium of the Legislative Office Building to introduce legislation recognizing Connecticut as the birthplace of the Boys & Girls Clubs movement in America. The legislation honors a movement that began in 1860, as Connecticut communities were being reshaped by the Industrial Revolution. While factories and mills brought prosperity to some, they also brought long hours, low wages, and hardship for working families — particularly for children left without guidance or safe places to go. In Hartford, a small act of kindness sparked something larger. A group of civic-minded women — including Elizabeth Hammersley, Louisa Bushnell, and sisters Mary and Alice Goodwin — began inviting boys living in disadvantaged circumstances into their homes for refreshments, warmth, and supervision. What started as simple hospitality soon grew into a structured, welcoming space known as the Dashaway Club, widely recognized as the nation’s first organized Boys Club with a daily, out-of-school program. The idea quickly spread across Connecticut. By the late 1800s, Boys Clubs had formed in cities including New Haven (1871), Bridgeport (1887), Waterbury (1888), Meriden (1888), and New Britain (1891). These early Clubs reflected a growing belief that investing in young people through mentorship, education, recreation, and positive alternatives to the streets could strengthen entire communities. In 1906, representatives from 53 independent Boys Clubs — many from Connecticut and the Northeast — united to form a national organization, establishing a shared mission that would guide the Boys & Girls Clubs movement in America for generations. In 1990, the movement formally expanded to include girls, reinforcing its commitment to serve all youth. More than a century later, the message that launched this important organization remains just as urgent. Connecticut Needs Club Kids. And Club Kids Need You. From the first Dashaway Club to today’s statewide network, Boys & Girls Clubs has always been built on a simple idea: when communities step up for young people, young people step up for their communities. “This legislation recognizes Connecticut’s unique role in launching a movement rooted in compassion and opportunity,” said State Representative Matt Blumenthal (D – Stamford). “What began here continues to change lives across the country. As a proud Board Member of Stamford’s Boys & Girls Club, I’ve seen what this organization does to help young people reach their full potential, realize their dreams, and contribute to their communities and our country.” Today, that legacy remains strong in Connecticut. There are 14 Boys & Girls Clubs operating at 57 Club sites statewide, serving more than 36,000 young people each year. Connecticut Clubs advance the Boys & Girls Clubs mission by promoting academic success, good character & citizenship, and healthy lifestyles, while preparing young people for college, careers, and lifelong success in safe, supportive environments. “When school’s out, Clubs are in,” said Don Maleto, CEO of the Connecticut Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. “For more than 165 years, Boys & Girls Clubs have been a constant presence for young people — evolving with the times while staying true to the belief that every child deserves opportunity, support, and a place to belong. Connecticut Needs Club Kids. And Club Kids Need You.” Photo: Original WBGC Southport Clubhouse

Congratulations to our 2026 Youth of the Year Finalists!

February 5, 2026
Congratulations to our 2026 Youth of the Year Finalists!

WBGC Receives Early Start CT Grant, Significantly Increasing Access to Preschool Education

January 29, 2026
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) is excited to announce it has been awarded an Early Start CT Grant providing expanded access to high-quality early childhood education at its DeLuca Early Learning Center (ELC) in the Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse. Early Start CT is a state-funded early care and education program that launched July 1, 2025. It combines 3 existing programs — Child Day Care Contracts, School Readiness Grants, and State Head Start Supplement Grants — into 1 program. Early Start CT is open to all CT families regardless of residence. Pending eligibility, youth ages 3-5 can now attend WBGC’s full-day, year-round DeLuca Early Learning Center at significantly lower weekly costs. The sliding scale for Early Start CT adjusts family fees based on income and family size. Additionally, the ELC will continue to accept Care 4 Kids funding. “We are deeply committed to early childhood education, and the impact of this grant is tremendous. We will now be able to provide even more families with access to our program and further support kindergarten readiness,” stated Sabrina E. Smeltz, CEO of Wakeman Boys & Girls Club. The DeLuca Learning Center, which opened its doors in August 2023, features state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor classrooms designed for hands-on learning. The program offers multi-lingual, state-certified staff, with curriculum aligned with state learning standards. Participants also have access to the Clubhouse’s amenities as part of their ELC experience, including its gymnasiums, black box theatre and STEAM-based resources. Slots for the ELC are limited; admission is rolling and is not limited to Bridgeport residents. To learn more or to schedule a visit, please visit wakemanclub.org or contact Shandra Patton, Director of Early Learning, at spatton@wakemanclub.org or 203/908-3381 x153.

WBGC Announces Xiomara Coleman as Unit Executive Director for Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse

January 13, 2026
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) has announced that Xiomara Coleman has joined the organization as the Unit Executive Director for its Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse in Bridgeport, CT (2414 Fairfield Avenue). Coleman will be responsible for planning a broad range of programs within the Clubhouse and will manage daily operations. The Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse is one of three WBGC Clubhouses across Fairfield and Bridgeport, in addition to two school-based sites. “Xiomara is an outstanding addition to the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club team and will have an immediate impact on the surrounding community,” stated Sabrina E. Smeltz, CEO of Wakeman Boys & Girls Club. Coleman brings nearly 20 years of experience working with youth and families and has a strong record of delivering high-quality programs that support diverse communities. Prior to joining WBGC, she served as Deputy Director of Community Engagement for New York Edge, where she led a portfolio of programs focused on improving youth academic outcomes, strengthening youth and family wellness, and deepening family and community engagement. She is known for her human-centered, mission-driven leadership style and her commitment to building strong, collaborative teams. She is passionate about creating inclusive environments where staff, members, and families feel seen, supported, and empowered. “I am excited to join Wakeman Boys & Girls Club and to collaborate with the passionate team at the Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse who are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for youth and families to grow, thrive, and succeed,” stated Coleman.  WBGC strives to provide a safe space and an inspiring environment for youth and teens, and to help them reach their full potential. To learn more, contact Leslie LaSala at llasala@wakemanclub.org or 203/908-3381 x 205.

WBGC and the Eastern Fairfield County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Partner to Promote Literacy

January 5, 2026
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) and the Eastern Fairfield County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., have announced a partnership designed to promote literacy, financial literacy, and civic engagement for youth and teens across Fairfield County. On Monday, January 19, 2026, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, members of the local Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Eastern Fairfield County Chapter will collaborate with the WBGC Southport Keystone Club, a high school youth leadership organization, to launch a community initiative reflecting Dr. King's legacy. Together, these youth leaders will build and install three free “Little Libraries” at new community locations, providing children and teens with access to books they can borrow, read, and return—that encourage literacy, learning, and a love of reading. “This service event embodies Dr. King’s principles of justice, equality, and community empowerment. By involving youth in service, we honor his legacy and help build a stronger, more connected future,” said Damika Richardson, Community Service Chair, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Eastern Fairfield County Chapter. The MLK Day of Service is a national call to action that encourages Americans to volunteer and give back to their communities. This year’s event will bring together families, students, and community members to support education and youth development in a truly meaningful way. The Little Libraries will be installed in Spring 2026 at the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club Madison Avenue Clubhouse (Bridgeport, CT), the Boys & Girls Club of Danbury, and the Sterling House (Stratford, CT). The organizations will simultaneously conduct a book drive to fill these libraries and fill Little Libraries at additional sites. Community members are invited to donate new or gently used children’s and young adult books for ages 5-17 to help stock the libraries. Donation bins will be available at the WBGC Southport Clubhouse (385 Center Street, Southport, CT) between January 12 – 19, 2026.  A second component of the partnership is Voices of the Pen, a year-long author series designed to highlight diverse authors of children's literature. The series will foster literacy, creativity, and critical thinking while exposing children to inspirational role models in writing and related disciplines. Confirmed authors for 2026 include Janae Marks, Stefanie Foster Brown, and Dr. Tanya Sharrieff. Dates and additional authors for the series will be announced in Spring 2026. Renita Crawford, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Eastern Fairfield County Chapter President, stated “As a chapter, we bring our mission to life by expanding access to literacy in the communities we serve. Education is the foundation for opportunity, and initiatives like our Little Libraries and author series reflect Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community by placing books and inspiring voices within reach of children and families. Through our focus on literacy, we are strengthening our community—one book and one reader at a time.” Sabrina E. Smeltz, CEO of Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with the Eastern Fairfield County chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. in this effort. This collaboration supports two of our key pillars, Academic Success and Character & Leadership. Our nationally recognized Keystone Club will do an amazing job of building the Little Libraries and we look forward to sharing them with the community.” To learn more, contact Leslie LaSala, Director of Marketing & Communications, at 203/909-3381 x 205 or llasala@wakemanclub.org.

WBGC Cowboys Celebrate Another Great Season!

December 13, 2025
On Saturday, December 13, the WBGC Cowboys Tackle Football families held their end-of-season banquet at our Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse. The Cowboys program is about much more than football. Our players have worked hard on AND off the field --They have built a community, attended Cowboy Study Hall, and held team dinners together. A special shout out to the seventh-grade team for competing in the FCFL Championship! Thank you to the parents, coaches, volunteers and donors who helped to make the season such a success. Go Cowboys!

WBGC Holds Its Fall of Fame Gala

By Terry McClaren • December 7, 2025
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club announced new inductees into its Hall of Fame, an event which takes place once every five years, at the WBGC Hall of Fame Gala at the WBGC Madison Avenue Clubhouse on December 5th, 2025. Inductees to the WBGC Hall of Fame were nominated by the general public and selected by a committee comprised of WBGC Staff, the WBGC Board of Trustees, and community members. They were selected for their exceptional dedication, leadership and impact within WBGC, the community, and beyond. The 2025 inductees include: Bradford Evans, Meg Orazio Jean Louis, Raquon Johnson, Mark Kelly, Nick & Patti Makes, Robert Martinez, Molly McHugh, Tom Mindrum, Matt Morgan, and Kevin Simmons. “Our new class of inductees has played a direct role in the growth and impact of our organization. They have served as volunteers, mentors, trustees, and friends to Wakeman BGC, helping to open the door for Club youth to attain lifelong success,” stated Sabrina E. Smeltz, WBGC’s Chief Executive Officer. WBGC thanks Matt Storch for severing as the evening's chef, and Shae and Jordan Cornette for serving as the evening's MCs. WBGC also thanks its Star sponsors ASML and Webster Bank; its Keystone Sponsors Guardian Insurance and the Guzzi Family; its Torch Sponsor Fairfield College Preparatory School; its Champion Sponsors Antinozzi Associates, Jeff & Mary Jo Dunne, Tracy & Paul Keblish, the Kelly and & Bayles Families, and the Scheetz Family. WBGC also thanks Fifth State Distillery for providing spirits for the evening's signature cocktail and to G Force Security for providing complimentary security services. See the video highlights here. Photos by Regina Madwed/Capitol Photo Interactive

WBGC Receives Neighborhood Builders Award

November 21, 2025
Bank of America has named Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven and Wakeman Boys & Girls Club as its 2025 Neighborhood Builders® for their work to expand affordable housing access and prepare students for success, respectively. Bank of America’s signature Neighborhood Builders program continues to be one of the nation’s largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development, while providing unique multiyear flexible funding annually to high-impact nonprofits in communities nationwide. These Southern Connecticut nonprofits are each awarded a $200,000 grant over two years, comprehensive leadership training for the organization’s executive director and an emerging leader, and access to a national network of nonprofit peers. Since the program’s inception, 31 nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Builders in Southern Connecticut, with the bank investing more than $6.2 million in philanthropic capital into these nonprofits. “Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven and Wakeman Boys & Girls Club provide essential support and resources that help individuals and families in Southern Connecticut achieve stability and success," said Bill Tommins, president, Bank of America Southern Connecticut. “Flexible funding and comprehensive leadership training will allow these nonprofits to continue connecting residents with safe, affordable homes and prepare Connecticut youth for life beyond the classroom.” Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven (NHS) provides comprehensive wraparound services that promote sustainable homeownership and help revitalize neighborhoods. By integrating education and community organizing into housing development, NHS fosters long-term stability in neighborhoods throughout Connecticut. Neighborhood Builders funding will support the Creating Community Anchors program, expanding affordable housing through leadership development, cooperative housing planning, and property acquisition. "This funding will enable us to continue providing homeownership opportunities to low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers, while keeping our broad scope of services that focus on neighborhood stabilization and community sustainability as vibrant components of our organizational mission," said Jim Paley, executive director, Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven. Based in Bridgeport, the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) is the first-ever repeat Neighborhood Builder in Southern Connecticut and helps guide and inspire young people to reach their full potential. For over 110 years, WBGC has offered youth programs that focus on academic success, health & wellbeing, character & leadership, and life & workforce readiness. Neighborhood Builders funding will support the organization's Life & Workforce Readiness Program, which connects youth to internships, job shadowing opportunities, and apprenticeships, ensuring they graduate high school with a plan for their future. “Thank you to Bank of America for serving as a champion for our community and the work that we do at Wakeman Boys & Girls Club. We are extremely grateful to be a part of this network and to be the first organization in our community to be a two-time recipient. This award will help ensure that we have the staffing, resources, and programming needed to build great futures for community youth,” said Sabrina E. Smeltz, CEO, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club. Neighborhood Builders is part of the bank’s longstanding efforts to build thriving communities by addressing issues fundamental to economic opportunity. Since 2004, Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program has invested more than $346 million in communities across the U.S. and trained more than 4,000 leaders at nearly 2,000 U.S. nonprofits.

WBGC Goes Over The Edge in 2025!

October 27, 2025
Thank you for going Over The Edge for WBGC! Wakeman Boys & Girls Club hosted its annual Over The Edge urban rappelling event on October 25, 2025 at the M&T Bank Headquarters (850 Main Street) in Bridgeport, CT. The event featured participants rappelling down the side of the 248-foot-tall building to support WBGC in delivering programs that promote academic success, health & wellbeing, character & leadership and life & workforce readiness. To date, the event has raised over $96K for WBGC and it's not too late to give ! Wakeman BGC is grateful to our rappelers, event sponsors, volunteers, and community partners for making the day a tremendous success. Thank you to our: Presenting Sponsor: M&T Bank Rising To The Challenge Sponsor: Emcor Base Camp Sponsors: Mark Kelly of Safety Marking Anchor Sponsor: Comcast Ropes Sponsors: Turner Construction and City of Bridgeport Helmet Sponsor: Aquarion Water Company T-Shirt Sponsors: Legere and Bartlett Tree Experts Belay Sponsors: Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders and Wegman's “As Presenting Sponsor of Over The Edge, M&T Bank is proud to support the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club and its mission to empower young people through academic achievement, health and wellness, leadership development and workforce readiness. Events like this bring our community together and create impactful change for future generations,” said Frank Micalizzi, M&T Bank’s Regional President in Bridgeport. “M&T believes in making a positive impact in people’s lives, strengthening our communities and investing in the future—and that starts with investing in our youth. We thank WBGC for their tireless work and for inviting us to be part of this exciting day. Together, we’re building stronger futures—one rappel at a time.” Check out the News 12 coverage here.

WBGC Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees

October 22, 2025
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) is thrilled to announce new inductees into its Hall of Fame, an event which takes place once every five years. Inductees will be celebrated at the WBGC Hall of Fame Gala on Friday, December 5 at 6:30 pm at the Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse (595 Madison Ave., Bridgeport, CT). Inductees to the WBGC Hall of Fame were nominated by the general public and selected by a committee comprised of WBGC Staff, the WBGC Board of Trustees, and community members. Inductees were selected for their exceptional dedication, leadership and impact within WBGC, the community, and beyond. Specific qualification criteria, and a list of previous Hall of Fame inductees, is available on wakemanclub.org. The 2025 inductees include: Bradford Evans Meg Orazio Jean Louis Raquon Johnson Mark Kelly Patti & Nick Makes Bob Martinez Molly McHugh Tom Mindrum Matt Morgan  Kevin Simmons The festive “Hall-iday” Hall of Fame Gala will include dinner and cocktails, uplifting speakers, and a celebration of the lasting impact of our inductees and the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club community. Tickets are available to the public for $150/person and can be purchased at wakemanclub.org through November 26, 2025. The event is a fundraiser for the organization. “Our new class of inductees has played a direct role in the growth and impact of our organization. They have served as volunteers, mentors, trustees, and friends to Wakeman BGC, helping to open the door for Club youth to attain lifelong success,” stated Sabrina E. Smeltz, WBGC’s Chief Executive Officer. For those who cannot attend the event but would like to support WBGC’s mission, a donation can be made on wakemanclub.org. Wakeman Boys & Girls Club thanks ASML and Webster Bank for serving as Star sponsors, and Guardian Insurance for serving as a Keystone sponsor, of the event.
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