Wakeman Boys & Girls Club is pleased to announce that Faizan S, a member of the Southport Clubhouse, has been selected to serve on the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2026-27 National Youth Advisory Council. The council, composed of teens aged 15 to 17 from across the country, gives young people a formal platform to influence future programs and services at Clubs nationwide. Faizan will serve as a key advisor to Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national office, collaborating with staff on programs and offering a unique perspective to help the organization support local Clubs as well as Youth Centers on U.S. military bases. The term will run for one school year, from August 2026 to May 2027. He and his advisor Coreen Ahmad, our Director of Character & Leadership Initiatives, recently returned from a trip to Atlanta to meet the other teens and advisors on the Council. The council application was open to teens across more than 5,300 Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide, with an intensive selection process identifying the exceptional young people who will serve, each having demonstrated leadership, service and accountability within their Clubs. To ensure the council accurately reflects the perspectives and needs of today’s kids and teens, young people themselves helped develop the selection criteria, which includes ensuring council members represent the range of Club communities nationally. “The creation of the National Youth Advisory Council is a powerful promise to our youth that they aren’t just at the center of our work—they are the driving force behind it,” said Jennifer Bateman, senior vice president of Youth Development at Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Their input is essential to ensuring the programs and services we offer remain relevant and impactful for every young person who walks through the doors of a Boys & Girls Club.”

Wakeman Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) is pleased to announce the appointment of five community leaders to its Board of Trustees: Jim Buggy, Fernanda Ferrari, Chris Golier, Ndidi N. Moses and Kelly Raskauskas. Each brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and a deep commitment to WBGC’s mission. “The diverse backgrounds of our new Trustees will strengthen our organization’s leadership and help guide our strategic vision for the future. We are honored to welcome these accomplished individuals and look forward to experiencing their impact on our organization and the community,” stated Sabrina E. Smeltz, Chief Executive Officer of WBGC. Jim Buggy is a long-time resident of Fairfield, CT and has served as a fundraising and non-profit professional for more than forty years. He has worked with a diverse range of organizations and has implemented capital campaigns and special fund-raising initiatives that have raised more than $1 billion. His expertise includes the creation and marketing of successful annual giving, reunion, parents and planned giving programs with a special emphasis on educational institutions. Buggy is also a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fairfield and serves as a volunteer at the Fairfield History Museum. Fernanda Ferrari is a Business Advisor at Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF) and the owner of F3 Digital Marketing, a strategy-first marketing consultancy that helps small businesses grow through marketing, operations, and business development. With experience supporting entrepreneurs across many industries, Ferrari is passionate about helping business owners build sustainable businesses, access resources, and create meaningful impact within their communities. She currently serves as Marketing Director for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Bridgeport (HCCGB) and Vice President of Our Quarterly Community (OQC), where she helps lead initiatives focused on business growth, networking, education, and community engagement. As both a business leader and a parent, Ferrari believes in investing in programs that help young people build confidence, develop leadership skills, and reach their full potential. Chris Golier is currently Group Vice President of Global Business Development and Fan Engagement for the National Hockey League, responsible for driving the growth of the League through revenue generating partnerships and audience growth. Prior to joining the League, Golier built a successful career in senior management roles for global media companies including NBC, Conde Nast, and Omnicom, as well as tier 1 VC funded startups pioneering next-generation consumer services. In addition, Golier has served on advisory boards to seed stage startups, is a mentor to startups for accelerator programs, and is active in seed stage funding initiatives. He plans to continue his focus on mentoring within the WBGC community. Golier received his BA in Economics from UCLA and an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business. Ndidi N. Moses is a Connecticut Superior Court Judge. Prior to her appointment, she served as an Assistant United States Attorney and the Civil Rights Coordinator for the Civil Division at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Haven. Her extensive leadership background includes serving as President of the Connecticut Bar Association, President of the George W. Crawford Black Bar Association, and Chair of the Judicial Selection Commission. She also served on the Executive Council of the National Conference of Bar Presidents and currently sits on the board of the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame. Judge Moses has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Thurgood Marshall Award from the Quinnipiac University Black Law Students Association and the Joseph F. Noonan Award for Outstanding Legal Scholarship and Commitment to Public Service. In 2009, the NAACP named her one of the 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut, and in 2005, Governor M. Jodi Rell issued a proclamation naming May 22 "Ndidi Moses Day" in recognition of her dedication to public service. She holds a B.A. from Penn State and a J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law, where she was a John C. Brittan Scholar. Kelly Raskauskas is the Senior Managing Director of Sustainability, Government, and Public Affairs at Webster Bank, where she leads the bank’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy, climate initiatives, and federal advocacy efforts. She has built Webster’s sustainability program from the ground up, integrating advanced analytics and stakeholder engagement to drive transparency, regulatory alignment, and long-term value. A Harvard Kennedy School graduate and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Raskauskas is a recognized industry voice through her work with the American Bankers Association and a champion of talent development through Webster PRIDE and Webster Women’s Network. WBGC’s mission is to help guide and inspire young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible people. Across its three Clubhouses and two school-based sites in Fairfield and Bridgeport, WBGC is committed to providing a safe space and an inspiring environment for youth and teens. To learn more, contact Leslie LaSala, Director of Marketing & Communications, at 203/909-3381 x205 or llasala@wakemanclub.org .

Thank you to our golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and donors for a stellar day of golf on June 8, 2026. Your engagement will help us continue to build great futures for our Clubhouse youth and the greater community. We heard from our Youth of the Year, Maya P and our Junior Youth of the Year, Charles S., on the impact that WBGC has made on their lives, and how your support of the Great Futures Golf Tournament makes it possible. We’re already looking forward to next year! A special thank you to EMCOR, our Hole-in-One Sponsor, and to Antinozzi Associates, our Cart Sponsor.

For the second year in a row, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club was selected to participate in a statewide initiative on Youth Gambling Awareness which engaged teens across all three Clubhouses in a youth-led initiative focused on increasing awareness of the growing risks associated with teen gambling, including sports betting, online gambling platforms, gaming apps, lottery tickets, and social media influences. Beginning in November, youth participants met monthly within their respective Clubhouses to discuss trends impacting their peers and families while Program Directors coordinated cross-site planning to ensure consistent messaging. Educational support was provided by The Hub through interactive workshops that explored warning signs of problem gambling and the emotional, financial, and social consequences of addiction. In partnership with Take Part Theatre, teens then worked collaboratively to develop authentic prevention messaging and create public service announcement videos that reflected their own experiences and perspectives. Madison Avenue and Southport Clubhouses combined efforts to produce a unified PSA, while Smilow-Burroughs created its own video project. All the participants enjoyed the small group discussions, peer to peer activities, guest speakers, and the presentations. The WBGC group’s Youth Gambling Awareness video has been selected as an award recipient at the upcoming Fox 61 Student News Award Ceremony for its creativity, impact and overall effectiveness.

The fifth Annual Hand in Hand Celebration, held on April 21, 2026 at the Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse , honored the Youth of the Year and awarded community members for their achievements.

Selected from six exceptional youth, Maya Patten of Fairfield, CT has been named Wakeman Boys & Girls Club (WBGC) 2026 Youth of the Year. Patten will receive a college scholarship from WBGC and will go on to contend for the Connecticut Youth of the Year title in May 2026. Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Club of America’s signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy. Candidates prepare a resume, essays, recommendations, and their school transcript as part of the competition. Finalists must stand before a panel of community judges and present a three-minute speech about themselves and their leadership.  For 79 years, the program has recognized young people for their outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to health and wellbeing. Because it allows the teen to represent hundreds of youths from their organization, Youth of the Year is the highest honor given by a Boys & Girls Club. Patten, recognized for her compassion and confidence, stated, “Every teen has their own path in life; my goal is to help open the door so that they can take and find it.” Maya has demonstrated exceptional leadership as the Co-Vice President of the Keystone teen leadership club, and as the club’s Entrepreneur Fair Chairperson and Career Fair Chairperson. She also contributed to WBGC’s Torch Club, Future Leaders of Wakeman (FLOW) Club and numerous community volunteer efforts. Her service extends to welcoming refugee families, supporting local races, assisting with STEM summer camps, participating in Gambling Awareness initiatives, and engaging in Apple programming projects. She has attended multiple Northeast Regional Keystone Conferences, twice represented her community at the Boys & Girls Club of America National Conference, and was even selected to apply for the National Steering Committee. Other WBGC Youth of the Year Finalists include Klein P. and Woodley T. from the Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse, Audrey B. and Malachi F. from the Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse, and Kaitlyn S. from the Southport Clubhouse. The Connecticut Youth of the Year will contend for the title of Northeast Regional Youth of the Year and the opportunity to secure an additional college scholarship. Six regional finalists will advance to the National Youth of the Year event in October 2026 to vie for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. In addition, a Junior Youth of the Year finalist was chosen among all 10–13-year-olds at each WBGC Clubhouse. Finalists included Charles (Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse), Audrey (Southport Clubhouse), & Julian (Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse). Charles was selected as the WBGC Junior Youth of the Year and will continue to the State of Connecticut competition. WBGC thanks its community leaders and staff members who served as judges for the competition. This year’s judges include Marjorie Coble (Bridgeport Public Schools), Jason Cohen (Northeast LLC), Xiomara Coleman (WBGC Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse Unit Executive Director), Joe DeSabella (McGivney Community Center), Greg Dickinson (WBGC COO), Joel Espada (Fairfield University), Jarrad McCown (WBGC Madison Ave Clubhouse Sr. Program Director), Reyanne Neal (WBGC McKinley Elementary School Site Director), Kelly Raskauskas (WBGC Board Member/Webster Bank), Najie Sumra (Allstate Insurance), and Libby McKinney Tritschler (Bedford Family Fund). Patten and the Youth of the Year finalists will be honored at the 2026 Hand in Hand Ceremony on Tuesday, April 21st at the WBGC Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse (595 Madison Avenue). The event also highlights the contributions of other youth and community members. Advance registration is requested.

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!

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.