WBGC Announces New Appointments To Its Board of Trustees

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.

2026 GREAT FUTURES Golf Tournament

June 9, 2026
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.

WBGC Teens Advocate For Youth Gambling Education

May 21, 2026
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.

Hand in Hand 2026 Celebrates Club Youth and Community

April 23, 2026
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.

Congratulations to our 2026 WBGC Youth of the Year!

March 31, 2026
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.

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!
More Posts