By Becky Mazzanobile
For 95 years, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has been an integral part of the community, offering quality, achievement-driven programming encompassing academics, mental wellness, fitness, leadership and civics. Today, the Club is one of Westchester County’s largest nonprofits and a leader in youth development, serving over 10,000 youths annually at 12 school sites and two clubhouses.
Now, two key Club programs that authentically influence lives and help ensure great futures – after-school and summer programs that support 450 deserving children – are at risk.
Powerful advocacy via immediate action that takes only seconds can help protect the funding for these programs.
The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle receives $911,000 annually through a federally funded 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant. These funds underwrite free, high-quality afterschool and summer programming to participating students at New Rochelle High School, Isaac E. Young Middle School and Albert Leonard Middle School.
These programs go far beyond just a safe place to go after school. They are enriching experiences that help students grow academically, socially and emotionally, become good members of the community and lead healthy, productive lives while effectively bridging the gap between school and home. Students can explore their interests and build skills through programs that include:
- Cooking classes that teach nutrition and culinary skills.
- Workforce readiness and virtual reality training to prepare for careers.
- A podcast club that fosters creativity and media production.
- Homework help and academic tutoring to support school success.
- College tours to inspire and inform post-secondary plans.
- A hands-on NASA program focusing on science, technology, engineering and math projects that spark curiosity and strategic, explorative thinking.
- Video game production classes for aspiring digital creators.
- A chess club that sharpens strategy and critical thinking.
The collective voice of our community can make a difference for these youths – and it takes only a few seconds to do so. To support their life-changing opportunities, please send a message to congressional representatives at this link: https://bgca.quorum.us/campaign/21stCCLC/. Together, we can ensure that every student continues to have access to the safe, supportive and inspiring programs they deserve. To learn more, please email bmazzanobile@bgcnr.org.
Becky Mazzanobile is Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. Learn more at BGCNR.org.