About 70% of the project’s funds have already been raised, Flynn added, but he hopes the club can reach their fundraising goal with the help of community donors before a shovel is driven into the ground.

Project specifications

The press conference took place Thursday on the BGCR asphalt where the 11,000 square foot extension will eventually be built. It will house a teenage center dedicated to high school students, a college lounge, a tech café and an auxiliary gymnasium. Since about half of the club’s 3,000 members are students in grades six to twelve, the project is largely aimed at them.

The club plans to expand its resources with new “laser-focused” programming on adolescent mental health, suicide prevention, gun prevention and substance abuse prevention, Flynn said. They also plan to hire a certified counselor to provide social services to members and their families if needed.

With the new space, administrators can reuse the existing clubhouse for programs, educational activities and advisory services and thus hire more members.

“We need to do more for these kids and improve on what we’re already doing well,” Flynn said. “Fairness is an intentional priority for the club. … No child is denied here, and this must continue.

A case for more space

Flynn said operating during the pandemic underscored BGCR’s need for additional space as more families depended on its services. In 2020, the club continued to support working parents, especially during distance learning days, and this summer it had on average the same number of campers as before COVID.

“The club were really challenged during the pandemic, but that was probably the time when they shone the most,” said campaign general chair Christine Carnicelli. “Thanks to the creativity of the teachers and leaders here, they … have continued to run programs in every way possible to keep children engaged and supported.”

First Selectman Rudy Marconi grew up on the club’s street and considers it his second home. It supports its expansion not only for the children of Ridgefield, but also for the children of the surrounding communities.

“The Boys & Girls Club can fill a lot of the voids children feel – their philosophy of embracing everyone goes a long way toward (their) development,” he said. “They need the extra space … to provide the level of care and social education they specialize in and do a great job there.” The more square footage they have, the more welcome people can feel. “

Hartford Aid

In addition to community contributions, the club is seeking help from Hartford in achieving its fundraising goal. Earlier this year, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) and Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo (D-Ridgefield) wrote a letter to the State Bonds Commission asking for $ 2.5 million for the project.

“The money has been cleared, the legislature has given its approval, now the governor actually has to sign the check,” Haskell explained. “The staff and … the students have questioned why the Bond Commission should go ahead with this clearance, and we hope that will be explored in the future.”

In June, Governor Ned Lamont toured the facility with other state dignitaries to get a feel for the space and see firsthand the club’s impact on the community. Flynn hopes the application will be approved by the end of the year so that construction can finally begin.

“The construction committee is still trying to figure out a timeline that would not impact or hinder the operation, but for now, we are looking at 2022,” he said. “We’ll be reaching out to the people we need to connect with over the next few months, but if anyone can help us… in our mission, we want to speak to them ASAP.

For more information on the “Growth Campaign” or to donate, email Flynn at [email protected]

[email protected]