Sam Gordon

BGCS empowers youth by providing an environment to develop productive, caring and responsible citizens. The Boys & Girls Club of Stamford is a dedicated youth facility that is open daily, is managed by a professional staff, and available and affordable to all youth. We have provided after school activities and youth development services to the youth of Stamford, Connecticut since 1927. This defines our essence. An increasing number of school age children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Boys and girls in our community are often left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. These young people need to know that someone cares about them. The Club offers this and more. We serve more than 1,600 children, ages 6-18, offering programs and services that promote and enhance their development. We inspire confidence, a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence in this Positive Place for Kids. Our mission is to enable all children to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. We strive to achieve our mission by the offering of facilities, programs and support systems that assist young people in their academic, social, athletic and cultural pursuits. Our formula for impact focuses on children's academic success, good character, citizenship and healthy lifestyles. BGCS is available to all youth, grades kindergarten through 12th Grade. Approximately 1,600 youth participate in our programs each year. BGCS is located in census track 214 on Stamford’s West side, where over 70% of the community is categorized as low income. With over 45% of our youth coming from single parent households, many of these young people have no adult supervision at home and spend each day at the Club until parents return from work. 42% of our youth are African American, 50% Hispanic, 4% Caucasian, 2% multi-racial and 2% from other races. Approximately 58% of the members are male and 42% are female.