The Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield (BGCR) is thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of its newest location, The Danbury Clubhouse, at 12 Boughton Street, right off Main Street in the heart of downtown Danbury. Expected to open in January 2026, this significant expansion marks a pivotal milestone in BGCR’s mission to ensure every young person has a safe place to learn, grow, and thrive.
This expansion is the result of deep collaboration with local leaders, community partners, and stakeholders committed to creating more opportunities for youth. BGCR has partnered with Connecticut Institute for Communities (CIFC) to manage the current Danbury Community Center, located at 12 Boughton Street.
"CIFC has been a true partner and leader in making this vision a reality,” said Michael Flynn, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield. “Their leadership and expertise have been instrumental in creating this new opportunity for youth and families in Danbury.”
Flynn went on to say “We are also grateful to Mayor Alves’ for his supportive welcome. We look forward to continuing to build on our partnership with the City of Danbury and forging strong relationships with other community leaders, youth-serving organizations, and, of course, Danbury Public Schools. We are excited to deepen our connection within the Danbury community.”
“CIFC could not have found a better partner for the operation of the Danbury Community Center than the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield,” said Katie Curran, CIFC President & CEO. “We are thrilled at the forthcoming opening of the Danbury Clubhouse because we know that its opening will fulfill CIFC’s original vision for the space, which is a place where children will learn, play, and grow as individuals outside of school. Having such a space is essential to building a strong, healthy community.”
In alignment with BGCR’s motto, “When school is out, the Club is in,” the Danbury Clubhouse will operate after school and on school vacation days for youth in grades 1 through 12. The Danbury Clubhouse will offer high-quality programming across its five core areas of youth development, designed to build character, support academic success, promote healthy lifestyles, and prepare the next generation of leaders. Future plans include introducing meal services to ensure all youth have access to healthy food while expanding community support initiatives such as mentoring programs, family engagement activities, and access to vital social services—creating a welcoming hub where youth and families can access essential resources, enrichment opportunities, and a strong network of care.
This newly reimagined space is backed by the Ridgefield Club’s award-winning leadership and a proven track record of excellence. Nationally recognized as one of the most accomplished Clubs in the country, the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield has received numerous BGCA National Program Awards, including Best Overall Program, Character & Leadership, The Arts, Health & Life Skills, and Education. This legacy of impact and commitment to excellence will now extend to Danbury.
Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves’ echoed this excitement: “The Danbury Clubhouse will fill a long-needed void in our community, giving our kids and young adults the space to gain critical life skills, academic support, and engagement. We are excited for the Boys & Girls Club to gain a footprint here in Danbury and give our kids and families the opportunities they deserve. CIFC is a strong partner and I am certain the Boys & Girls Club will be as well. We all share an aligned vision for the betterment and health of our kids and our community.”
“As someone who was born and raised in Danbury, this Clubhouse is deeply personal to me,” added Kristin Goncalves, Associate Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield. “Bringing the life-changing opportunities of the Club to Danbury has been a shared dream for our leadership team for many years. We’re so proud to see it coming to life and can’t wait to open our doors to the kids and families of this incredible city.”
Curran echoed this sentiment: “The real winners in this partnership are the children and families of Danbury, who will be gaining an invaluable resource in the Danbury Clubhouse, which is premised on the outstanding success and track record of the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield.”
“The Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield is a model Club in our national movement,” says Sam Gray, Northeast Regional Vice President, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Their expansion into Danbury represents not just a new building, but a new opportunity for impact—and we’re excited to see this respected team bring the same level of excellence to more young people in Connecticut. This opportunity aligns with Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s long-standing goal to establish a presence in Danbury, a city where our programs and services are greatly needed”.
Leading up to the opening, the Boys & Girls Club will host open houses for Danbury families at the Danbury Clubhouse to share information and gather input from families, educators, and local residents. Details on a ribbon cutting and open houses will be announced soon.
Initial funding and ongoing support are critical to the success of the Danbury Clubhouse. For more information on how to get involved or support this exciting new chapter, please reach out to Michael Flynn at mflynn@bgcridgefield.org or call 203-438-8822 ext 9. Together, we can make sure every child in Danbury has a place to belong, to be inspired, and to become their best selves.