The Ridgefield Boys & Girls Club has successfully diverted a significant cut that came when Gov. Dannel Malloy tried to get the state’s $20-billion budget under control earlier this year.
The state’s Neighborhood Youth Center Grant, which has shared about $1 million a year with 17 boys and girls clubs in the state including Ridgefield, has been restored, said Don Maleto, executive director of the CT Alliance of Boys & girls Clubs.
Maleto said an online petition drive in March resulted in an outpouring of testimonials, phone calls and emails from Ridgefield Club families and was by far the most impactful response across the state.
“Our voices were heard and our champions came through this legislative session,” Maleto said.
Mike Flynn, executive director of the local club, thanked the community for its support during the budget crunch.
“You were not only champions for the youth here in Ridgefield, but for the thousands and thousands of youth across Connecticut who depend on Boys & Girls Clubs,” Flynn said in a statement.
Specifically, the funding supports four cornerstone programs of the club: The Keystone Club, for high school leadership and character development; The Torch Club, for middle school children in leadership and character development; the Power Hour, an incentivized homework program; and Smart Moves, a health and lifestyle program for young children.
The governor’s cut would have meant a $40,000 bite from the club’s $1.2-million budget.
The Ridgefield Boys & Girls Club has about 1,300 registered members, and serves more than 3,500 kids in town. It collaborates with different schools and youth sports, such as the Ridgefield Basketball Association.
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