02/11/2026
A Historic Day for Boys & Girls Clubs & a Proud Moment for Our Club Family!
Today at the State Capitol, Connecticut legislators introduced legislation officially recognizing Connecticut as the birthplace of the Boys & Girls Clubs movement in America, and we couldn’t be prouder!
What began in Hartford in 1860 as a simple act of kindness — opening doors to children who needed a safe place, guidance, and care — grew into the very first organized Boys Club, known as the Dashaway Club. That idea spread across Connecticut and eventually across the entire country.
That history feels especially meaningful for us this year, as we proudly celebrate 90 years of serving the Ridgefield community. Nine decades of showing up for kids, families, and great futures. (More to come on this!)
And just weeks ago, we opened the doors of our Danbury Clubhouse, welcoming nearly 200 kids and teens into our Club family already - extending that same promise of opportunity, belonging, and care to even more youth.
More than 165 years later, the belief that launched this movement remains just as strong: when communities step up for young people, young people step up for their communities.
From the first Club kids in Hartford to generations of members in Ridgefield to new kids and teens walking through our doors in Danbury daily — this legacy is alive and growing.
And the best is yet to come.
Connecticut Needs Club Kids.
Ridgefield Needs Club Kids.
Danbury Needs Club Kids.
💙
