For nearly four decades, Ridgefield A Better Chance (RABC) has been transforming the lives of young people of color by providing access to an education they might not otherwise receive.
The national nonprofit, A Better Chance (ABC), was founded in 1963. In 1985, a group of Ridgefield High School (RHS) students proposed bringing the program to Ridgefield. With the dedicated support of RHS teacher Bob Cox and the unwavering help of numerous community members, a house was purchased in town, and RABC welcomed its first scholars in 1987.
One of RABC’s original founders, Philip Lodewick, explains, “Our goal was to provide educational access for a gifted segment of our population and watch them pass through doors only dreamed of before.”
Since then, 66 scholars have graduated from the program. Many have gone on to prestigious universities and successful careers. Ridgefield’s program operates as part of ABC’s Community Schools Program but receives no national funding. As RABC enters another academic year, it is seeking support from the Ridgefield community to sustain its profound impact.
Last summer, the organization took an exciting step when they hired Sarah Streif as Executive Director. Prior to that, RABC was run entirely by volunteers. Their Board of Directors currently has 22 members.
“RABC operates as a private nonprofit,” Streif explains. “We collaborate with National ABC on scholar placement, but we fundraise 100% of our budget. We are truly a grassroots-funded organization.”
During the school year, the RABC house is home to eight scholars—two per grade—and is staffed by two directors who live on-site. The Resident Director serves as a “house mom,” overseeing daily schedules, communicating with parents, and ensuring scholars are supported in their extracurricular activities and overall well-being. The Academic Director helps scholars stay on track at school and runs nightly study halls.
The program also employs a cook, ensuring scholars share dinner together each night, and a driver who transports them to and from extracurricular activities. Each scholar is paired with a host family that welcomes them one weekend and one Sunday per month, providing a home-away-from-home experience. Additionally, an academic advisor offers personalized guidance throughout each scholar’s four years in Ridgefield.
Since RABC relies entirely on donations to fund housing, meals, academic resources, and extracurricular activities, the program is in need of financial support. With a new school year approaching, RABC is also seeking volunteers—including two new host families, academic advisors, and board members.
“I believe RABC has passed the test of time and become a true treasure for the Town of Ridgefield,” Lodewick tells us. “I hope that we have become more understanding of the fact that rich diversity, so integrally a part of the fabric of our country, inherently makes each of us better.”
Lashawnna Mullins, who is now a senior at Boston College, says, “What I remember about my time in Ridgefield is the family, support, love, and confidence that I gained. Not only did I leave with a full ride to a top university and career-building skills, I also left with lasting friendships and sisterhood, a network of board members who truly care, a lifelong academic advisor, and a host family that treats me like one of their own children.”
Fairfield County Bank, Synchrony Bank, and the Ridgefield Thrift Shop have been steadfast RABC supporters. Along with their Spring in Bloom Gala, RABC will host its first town-wide raffle beginning May 9, featuring generous prizes from Ridgefield Bicycle Company, Desires by Mikolay, and Ridgefield Parks & Rec. The second annual pickleball tournament will take place at Silver Spring Country Club in September.
Visit ridgefieldabc.org to donate, purchase raffle tickets, and get involved!