CEO Sabrina Smeltz's journey to Wakeman Boys & Girls Club was shaped by her lifelong dedication to youth development. "I grew up at the YMCA—preschool, swim lessons, swim team, and then ultimately my first job in high school as a swim instructor and lifeguard," Smeltz shares. Those early experiences led Sabrina to pursue a degree in Physical Education at Springfield College. "College helped me realize my calling—a passion for serving youth through coaching, teaching, and giving back to the community." Her career spanned roles at private high schools and multiple YMCA branches before transitioning to Wakeman Boys & Girls Club as COO. She was later named the organization's first female CEO, a milestone she calls breaking into the original "boys' club." In October 2023, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club opened its state-of-the-art 45,000-square-foot Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse. "Unlike other Boys & Girls Clubs, this location is home to not one, but three non-profits working in collaboration," Smeltz explains. The facility includes a gym, early learning center, café, commercial kitchen, youth and teen lounges, STEAM classrooms, learning centers, a performing arts theater, and administrative offices for WBGC and community partners Southwest Community Health Center and Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders.
Additionally, Southwest Community Health Center will open a 10,000-square-foot medical center in 2025, offering family medical services, behavioral health care, and dental services. Wakeman Boys & Girls Club provides a safe space where youth can learn, grow, and thrive. Sabrina and her team embody the passion and dedication needed to tackle the multifaceted challenges that today's youth encounter.
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club is dedicated to being "FUTURE READY," ensuring they remain strong, trusted, and relevant. Delivering high-quality programs and intentional learning experiences, Smeltz emphasizes that it not only measures outcomes but also provides safe and innovative services for children ages 3-18. Wakeman Boys & Girls Club's commitment centers around four key pillars that help youth reach their full potential.
- Academic Success: Educational support is a top priority at Wakeman Boys & Girls Club. The DeLuca Early Learning Center prepares preschoolers for kindergarten, while the ASML STEM lab and after-school programs provide academic reinforcement for older students. The educational programs are designed to ensure that all Club members graduate high school on time and are ready for a post-secondary education and a 21st-century career. The Arts programs foster creativity in young people and give them outlets for self-expression.
- Health & Wellbeing: Physical activity and wellness are integral to Wakeman's mission. These programs focus on physical fitness, healthy lifestyles and a positive use of leisure time. The Wakeman Boys & Girls Club Cowboys Youth Tackle Football Program provides structured athletic opportunities while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and perseverance. "This comprehensive program includes meals and tutoring sessions to ensure the youth are investing in themselves beyond athletics," says Smeltz. Additional offerings such as yoga, volleyball, basketball, and rugby provide varied fitness options.
- Character & Leadership: Wakeman Boys & Girls Club fosters leadership through programs like Youth of the Year, which recognizes outstanding young members. These youth have invested in their futures, and Wakeman Boys & Girls Club will continue supporting and ensuring they are set up for success. "We strive to build character and leadership so that our youth can positively impact their community," Smeltz states.
- Workforce Readiness: Wakeman Boys & Girls Club equips teens with skills to succeed in the workforce through job training, career development programs, and financial literacy courses. The Fire Cadet program, in partnership with the Bridgeport Fire Department, offers hands-on firefighter training. The Webster Finance Lab provides financial education on topics like budgeting and credit. "Our programs help teens build professional and interpersonal skills to meet workforce challenges at no cost to participants."
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club evaluates program effectiveness through enrollment numbers, membership renewals, event participation, and community feedback to ensure they align with the communities' needs. "What I consider most valuable is hearing from families directly about how Wakeman Boys & Girls Club had a lasting impact on their youth, Smeltz says, that because of an experience they had at WBGC, they went on to pursue a career in STEAM, or to become a firefighter, or to attend a four-year college." She highlights the Cowboys Tackle Football program as an example of a recent noteworthy accomplishment—85 players participated in the 2024–25 season, with 15 earning acceptance to private schools. Team members attended weekday study halls and served 4080 dinners, creating a true sense of teamwork and community. The club's girls' volleyball program is another point of pride. "As a former volleyball player and coach, it's awesome to see our volleyball clinics filled with young women and outstanding coaches," she shares.
Through education, leadership, wellness and career readiness, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club continues to impact lives, preparing young people to become future leaders, innovators and problem-solvers who will shape the future of our world. Under the leadership of Sabrina Smeltz, the organization continues to evolve while staying true to its mission of providing a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for young people. "Every morning, I wake up feeling incredibly grateful to lead Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, she says. While we focus on our impact on youth, what truly makes our organization powerful is the dedication of our staff and volunteers. Their hard work and commitment ensure that every child we serve receives the support they need to thrive.”
Madison Avenue Community Clubhouse
595 Madison Ave
Bridgeport CT 06604
(203) 908-3381
Southport Clubhouse
385 Center St
Southport, CT 06890
(203) 259-4805
wakemanclub.org
What I consider most valuable is hearing from families directly
We strive to build character and leadership so that our youth can positively impact their community.