Partnerships
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club’s Leadership, Resource Development Team and Professional Program Staff have a strong relationship with the Fairfield Health Department, Center for Family Justice, Fairfield Social Services Department, Fairfield Police & Department, Sacred Heart University Psychology Department, Town of Fairfield First Selectwoman’s Office, Fairfield’s Office of Community and Economic Development, and CT Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs as well as local senators and representatives of the Connecticut General Assembly. The Club also maintains a long-standing relationship with the Kiwanis Club of Fairfield. Collaborating partners include McKinley School, McKinley PTA, The Fairfield Kiwanis Club, Scholar Athletes Serving Others (SASO), Fairfield Cares Coalition (Drug & Alcohol Prevention & Education), Fairfield Preparatory High School and Fairfield Public Schools Superintendent’s Office.
Policy on Partnerships
WBGC does not have any paid contractual partnerships serving the CCLC program at McKinley School.
For established partnerships we will evaluate partnerships once a year pertaining to relevance, impact and goals and alignment with BGCA philosophy.
WBGC considers new partnerships that will forward our philosophy and goals by actively seeking and carefully considering when approached.
Accessibility Under ADA Policy
Under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) policy, all classrooms must be wheelchair accessible. This includes installation of an elevator in two-story school buildings. Additionally, ramps and handicapped parking are required for facilitating easy access to school buildings. Bathrooms must have wheelchair accessible toilets and a lowered sink. In lunchrooms, there must be wheelchair accessible tables. On playgrounds, many schools offer specialized equipment so that wheelchair bound children can use the playground and enjoy their recess freely.
Advisory Committee
Our priority for creating and implementing an advisory board is to always put the needs of the students first, collaborating with school faculty, parents, Wakeman BGC staff and school administration. Meetings will be held the first of every month or the last week of every month. The advisory committee will consist of a school staff, parent, Wakeman BGC staff, WBGC program director and the social worker from the school as well as an individual from the school administration i.e. vice principal or principal. It is not necessary, however, encouraged to have a parent be present for the meetings and on the advisory board to give a perspective on child interaction with the enrichment and success of the program.
Program Sustainability
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club’s Program at McKinley is funded through various funding sources, including private donations and program fees. Current or recent grants funding the program include:
- 21st Century Community Learning Center funding
- Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention
- Mystic Aquarium STEM Mentoring
- Community Development Block Grant
- ESSER
WBGC continuously seeks opportunities and partnerships to increase funding for current programs, enhancements, new programming, and replace limited period funding. WBGC’s Resource Development Office and Operations Team work together to identify and cultivate funding partners in its monthly Resource Development Meetings and ongoing conversations with potential funders. WBGC also consults with Fairfield Public Schools for potential funding opportunities. Potential funders are invited to reach out to Margaret@wakemanclub.org.
